ar-15 colt sportster

[kls]

hello all...just wondering what is a good to great price one would pay for a pre ban colt AR-15 sportster match grade w/1=7 spiral bore in very to great condition...have a chance to pick one up for $1600.00 and it looks like it has never been shot!!! Any advice or comments? thanks all!!!:) :) :)

[HOLMES]

that sounds very expensive but we(in canada) dont have pre ban/post ban so they are all the same price.

[sfc ret]

COLTs command higher prices then other manufaturer's ARs.......even the post-ban ones are more expensive. I would say that would be about the going price for one, I don't see too many COLT pre-bans that are under 1500 bucks.

just make darn sure it is a verifiable pre-ban....which if it was made prior to 94 then it most likely is, as COLT made complete weapons and not just receivers for sale.......still it wouldn't hurt to do research by calling COLT and giving them the serial number to verify it was made as a complete weapon when it left their factory.

[DavidB]

Colts saw the handwriting on the wall and went through several stages (I'll call them) of political correctness. Omitting the bayonet lug, leaving the "AR-15" off the receiver, oversize fire controll pins (to insure no M-16 parts), and receiver blocks to keep you from using an M-16 bolt. Due to this the later "Blue Label"s, even though they are pre-bans, are not as desirable. Now a "Green Label" in excellent condition for $1600 would be a bargain.

[john.nv]

I think this business about blue and green label guns would be a great topic for discussion. There were also white label guns that appeared as a transition model between the blue and green label guns. As I understand when Colt decided to change the appearance of their AR15's to the more politically correct Sporters they used up the remaining inventory of parts. I can remember when working part time in a gun store some blue label guns having the lower receiver block and some did not. The bayonet lug is another subject for debate. I believe, as do others, that some sporters left the factory with and without the lugs. My Sporter Target model has a block in the lower receiver and also the lug. A letter from the factory states my gun was mfg. in 1990 and another letter seems to support my belief. Also, in those days Colt did not sell just the lower receivers so it's a good bet all blue label guns left the factory as complete rifles. I forget, didn't the blue labels oficially begin in 1991? I am the second owner of my rifle and although I don't have the original box I believe my rifle (s/n 50xx) to be a white label gun.
Another thought. Since Colt decided to take it upon themself to change the appearance of their rifles why can't a person configure the gun anyway they want? The changes wern't required by any Federal law at the time. I've seen a copy of a BATF letter stating it's okay to remove the lower receiver block since they did not require it. Also, I called Colt about this and the person on the phone (I don't know how knowledgeable he was) said, "it's a preban, do anything you want to do to it".
It would be interesting to hear other comments on this.

John

[Rew]

It's a Colt Sporter, Spotster's are built by Harley. It has a 1-7 "twist" not spiral. ;) Not a flame, so please don't take it as such. We have severl members in Colorado that I am sure would be happy to check the rifle out for you. If it is a true pre-ban then $1600 sounds fair. I'm a little concerned with the "Match Grade" lable. I'm in the springs, if I can be of service let me know.;)
OH! and welcome to the board.:D

[lavochkin]

Mine's a pre-ban (verified) Blue Label, and I paid $650 for it just last year!:D The Blue Label Sporters are in fact pre-ban, and you can put anything on them you can put on any other pre-ban.

[DavidB]

One good thing about ARs is that you can prove pre/post ban status by the serial number. I downloaded a copy and keep it with me for those times at gunshows when someone is offering a preban for a very cheap price.

[rak1004]

I had a nib sporter that had a block and a bayo lug, so they do exist no matter what some say.....

[sumawolf]

I just picked up a mint Colt SP-1 for 1200 bucks

[AR10ER]

You can check serial numbers here:http://www.biggerhammer.net/

[sumawolf]

My serial number doesnt seem to match anything on the serial number list at Big hammer .
SP-185XXX

[Notch]

Besides the things mentioned above, what really is the difference between pre and post ban colt ARs? It sounds like most of the changes were made to thwart 'moder changin their rifle from semi to full auto. Are there changes that effect the overall performance or quality? Also, I keep hearing that Colt charges more for their rifles than bushy or the like. 6 or 7 years ago I spent 1100 or so (including all the tax) on a Colt match grade. At the recent gun shows I have been to I have seen all kinds of armalites, bushies DPMS...and more in the 8 tp 9 hundred dollar range, and they are all used. So whats up with the Colts cost too much stuff? Tell ya one thing... Armalite and Bushmaster mite be makin some fine weapons. But I will alwasy bet on the side of EXPERIANCE.