Smyth Busters: What Qualifies as a "Clone" Rifle?

Caleb's been out on the social media and Reddits monitoring the raging debate over "clone" rifles, specifically about what level of accuracy is required for a rifle to qualify as a clone. It's enough to drive a fellow out on a ledge..... Fortunately, Steve is here to talk Caleb down! "Cloning" a rifle is building a copy that looks like a particular original, typically a historic military rifle, though there's no reason why you can't clone hunting rifles. The clone uses replica or even original parts (if they're still available), but it MUST be in compliance with all applicable laws and legal for the builder/cloner to own. Most cloners want an authentic-looking copy they can take to the range and enjoy shooting.

Some cloners are very strict and insist that if the clone is built in any form not identical to the way the original left the factory, it's not a genuine clone. This authenticity strictness seems more common with clones of older rifles like the M16A1, than with modern rifles that are commonly modified by individual users.

How far can you carry authenticity? The Brownells Retro Rifle® BRN-16® semi-auto clone of the 1960s M16 rifle was available with modern 1-7" rifling or the slower, authentic 1-12" twist of the original rifles. The 1-7" rifle is less authentic, but it shoots a lot better with modern ammo! The BRN-16 also has molded polymer replica furniture instead of the original's fiberglass. The military originals were capable of full-auto fire, while all BRN-series rifles are semi-auto.

Caleb's view is that a good clone should look like a rifle actually carried by a real soldier in theater, rather than the way it came out of the packing case from the manufacturer. He shows us a photo of an M4 carbine clone that sure seems a little overdone. Was it built by an armchair commando, a keyboard warrior, somebody who never deployed farther than their living room? No! Caleb shares the story behind this gun with us. (Hint: it's not really a clone.)

You can walk into a military arms storeroom and see a bunch of rifles that clone authenticity sticklers would denounce as unauthentic. But can you argue about the authenticity of an actual military rifle?

So the myth is BUSTED. The hardcore clone authenticity fanatics are wrong. A knowledgeable cloner knows that the real-life originals appeared in many different variations.

NOTE: Products in this video are to be used only for lawful purposes, including hunting, self-defense, and competitive or recreational shooting. If you purchase any of them, you are responsible for understanding and complying with all federal, state, and local laws that apply to the purchase, possession, and use of these products.