Colt AR 15-A2 Gov't Carbine Ammo question

[ShaveTail]

I just purchased my first AR, a Colt AR-15 A2 Gov't Carbine manufactured in 1996 (according to Colt). I'm still a little nervous about the .223/5.56 issue. The barrel is marked 5.56 Nato 1/7, has the the double feed ramps. All the parts are C marked. Would I be okay shooting XM855 LC1AC1 Lake City Green Tip? I found some for a pretty good price, but the green tip stuff has mixed reviews and I'm still not sure about shooting 5.56 at all.

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[Col. Colt]

All of the Colt built ARs are chambered properly and intended for military 5.56MM ammunition, and yours has the preferred 1/7 Twist for this ammo. You can safely use both 5.56MM Military and civilian .223 ammo in all Colts - they don't do a .223 chamber, and Colt builds the very best production AR. The 5.56MM NATO chamber is slightly more generous than the .223, and thus you are good to go safely with both ammo types. The twist rate of the hard chromed Colt barrel is also current, standard US Military - and usually works best with the heavier bullets like the 62 grain, although yours may shoot the M193/55gr just fine, as my Government Carbine does. Green tip is "penetrator" (NOT Armor Piercing - that is different) and not designed as Match accurate ammo, but should shoot just fine. To test for very best accuracy, try a 69gr Match Loading with the Sierra Matchking bullet, or something like the Black Hills 77gr.

I find the Government Carbine, with it's modern twist and NATO Milspec chambering, combined with it's very lightweight "pencil barrel" to be the ideal AR - a light, handy carbine. Mine has the folding stock, and came to me equipped with the wonderful Trijicon Reflex sight with the 12MOA amber Triangle, on Trijicon's drop mount that puts it coaxial with the iron sights over the forend. No need for a flat top reciever with this setup, and no batteries or switches! Use the amber triangle for up close, use the tip of the triangle at long range - works great!

Run the gun wet with lube (disassemble, clean and inspect before first firing, new or used) I prefer Mpro7 LPX (or older Mpro7 CLP) lube, particularly the bolt group. Get a cleaning rod guide that fits in the upper reciever to protect the barrel and a coated rod, like a Dewey, is a good idea. Enjoy, you have a very special gun there. CC

[ShaveTail]

Thanks very much Col. Colt, I think I'll order some of that ammo. Mine is in stock configuration, but I like the retro look of the carry handle anyway. I've shied away from buying one before mostly because I wasn't sure I could spot/remember all of the specs that separate good and bad ARs, but I figured it would be hard to go wrong with a Colt. That and the LEO markings match nicely with my DPD Glock.

[imarangemaster]

Black Hills 77 grain OTBT is the Military "Mark 262 Mod1" used by AMTU rifle team for accuracy and Special Ops forces in Afghanistan. It was developed as a heavier round for M249 SAW, but is superb in a 1/7" twist AR, even 14.5 inch M4s. I shot some, and it is match accurate.

[LeagleEagle]

I had my 6520 cut to 14.7" and permanently attached the flash suppressor.

[ShaveTail]

Looks pretty sweet! You attached the suppressor permanently to stay out of the SBR category, correct? I didn't know it for sure when I bought it, but I think it's neat that mine was probably issued to a police department somewhere since it was made in 96. There are some scuffs in the park on the barrel; tactical light, do you think?

[imarangemaster]

Very COOL!

[LeagleEagle]

Looks pretty sweet! You attached the suppressor permanently to stay out of the SBR category, correct? I didn't know it for sure when I bought it, but I think it's neat that mine was probably issued to a police department somewhere since it was made in 96. There are some scuffs in the park on the barrel; tactical light, do you think?

Right, 14.7" is enough to permanently attach the regular A2 FH and bring it up to 16". With a 14.5" barrel you need to use and extended FH. I also put the older style CAR handguards and fiberlite buttstock on it.

[ShaveTail]

Odd question: I notice that you (and most others that I've seen photos of) have removed the rear sling swivel and use the inlet hole in the stock itself. Is that just to avoid the rattle? I stuck a surplus M14 sling on mine. Just curious.

Oh--and I received the ammo a few days ago!

[ParaRic2504]

I find the Government Carbine, with it's modern twist and NATO Milspec chambering, combined with it's very lightweight "pencil barrel" to be the ideal AR - a light, handy carbine. CC

I have wanted a Colt with the thin barrel for some time. The TALO Colt 6720-R came to my attention and so along the lines of what Col. Colt said above, I decided to get it.

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