JM>>> I served in Vietnam and can assure you that the M-16 there did
 JM>>> not have "Made by Mattel" anywhere  on them.

 ml>> interesting... i wonder what the difference was between those you
 ml>> used and those i used in the early 80's?

 RY>> TWo different subcontractors?

 RY>> Colt made one, and Armalite made the other, I think, though it
 RY>> was originally designed by Eugene stoner.. I think it was the
 RY>> Armalites that were subbed to Mattel for the plastics.

 ml> ahhh, that is a likely reason...

Likely so, Indeed.

http://world.guns.ru/assault/as18-e.htm
Here's the pictures and history, if you're interested, it's good reading.

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