Colt AR, older model, how can I tell...

[Peepaw]

Hey guys, question for you. A friend of mine picked up an AR manufactured by Colt at an estate sale. I haven't seen teh AR yet, but my friend told me it does say Colt on it, and has some numbers. He also said that the gentleman who had owned the rifle (and had passed away) had bought the AR many years ago, according to the man's daughter.

My friend says it doesnt have any nicks or scratches/etc, and is in very good condition, but does appear to be "weathered" and that it looks like it has been around for some while, problay stored in some room collecting dust for a number of years.

So, guys, how can I find out what model/year this Colt AR is?

Thanks

 

[lrrs311]

Re: Colt AR, older model, how can I tell...

What does it say on the left side of the lower receiver, ask your buddy.. and see if you can get a pic of it.

 

[mtrmn]

Re: Colt AR, older model, how can I tell...

do a search on the net for maybe Colt collector's forums, websites, etc and see if you can match up the serial number. Lots of these sites have serial number charts etc. I haven't looked at very many, but the AR15 info seems to be hit or miss compared to say, 1911's or Smith & Wesson revolvers.

Here's one link, but this site hasn't been updated since Blue was a pup, and really only gives you a year manufactured.
http://www.biggerhammer.net/ar15/ar15serial.html

You should be able to find something in this manner, and AR15.com may have something in their archives.

 

[Peepaw]

Re: Colt AR, older model, how can I tell...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lrrs311</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What does it say on the left side of the lower receiver, ask your buddy.. and see if you can get a pic of it. </div></div>


OK, will do. I just sent him text. He is set to go out of town to go camping, but I dont think he is set to leave until tomorrow.

 

[Peepaw]

Re: Colt AR, older model, how can I tell...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mtrmn</div><div class="ubbcode-body">do a search on the net for maybe Colt collector's forums, websites, etc and see if you can match up the serial number. Lots of these sites have serial number charts etc. I haven't looked at very many, but the AR15 info seems to be hit or miss compared to say, 1911's or Smith & Wesson revolvers.

Here's one link, but this site hasn't been updated since Blue was a pup, and really only gives you a year manufactured.
http://www.biggerhammer.net/ar15/ar15serial.html

You should be able to find something in this manner, and AR15.com may have something in their archives. </div></div>


OK great. Thanks.


Yeah, he is at grocery story right now picking up food for camping trip. They are not leaving until tomorrow. He said when he gets home, will send me info on it.

Thanks guys...will keep you updated

 

[kraigWY]

Re: Colt AR, older model, how can I tell...

Sounds like an SP1, with the rectangle hand guard.

Those suckers, if un modified are getting pricy.

I was going to put a 1:7 barrel on mine but the guy running the outfit selling the barrels threatened me with bodily harm if I modified the rifle.

So I'll just build another upper with the 1:7 but the A1, or SP1 configeration.

 

[Peepaw]

Re: Colt AR, older model, how can I tell...

OK guys, here is info I got from him. Following that link from above, it APPEARS this is a post-ban AR made after 1998..if Im reading that info right.

Here is the info:

Colt match target compettition
Hbar cal 223 ser cch033793


Barrel has: c mp 5.56 NATO 1/9 hbar

 

[lockedandloaded]

Re: Colt AR, older model, how can I tell...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Peepaw</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OK guys, here is info I got from him. Following that link from above, it APPEARS this is a post-ban AR made after 1998..if Im reading that info right.

Here is the info:

Colt match target compettition
Hbar cal 223 ser cch033793


Barrel has: c mp 5.56 NATO 1/9 hbar </div></div>

This is a Post-Ban Match Target Series manufactured after Sept. 13, 1994

 

[mtrmn]

Re: Colt AR, older model, how can I tell...

