Colt AR15 Rating, Need TGO AR Expert Opinions!

[runco]

To add to my A-Z gun collection (I want a little bit of everything), I purchased a used Colt AR-15 A2 R6550 Government Model with Bayonet lug over a year ago, ~$900. I would say its 95%+. I like to collect guns, and I am knowledgible about most, can shoot the BS with almost all gun PHDs, but honestly when it comes to ARs, I am a little backwoods, definitely no AR grand wizard, and can barely hold an intelligent conversation on the subject. This is where I need some TGO member help. To help me to understand how desireable my rifle may be, I have suggested some topics that I would like for you TGO AR gurus to give your top notch opinions on. Using the standard 1-10 scale approach, 1 being terrible and 10 being the best, please rate the following topics:

1. ) Colt as the Manufacturor when compared to other AR companies.

2.) Colt R6550 Model when compared to other Colts

3.) Colt R6550 Model when compared to other non Colt AR models

4.) Colt R6550 Accuracy

5.) Colt R6550 Long Term Durability

6.) Colt R6550 Re-Sell

7.) What do you recommend if I decided to buy another AR or build one (I really don't want to open this pandora's box of building, if I apply my same obsessive gun addition to building AR, I will be in serious trouble. I already qualify for AA for gun owners, you know the 12 step process). I most like to collect above average or a very respectful top brand to have, shoot and mostly to talk about!!!

8.) If you don't want to time to give me opinion on all of the above, just give me an over-all rating based upon the rifle.

Thanks in advance.

[RWF]

no idea, but people seem to willing to pay more for the name. and because of that i have even bothered to look at one. but with that said, i have seen a Colt CR on a prize table that was just awesome.

[Dolomite_supafly]

Colt used to be the gold standard but it is no longer so. They are among the best out there but far from the best especially when you consider the cost. They have had quality issues for a very long time. This is the reason why there is large pin guns. It was because the holes were drilled out of spec so to correct the problem they used a larger drill to bring them back into spec. It doesn't happen now because human hands have been replaced with electronic hands.

I am not familiar with all the different Colt models or their values so I can't comment. I will say they generally hold their value well because of the name.

Just a little general knowledge. People belive the gold standard is "milspec" but it is far from it. Milspec is the minimum standard, kind of like getting a "D" in school. It is enough to pass but far from being top of the class. It is the standard set by the government to ensure the weapons meet a minimal standard of quality and performance.

WIth that being said there are plenty of manufacturers who build guns that are not milspec that are leaps and bounds above milspec guns. Noveske for example uses a barrel that is generally accepted as among the best out there as far as accuracy and durability. But it is not a milspec barrel, the reason? It has polygon rifling and is stainless steel. All of the billet lowers you see are not milspec because milspec calls for a forged lower and most billet lowers are not. The monolithic uppers are also not milspec.

Chrome lined bores are also the milspec standard but it is far from being the best, it was the best 10-20 years ago but it is far from the best now. There are several coatings that are better, Boron Nitride as well as Melonite are both proving to be better than chrome lined. These are not milspec, at least not yet.

As far as better than Colt, there are several. Daniel Defense, Noveske, Bravo Company are just a few. For the money Bravo Company is one of the best makers out there. But with all the small AR companies popping up it is possible to have a AR that is better than Colt by one of these.

Dolomite

[Guest Blown4v]

there are plenty of other options that are of equal or greater quality and value than the colt, DD, BMC, Noveske, KAC, Rainier, Larue, etc, etc

[hipower]

Just a little offtrack here, but how about the DPMS brand? Where would you guys rate it on quality and pricing level comparison. Have one in mind. It's just a basic flat top model, but seems pretty good. Could get it reasonably and just add front and rear sights as a starter.

[Dolomite_supafly]

Other than their lower parts kits, DPMS, is a bottom of the barrel firearm. I would avoid spedning money on any DPMS firearm.

They are not and have never beem milspec which is a minimum standard. They are cheap both in price and quality. Yes they work for those who shoot a magazine a year. For those who acutally use their AR's a DPMS will fail fairly quickly. They use components that are not even close to being milspec.

Even on the bidget scene there are much better guns than anything DPMS offers.

Dolomite

[hipower]

Thanks for the comments,Dolomite_supafly.

What do you think about the new Windham Weaponry? I understand it's a rebranded Bushmaster and that it's being produced by the employees who bought the company.

And lastly, any comments you'd care to make about brands would be appreciated. I am a novice on the AR platform and although I have acquired, and then sold some, I really

don't have much knowledge of them.

Thanks.

[R1100R]

I have used a DPMS for years in .223 and .308 with no issues. I feel there .308 is a great value for the money. Before the AR wars started over the last few years. DPMS offered a great rifle for the price a few years ago. Since the price wars began there are quite a few new players and pricing has gone down. I have seen packages where our Armorers had parts from DPMS. They were a parts company to begin with. The basic offers from PSA are hard to beat for the price from anybody. My brother and I have thousands of rounds downrange from our DPMS. Can't speak for the recent array of .223's from them.But we have enjoyed ours and their Customer Service has been stellar. To include some free parts over the years no questions asked . My brother is a avid hunter with a Varmint Model DPMS. his rifle looks 30 years old. He has drug it everywhere from out west to the swamps of GA and it is very accurate and has never let him down.

