1:35 Set of barrels for US M16A1 or M231 5,56mm gun barrels x 6 pcs.

Set of barrels for the 5.56 mm M16A1 or M231, 6 pieces, 1:35 – Aber

This turned metal set from the Polish maker Aber in 1:35 scale holds six barrels for the American 5.56 mm weapons of the M16A1 or M231 type. The metal barrels replace the thick, soft plastic parts on figures or at the firing ports of infantry fighting vehicles, where a plastic imitation looks unconvincing. The set is an accessory, not a kit.

The real subject

The M16A1 rifle was the standard American 5.56 mm assault rifle from the 1960s and it became a symbol of the conflicts of its day. The M231 weapon is derived from it and is meant for firing from the ports of armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles, where it has neither a stock nor sights in the usual form. Both weapons turn up in modeling in the hands of figures as well as in the sides of vehicles, and in both cases a slender metal barrel in 1:35 scale is noticeably more faithful than a plastic casting.

Building and painting tips

The turned barrel is fitted in place of the plastic part, which usually has to be cut off, and the hole in the mantlet or shield carefully opened out with a round file. It is glued with cyanoacrylate glue or two-part epoxy, and on heavier parts it is worth reinforcing the joint. Degrease the metal with alcohol before painting and apply a primer, otherwise the paint holds badly. We recommend blackening the muzzle and knocking back the inside to a matte finish; the outer surface takes light drybrushing with a metallic pigment and some wear at the muzzle.

Who the set is for

• Modelers building American figures in 1:35 scale
• Builders of infantry fighting vehicles with firing ports
• Diorama builders who want faithful small arms detail
• Advanced modelers working with small metal accessories

This is a detail set, not a model of the vehicle. The base kit, glue, paints and other accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.