Yes, this is a post-ban 20" rifle with a fairly heavy barrel. The barrel will not be threaded and no bayonet lug. This an excellent shooting weapon. They are especially useful for the CMP military style matches requiring standard issue-type weapons. I have one which I recently got threaded to accept my suppressor. Mine is a much lower serial number-CCH0044XX-and it is now legal to thread the bbl etc since the assault weapons ban is expired. That is, unless you live in one of those communist states. The one I have is very accurate with the right ammo. AND-it's a COLT.

 

[Peepaw]

Re: Colt AR, older model, how can I tell...

Great info, thanks guys. I know there will be a great variance dependent upon condition and all of that, but do you guys have a rough idea on value of it?
Just say very good condition, but not mint.

I know he paid $1000 for it at the estate auction.

 

[mtrmn]

Re: Colt AR, older model, how can I tell...

I gave $750 for mine (used) back in about 2002. I'd say the 1k may be a little high, but not much. That's just my opinion.

When I look at a used AR, the fact that it's a Colt in my opinion gives a lot of added value.

 

[Peepaw]

Re: Colt AR, older model, how can I tell...

See, that's what HE said (about it being a Colt). Whenhe originally told me what he paid for it, I felt he paid too much, but ONLY because it wasnt like he knew what he was REALLY buying, and wasnt buying it to "make money" or anything like that.

He simply wanted an AR so he could take to the range. I had been telling him that he could find an AR for pretty cheap (I paid under $600 for my Del-Ton, brand new).
So, i was actually kind of shocked to see him spend that kind of money on an AR he didn't know anything about. So, either he was HOPING that it was worth that, or he just said F it. Im buying it, and that's that.

Oh well, his money. Not mine.

OK, thanks.

 

[Andy T]

Re: Colt AR, older model, how can I tell...

I agree that 1000 is a bit too much for a ban era Colt. You can get a brand new Colt for not much more.
But at least he got a Colt not a Del-Ton

 

[Peepaw]

Re: Colt AR, older model, how can I tell...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Andy T</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I agree that 1000 is a bit too much for a ban era Colt. You can get a brand new Colt for not much more.
But at least he got a Colt not a Del-Ton

</div></div>


Yeah, very funny. I tell you what, I'm a guy that likes quality stuff as much as the next guy, but I also see the point in not just tossing money away either just for the sake of doing it.
When I bought my Del-Ton, I had never owned, or even shot another AR before. So, why would I want to go out and spend top dollar on something I have no clue Im going to enjoy shooting or not? No reason for it, other than to possibly piss money away. Even if I was loaded ($$$$), I still dont think I would go out and toss big money at something I wasn't familiar with just for the sake of saying "Ive got the best"

That's not me.
I normally go "budget" on first trip with something...use it, practice with it, get used to it, etc..if I like it. great. Modify it. Sell it. keep it. Buy another bigger/better one.

I did it with my first BA, with my first scope, first 1911, my first AR.
Even with my son and his baseball equipment. I didn't go out and buy him some $100 glove or $300 bat, just for him to play one season, and go "hey Dad, I dont like Baseball". Alot of good that $400 in baseball equipment got me, NOT!

So, I bought him a cheaper glove and bat, got 2 seasons out of it, he loves it, and NOW his glove and bat are more towards the top tier. but it's ONLY after I find out that I am, or he is, or my wife, daughter etc..are going to actually USE it and enjoy it before I spend good money on something.


So, in case of my friend, the fact is, he obviously spent to much on his AR to begin with, AND, knowing my friend like I do, he is NOT going to benefit from buying a "Colt".

If he gets to teh range once a YEAR I woud be surprised. So, to me, there is no reason to spend that kind of money on something that is just gonna sit in a closet collecting dust.

That's just me, and everyone is entitled to thier opinion and what they would do. I guess being on my own since I was 18 years old, and running my own business, has taught me the meaning of "stretching a dollar".