As far as I can remember he had a Varmint AR before anyone else I know. That being said I have seen problem rifles from the best

makers that cost much more. But I agree for the money now days there are better options now tan what were available just five years ago.

Cerberus bought DPMS, Bushmaster, Remington, Marlin, AAC and to include Cobb Manufacturing (Big Bore tactical and distance AR specialist). The AR firearms market has become very competitive.

The owners of the old Bushmaster opened the new Windham after the no compete clause ended and Bushmaster left town. The ones I have looked at are well put together. Our Buddy has one now at his shop if you want to look at one.

The last batch of M4 we got are FN. I feel the new Colt Manufacturing is making a serious run at bringing there name back with their latest offerings and the ones I have touched. They are getting back into the civilian market. This coming from the General that runs Colt now.

Edited February 25, 2012 by R1100R

[hipower]

Thanks, R1100R. As I said, not very conversant with the AR platform, thinking of buying another and looking around at brands and pricing. If I can afford the gas and time, I might try to come out next week.

[Dolomite_supafly]

The absolutely best deal in the under $800 market is the S&W M&P Sport. It has a 5R barrel which is known for its accuracy. The barrel is Melonite coated which is better than chrome lined as well as being very corrosion resistant. And finally it has a properly hardened bolt which is something I consider mandatory, especially in a gun that is going to see a lot of use. And the twist is the best of all worlds at 8. This allows you to shoot any weight of bullet that will feed from a magazine. It also allows you to shoot the lightweight varmint bullet, something most 7 twist guns can't. I know at about 3,300 fps the 40 grain V-Max comes apart in my 7 twist gun. And at less than that the 53 grain SMK's come apart in the 7 twist as well.

Dolomite

[TnShooter83]

The thing about Colt is they do their Bolt and Bolt Carrier Group CORRECTLY.

They also do their Chambers CORRECTLY. They also seem to have the best resale value.

If you plan to resell some day. Go Colt.

As far as quality, Colt is at the top.

I've seen some custom guns used for 3 gun. But that doesn't count for FACTORY quality.

[RWF]

DPMS, you not hear much about, unless its a 308, but they have been very supportive of the 3 gun sport, giving away lots of guns! My oldest has one and he is happy with.

but at the same time i have seen a competiter walk pass several complete DPMS ARs to get a high end upper, because it was worth more than the complete rifle.

[Guest A10thunderbolt]

I have A DPMS .223 It fire's great I've run probably 500 Rnds through it with no FTE no FTF and at least 300 of them were my reloads. Just saying Maybe their quality is better than it used to be.

[rab]

The absolutely best deal in the under $800 market is the S&W M&P Sport. It has a 5R barrel which is known for its accuracy. The barrel is Melonite coated which is better than chrome lined as well as being very corrosion resistant. And finally it has a properly hardened bolt which is something I consider mandatory, especially in a gun that is going to see a lot of use. And the twist is the best of all worlds at 8. This allows you to shoot any weight of bullet that will feed from a magazine. It also allows you to shoot the lightweight varmint bullet, something most 7 twist guns can't. I know at about 3,300 fps the 40 grain V-Max comes apart in my 7 twist gun. And at less than that the 53 grain SMK's come apart in the 7 twist as well.

Dolomite

Dolomite, Sure was glad to hear someone say something about S&W M&P 15 for I not the smartest on AR-15 but my frist one purchased was M&P 15 and it has worked well for me, I got the flat-top with a Nikon 3-9 and have used high price and some cheaper rounds and they all work great. Anyone have any problems with the M&P -15

[Oh Shoot]

Dolomite, Sure was glad to hear someone say something about S&W M&P 15 for I not the smartest on AR-15 but my frist one purchased was M&P 15 and it has worked well for me, I got the flat-top with a Nikon 3-9 and have used high price and some cheaper rounds and they all work great. Anyone have any problems with the M&P -15

Just did first shakedown with my Sport today. Ran 'bout 200 of hodgepodge rounds: XM855, Federal brass, Wolf and Tula poly steel, and Monarch and some old Tula lacquer steel. All aces. And as good or better accuracy with just irons at 122.5 yd as any rifle I own.

Now the challenge is to leave is as stock as possible.

- OS

[monkeylizard]

I have the M&P MOE and am happy with it. According to SW's website it also has the 1:8 twist and the 5R, but the barrel material is different. 4140 steel on the Sport, and 4150 CMV (Chrome-Moly-Vanadium) on the MOE. What's the difference?

OS, I couldn't keep mine stock....

Edited March 4, 2012 by monkeylizard

[Dolomite_supafly]

I have the M&P MOE and am happy with it. According to SW's website it also has the 1:8 twist and the 5R, but the barrel material is different. 4140 steel on the Sport, and 4150 CMV (Chrome-Moly-Vanadium) on the MOE. What's the difference?

OS, I couldn't keep mine stock....

The "V" in 41V50 is for Vandium. It makes for a harder, more corrosion resistant version of the 4150 alloy. Not saying the standard 4150 or 4140 is substandard but the 41V50 is a bit better. When you add the melonite treatment it makes an even better barrel and probably makes most steels equal afterwards.

Dolomite