The Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 Dissipator is a new entry to the Vietnam-era Dissipator retro/homage market. Chambered in 5.56mm, it’s a modern take on the “Dissy” (later Model 605) from the days of MACV-SOG and Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay.

Anderson Manufacturing AM 15: Dissipator Model

The Anderson Manufacturing AM 15 has a rifle gas system on a 16-inch barrel, which typically leads to a smooth recoil impulse. It also provides a long sight radius in a (comparatively) short weapon. Anderson says the AM-15 answers the “What if the original chopped M16 made it to the M16A4 stage?” question.

The Anderson Manufacturing “Dissipator” rifle is a call back to early chopped M16 rifles of the Vietnam era. Dissipators were retroactively labeled “Colt 605” and have seen a resurgence in popularity with the “clone rifle” movement.

You may not be one of those who’ve asked such a question, but fans of retro rifles (particularly those who build clone rifles) certainly have.

An original Colt 605 Dissipator (left, suppressed so he can STFU), courtesy of the 35th Infantry Regiment Association (David Arness, E Co. 2/35th). www.cacti35th(dot)org. Elements of the 35th Infantry were in the Vietnam AOR from 1965 until 1972, including operations in Cambodia in 1970.

It’s not a completely clone-correct rifle, obviously. It has a Magpul flip-up rear sight, for instance, itself on a flat-top upper receiver with 1913 Picatinny rail, and it ships with a 30-round magazine. Aesthetically it channels the early CAR-15 and XM-177 carbine appeal – but you’ll have to find your own 20-round mags. 

Anderson AM 15 FOR SALE

Anderson AM 15 for sale: where to find one.

• Gun.Deals ($$$ compare)
• Guns.com
• Sportsman’s Warehouse

AM-15 Dissipator Features

• The modern (7075 T6 aluminum) barrel uses a 1:8 twist rate.
• The lower (also aluminum) is a multi-caliber lower receiver
• The Bolt Carrier Group (BCG) is Anderson’s M16 profile (makes sense).
• The butt stock is period correct (~ish), not collapsible.
• The fire control group is also Anderson’s and is not select-fire (if you were wondering, this isn’t an NFA homage).
• There’s an A2 flash hider up front (which isn’t particularly contemporary, but you can always change it out).

Anderson’s Dissipator has an A2 muzzle device up front, but you can always throw an old 3-prong job on there!