If you’ve seen some of my previous build articles you know I’m a fan of the micro M16 concept as conjured up by Recoil Magazine with their N23 PDW that never was article. I built what I called an N23A1 in .300 Blackout, a Micro M16A2, and more recently a N23 Heavy in .400 Legend. The DPMS Kitty Kat is more or less a factory version of the concept that actually dates back to the late 90’s and is available again in a superior braced version.
Other than that, though, if you want one’ you were on your own building it. Well B. King’s Firearms just announced another option in the form of an M16A2-based complete PDW upper with full SBR and pistol versions to come.
The M16A2-QT
The Retro M16A2-QT is basically an N23 complete upper done in M16A2 style. It features a BKF M16A2 assembled upper receiver paired with a BKF AR-15 7.5″ 5.56 pistol barrel. The barrel has a a 1:7 twist rate, a BKF pistol-length gas tube, and an A2 flash hider. It includes classic A2 components such as the forward assist and A2 rear sight assembly. The setup is finished with a BKF pistol-length round two-piece handguard without a heat shield, resulting in a compact, functional upper suited for a pistol-length AR platform.
The A2 upper is machined from durable 7075-T6 aluminum and features M4 feed ramps for improved feeding reliability. It is finished in a black anodized coating for corrosion resistance and long-term durability, uses standard .250 takedown pin holes for broad compatibility, and is proudly made in the USA.
It has an MSRP listed as $674.99 with a current priced marked down to $538.37. No price is listed for complete SBR’s and pistols.
Build or Buy?
Even though I already built my own Micro M16A2 I might still want to check out one of the B. King’s uppers, or their complete guns when they’re available. If you have a lower laying around, just being able to get the upper is a great option. It’s also nice to just take a complete, finished gun out of the box and head to the range.
For now you’ll need your own lower or one of B. King’s to finish off your own Micro Retro M16A2, but if you want the complete gun, keep an eye on B. King’s website and sign up for their emails. I’ve used a lot of BKF parts in recent years, but haven’t gotten a complete gun from them yet. That may have to be on my list for 2026. Even if I decide my existing Micro M16A2 is just fine, they have a sweet XM4 that I’ve been eyeballing for while that I probably need.