AR-15? Question 17 cal?

[ncblksmth1]

Has anyone ever heard of a 17 caliber AR made in the 1970's. I heard of several experimentals but have never seen one in person. However today I saw one. Has a 24' barrel. Triangular handguards and made by colt.

Need some help on this one.

[Major Tom]

The 17 Rem cartridge was derived from the 223 case, so, I would think only a new barrel need be installed. Muzzle velocity is about 4000 fps.
Where did you see this AR?

[ncblksmth1]

I bought it. The gent who sold it told me he got it from an ex armorer from the army. Said there were 3 made as an experiment. When they were finished he was told to destroy them so instead he "secured" them and put them in his locker. Then took them home.

It is a colt upper with correct A2 charging handle, bolt, bolt carrier & triangular handguards however the barrel is 24" long. Looks odd but cool. There are some markings scratched off on either side of the barrel in the gap under the "A" frame sight. On the bottom of the barrel under the hand guards is R F W 21 stamped and thinly etched on the top left side of the barrel.

Bob

[leftyo]

dont quote me, because my memory isnt one hundred percent for sure on this , but its been done, and i believe bill wylde or one of the other older names in AR accuracy has made some as varminters. id be willing to bet more than one or two people have done this, as there just isnt anything new under the sun! lol

[ncblksmth1]

LOL

[Litt'le Lee]

McGowen barrels will make you one

[Bill Wylde]

I made several in .17 Remington. Quite accurate, but not as quiet as I wanted.

[ncblksmth1]

Bill how were the barrels treated? Blued, parked, Bull barreled, pencil thin like original SP1's, any markings?

I would love more information.

This one is 24" long and pencil thin Like the original SP1's It has the teardrop Forward Assist with Serrations. It was stamped prior to Parkerizing also marked R F W 21 in electro-pencil. Have you ever heard of something like this?

Bob.

[ncblksmth1]

I know several companies that can build one. I however believe this to be an experimental barrel put on by either colt or some military armory. And since it does not have either the "c"-ring on the pin for the dust cover or the split ring on the flash hider I believe it was maybe a test upper.

[ncblksmth1]

I was informed that R F W stood for Rand Firearms Works, a development group who worked with either the army or colt to develop new weapons.

Anybody ever heard of them?