<< Uhh... I'll go out on a limb here...
To quote Russ, "The M16 is a fully automatic weapon which means that, unless you have the proper federal and state licensing, it is illegal to buy or sell." >>
No one suggested (in a serious tone) that he go out and buy one illegally. You just need a Class III federal firearm license, $200 to register it with the BATF, and someone who will sell you a legal one made before 1986. Its totally legal if you do it that way. Thats the way all the suggestions went. Notice that no one suggested places to pick one up illegally. Heck, there are 6 legal GE made MINIGUNS (M131's, I do believe), in full working condition. The last one sold for $133,000 to a private collector.