AR Prices

[usmc69]

I have a oppurtunitity to purchase a NIB (New Manufacture) Colt AR for $1200. Is this a good deal? Have an Olympic that I have had for several years and of course it did not cost near that much. Like the Olympic and not sure I want to spend the bucks to purchase a Colt. Just curious. Used an M16 all my career. Don't really feel any difference when I fire the Olympic. Opinions....

Information

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[limazulu]

You pay a premium for the name. Having said that, during the "ban" period a pre-ban Colt sold for $1500.00 (dealer price).

Hope this is helpful to you...

[GMtech485]

During the ban a NIB Colt AR15 depending on what model sold for over 2K.

There is a huge difference between a Colt and an Oly arms.

Mainly the Colts meet mil spec, Olys dont even come close.

They all shoot the same until they break.

That said it would be helpful to establish a value if we had more info such as the model number and vintage.

Stay away from the Colt blue labels unless they are cheap.

To give you an idea if you shop around NIB Colt 6920s can be had for around this price right now.

Seems that Colt recently decided they wanted to get more of th civillian market.

If you end up with the Colt you wont be dissapointed, check around on some of the more combat oriented sites you'll see that nothing runs like a Colt.

There are other makers out there now that may be as good or better but not for that price.

[usmc69]

This is a LE6920. Blue box label?

All guns break, it is just a matter of when.

[GMtech485]

Ur right and the timing of when and how often they break is everything.

Not to hard to prove the difference between a Colt and an Oly.
Oly could no more get a Military contract than I could.

In fact the only one I'm aware of that they ever got produced a M14 NM barrel that was recalled and scrapped for substandard , dangerous materials.

If you dont already know go sniff around some of the AR specific sites.
You'll see what I mean.

An Oly arms AR is fine for the hobyist shooter but it is not one I would stake my life on with out allot of upgrades and that would put you over the current price of a Colt.

BTW I dont know if you've ever heard of a gentleman named Pat Roberts but he probably sees more rounds downrange from an AR15 than anyone in the world in his carbine courses each year.
He is not alone in rating the Colt as the most reliable out of the box AR15 available.

Best of luck with your research and remember nothin runs like a Colt.

[GMtech485]

I should add the current 6920s are excellent and no longer neuterd like the earlier Blue labels were. Right now they can be had in the price range you mention and are an excellent value . I would avoid the early blue labels for their lack of resale only appeal . They are still an excellent weapon.

[goo]

i'd just get it and worry whether or not it was a good deal later.
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http://farm1.static.flickr.com/107/2...1a8ae0d460.jpg

[campperrykid]

It's a buyers' market for quality AR's right now. Here's some info that might help people to find their own sweet spot -- the model that works for their needs and budget.
www.tacticalyellowvisor.net/69016/index.html

[zertouche]

Since the late 60s, Colt is just a name. The company has changed hands, many, many times, and is now ran by bean counters, much like 7-11, Mail boxes etc. ,and Toys R Us.

Do your homework. There are some very aggressive, well made mfgs who make a much better product for less.

[Seattlefungus]

+1 on what zertouche said! Look over Rock River Arms, Bushmaster, Stag Arms. I'm a dealer for all the AR companies. There is a reason that Colt has not had the Military contract. There are some serious quality control issues on their production lines. I will say they make a pretty good barrel. I do the armorer work for our local Junior Service Rifle team. There are Zero Colts. 8 Rock Rivers, 2 Armalites, 2 Bushmasters, one White Oak, one Oly (Which is a challenge as the receiver is out of spec.). Four of the shooters are National Team members, 5 are Distinguished.. My son is on the team and took a medal at Perry this year with his NM Rock River. The price on the Colt is average for new.