All of that being said, there is absolutely nothing wrong with my Del-Ton. It's been as reliable as I could hope for, with ZERO problems. It's accurate, and been a nice stick, and I would recommend it to anyone in market for a "budget" AR. I would tell that person to buy from Cold Hand Arms, and NOT buy directly from Del-Ton.
maybe Del-Ton has hired more personel and can now handle thier sales, but when I ordered mine, I was told week after week after week after week, it would be here next week. Finally after 8 weeks, I cancelled my order, and bought it through Cold Hand Arms and had it in my hands in a few days.

So, the only problem I had with Del-Ton was with sales, and not the actual Carbine itself.

 

[lrrs311]

Re: Colt AR, older model, how can I tell...

Yup, I actually completely remember the Colt match target line back in late 94 and on. I also agree that 1000$ is too high but aside from that it should no doubt be a good shooter..

 

[Peepaw]

Re: Colt AR, older model, how can I tell...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lrrs311</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yup, I actually completely remember the Colt match target line back in late 94 and on. I also agree that 1000$ is too high but aside from that it should no doubt be a good shooter.. </div></div>


Well, at least he got a nice AR out of it, even if he did pay too much for it. Now that I think about it, I'm not real sure why he did that, and I'll have to ask him when he gets back from his vacation.
Like I mentioned above, it's not like he goes to teh range, or shoots competitively either. And since (obviously) he didn't know what that Colt was worth, not sure why he bought it. Only thing I'm thinking is that he was at an estate auction, and maybe bidding against someone else, and the "bidding bug" bit him, IDK.



Oh well, I guess you could say he didn't get ripped off, even though he paid a bit much for it, and he can always say that he has a "Colt" now

 

[lrrs311]

Re: Colt AR, older model, how can I tell...



Well I guess he could look at things this way. If we hopefully never see another Assualt Weapons Ban again. Then he'll have himself a piece of "ban-era" history and an interesting conversation piece with that "match target". As that rifle was colts first answer to build rifles around the banned features stated in the AWB.. Anyone around that time when the ban came in, should instantly remember those rifles. With the naked non-threaded barrels, and missing bayonet lugs.. A model built during a sad 10yr period for black rifles.. Ha!

 

[mtrmn]

Re: Colt AR, older model, how can I tell...

There's not a thing wrong with this gun other than a non-threaded barrel. If he wants another configuration, he can grab another upper assembly and slap on it. I removed my barrel and had it threaded because I wanted to run my suppressor on it. I have several others but my post-ban Colt is still my favorite AR for just plain shooting- especially when I want to get accurate.

 

[Bedlam]

Re: Colt AR, older model, how can I tell...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mtrmn</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There's not a thing wrong with this gun other than a non-threaded barrel. If he wants another configuration, he can grab another upper assembly and slap on it.</div></div>

IMO there are many undesirable features on these older Colts.

Pivot pin can be nonstandard size. Pivot pin can be of a style that requires two flatblade screwdrivers to remove. Pivot pin retaining pin hole and weep hole are often not drilled, preventing conversion to standard parts. Fire control group pins can be nonstandard, preventing replacement with nonstardard parts such as improved triggers. Sear block prevents installation of many improved triggers and legal use with legal sears. End of the bolt carrier is often milled off, causing uneven wear on the buffer. Finish is a Colt dark grey, not black, so there is a noticeable color mismatch when you attach other uppers.

Not sure what commands the price premium, other than the Pony logo.

I will say that despite all this, they are very good quality rifles and great shooters. Colt's Match Target barrels in particular are great too. If you tend to keep your rifles stock, you might not notice all of the nonstandard parts and it won't cause problems.

 

[WKR]

Re: Colt AR, older model, how can I tell...

I own a 16" match target competition and it's a great shooter ( 3/4" or better @ 100 yds ) with several factory ammo and better with 60 gr vmax handloads, as far as upgrading parts, I replaced the trigger with a jewell ( large pin ) and the A2 stock with a PRS and I am very pleased with it, I bought a YHM quad rail a while back but I never installed it on it, I guess it would probably shoot better with the free floating rail but I don't mind the factory handguard so it stayed like that.