Bushmaster Mod. CAR-AR Vietnam War Commemorative M16 Limited Edition, 5.56 NATO, 20-Inch, AHF Gold-Accented Pre-Ban Semi-Auto Rifle
This Bushmaster Mod. CAR-AR is the American Historical Foundation's Vietnam War Commemorative M16 Limited Edition, produced in 1990 as part of a 1,500-unit run. It features 24-karat gold-plated accents, Vietnam War-themed engravings, and a high-polish black finish with a bright-polished barrel section. This pre-ban, AR-15–pattern semi-auto includes its AHF display case, paperwork set, and period literature, pairing collector-grade presentation with a distinctive commemorative configuration.
Condition
Overall Condition: Excellent condition, showing only faint signs of any prior use or handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent — Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling — Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This firearm is in great shape. There are some minor scratches and blemishes present. The bore is clean and shiny.
What’s Included
- American Historical Foundation custom wood display case with clear front, camouflage-pattern padded liner, and interior AHF plaque
- Leather two-strap sling attached; one strap segment torn/broken near a buckle
- American Historical Foundation paperwork set including Certificate of Authenticity, AHF letters, and delivery tickets
- Vietnam War Commemorative M16 Rifle — Operating Instructions booklet
- "Lest We Forget" commemorative brochure and "M16 AR-15" American Rifleman reprint
- White handling gloves (AHF-supplied)
- Spring-loaded folding M16 barrel-clamp bipod (detachable; AHF issue)
- 1x 20-round Colt AR-15 factory magazine with marked floorplate
Issued by the American Historical Foundation and marketed as "The World's First Commemorative M16," this limited edition brings a cohesive set of Vietnam War tributes. Gold-filled inscriptions include "LEST WE FORGET," with ejection-port cover panels marked "1959" and "1975," a gold-filled dragon motif, and a magwell plaque reading "VIETNAM WAR COMMEMORATIVE M-16." The rifle wears a high-polish black finish complemented by numerous 24-karat gold-plated exterior controls and a bright-polished barrel section forward of the handguard.
The rifle follows the AR-15 pattern with semi-automatic, direct impingement operation. It uses a slick-side upper receiver with no forward assist or case deflector and a fixed carry handle with an integral rear sight. A triangular front sight base with fixed post aligns over a 20-inch barrel capped by a slotted, gold-tone flash suppressor with locknut. Furniture includes a round, rifle-length composite handguard and a fixed composite stock—both in medium-gray, pebble-textured finish—with an inlaid medallion honoring Vietnam War service members, and an A1-style checkered pistol grip.
Chambered in 5.56mm NATO with a 20+1 capacity via a detachable box magazine, the rifle features a manual safety with SAFE/FIRE selector markings. The threaded muzzle and polished exterior barrel section add to the presentation-grade finish while maintaining the classic M16 profile.
This example was shipped on June 29, 1990, placing it firmly in the pre-1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban era. Provenance includes the American Historical Foundation Certificate of Authenticity and delivery documentation. The package is rounded out by the custom AHF display case, spring-loaded barrel-clamp bipod, and period literature. Note: the attached leather sling is broken at one buckle.