Robinson Armament M96 Expeditionary 16” 5.56 Semi-Auto Rifle, Stoner63
SOLD FOR: $3,275.00
LSB#: LSB250809NF007
Make: Robinson Armament Co.
Model: M96 Expeditionary Rifle
Serial Number: RA03003612
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: 5.56×45 / .223 Rem.
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Long Stroke Gas Piston Rifle, Fed By Detachable Magazines.
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number, “RA03003612” and, “ROBINSON ARMAMENT CO. SLC UT PATS PEND M96 EXPEDITIONARY RIFLE” with the Robinson logo and “F S”.
Barrel Length: 16” w/ integral muzzle device.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an elevation adjustable post set between protective wings. The rear sight is an adjustable two position aperture set between protective wings. The rear sight is removable.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has a three piece tan polymer set with a ribbed forend, pistol grip, and straight combed stock, sling bar, and ribbed buttplate. There are faint handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall this stock set rates at about Excellent condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 30rd magazine in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. The feed ramps and muzzle device are clean. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are faint handling marks throughout. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action function correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: 1 Magazine.
Our Assessment: The Robinson Armament M96 Expeditionary Rifle is one of the most unique and mechanically fascinating modern sporting rifles to reach the U.S. market—built with inspiration from the Stoner 63 modular weapon system but redesigned for modern semi-automatic use and chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO/.223 Remington. Manufactured in the early 2000s by Robinson Armament of Salt Lake City, Utah, the M96 was a limited-production rifle that offered the reliability of a long-stroke gas piston system, monolithic upper receiver construction, and modularity reminiscent of Eugene Stoner’s innovative concepts. With robust materials, solid ergonomics, and exceptional build quality, the M96 quickly earned a cult following among collectors and enthusiasts. This example features a 16” barrel with an integral muzzle device, removable rear sight, and classic tan polymer furniture that’s reminiscent of Cold War-era field rifles. The straight-comb stock, ribbed forend, and sling-ready hardware suggest a rifle designed with practical use in mind. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 9.75/10, while the parkerized finish remains 99% intact with only faint handling marks. Mechanically, the rifle functions properly and includes one 30-round magazine, making it fully range-ready. The rifle’s monolithic top design and enclosed sights give it a sleek, solid feel—one that many users found superior in rigidity and balance compared to more common AR-pattern rifles.
With Robinson Armament no longer producing the M96, and examples becoming increasingly scarce, this rifle represents not just a well-made semi-auto in a proven caliber, but also a piece of experimental American firearms design from a time when modular, piston-driven rifles were still a rarity on the U.S. commercial market. For those who admire innovative platforms or seek something truly different in their 5.56 collection, the M96 offers outstanding quality and a direct lineage to one of the most interesting weapons of the Vietnam War era. -R.E.
