Torn between 2 AR's

[AlvinCYork]

I am torn between 2 AR's. I have been looking forever, it seems, for an A2 model AR. Well, finally, I found one at what I consider a really great price, It's a pre-ban Armalite M15A2. It's in really great condition with a low round count. So, of course, I get excited and start looking at a few accessories while I am mulling it over before I make the purchase. I went into a different local shop that has some AR goodies and what do I find? Yep. A Colt Sporter Target model (6551) rifle. Turns out it's only about $100 more and in the same condition as the Armalite. Now, I don't know the round count on the Colt, but it has the 1/7 twist barrel where the Armalite has the 1/9. I don't have much knowledge about "black rifles", so I was wondering if there is anything I should consider before making a purchase or is it a no-brainer? I think I have made my mind up but I was just wondering what you guys think. Thanks in advance.

[Il Duce]

Go with the Colt.

[hipower]

What II Duce said.

[Guest twpayne75]

Is there a specific reason you want an A2? You can still put a carry handle on an A3. Everyone I know that has ever bought an A2 has always regretted it later due to it severely limiting setup choices.

But given the two, go with the Colt.

Edited July 26, 2012 by twpayne75

[Dolomite_supafly]

The only thing the Colt will not do is shoot varmint bullets. It will also hold its value but so will the Armalite. And in all honesty the Armalite is probably worth a lot more than the Colt if it is truly a preban gun. I know true preban stripped receivers sell for $500+ in the ban states. I have even seen some brand of lowers, can't remember which, sell for close to $1,000 in ban states.

A 9 twist will shoot varmint bullets and anything up to 77 grain bullets. A 7 twist will not shoot lighter bullets. I know 53 grain SMK's come apart from centrifugal force at like 3300 fps and Vmax 40 grainers at like 3600 fps.

In order for you to use the 7 twist to its full potential you need to have a long barrel and shoot HEAVY bullets. I do not know the length of the Colt's barrel but I would never consider using a 7 twist gun with a barrel under 20".

It being preban may not be a concern for you but it is more valuable than the Colt if you sell it to someone in a ban state.

Of the two, I would pick the Armalite. One because it is preban and two because the twist offers more realistic ammunition options.

Dolomite

[AlvinCYork]

Thanks for the input. I think they are both preban guns. The Armalite was originally purchased in 1995 so, I cant be 100% sure on it. Also, they both have 20" barrels. Maybe I should just buy both of them. I can get them both for what many AR's cost new. Any thoughts?

Is there a specific reason you want an A2? You can still put a carry handle on an A3. Everyone I know that has ever bought an A2 has always regretted it later due to it severely limiting setup choices.

But given the two, go with the Colt.

My father and I collect military rifles. I know this isn't an M16 by any stretch, but I wanted one close to the original configuration for our modest little collection. I like the nostalgic value of the A2 more than anything. I'm sure I will buy another one at some point to trick out with all the tactical stuff, but for now, I just want the A2 model.

[peejman]

This is easy. Both.

[Guest nysos]

I agree, if you can get both for the cost of what a new rifle cost. Why not get both if funds allow? If anything at least it will give you plenty of time (and hands on experience) to figure out which one you like more. Worst case scenario is you sell the second one down the road.

Whats to lose?

[kwe45919]

Armalite.....the 1/9 twist is more versitle.

[AlvinCYork]

Well, before I decide for sure to get both, what would be a reasonable price for both rifles? I mean what would be considered a good deal for these 2 guns? I'm not talking about stealing them, just curious what they are going for. I've looked at all the auction sites and I can see what people are ASKING for them, I just don't know what people are PAYING for them. I just want to make sure my idea of a good price is the same as everyone else's.

Armalite M15A2 .223/5.56 caliber rifle with 20" 1/9 barrel. No bayonet lug. It is used and has around 2000 rounds fired through it. Originally purchased the rifle in 1995 and used it in high power rifle shoots for about a 1 year, after that it has been in gun safe and has not been shot except for a handful of times.

Used Colt Sporter Target 5.56/.223 (6551). Also no bayonet lug, 20" 1/7 barrel.

Both have fixed stock, fixed carry handle, full length handguards and are in about 95% condition. I know it's hard to say without actually seeing both rifles, but if I can be assured I am getting a good deal, I may just grab them both.

[Dolomite_supafly]

I would say $1,700 for both. The Armalite being the lesser of the two at probably $800 and Colt probably $900. That would be what I would consider a fair offer.

Dolomite

[AlvinCYork]

Ok. Sounds good. I guess I really am getting a good deal since the price I can get both of them is considerably less than $1700. The good news for you guys is one of them will more than likely end up for sale on here. Anything else I should take into consideration before I pull the trigger?

[Lumber_Jack]

No....what are you waiting for

Seriously, if you have the scratch, buy both, shoot both and then decide if you wanna keep em or sell one.

[frankmako]

both for below $1,700.00. what are you waiting on? you should have them at home by now.

[AlvinCYork]

Yeah, I know. That's why I am grabbing them both. One is on layaway at a local shop (until payday) and the other is in the transfer process as we speak. I'll have them both by next Friday. Thanks for the help TGO.

I'll let you guys know which one I decide to keep and which one I'm letting go. I'll list one in the classifieds in the coming days unless I just completely fall in love with both of them.

Edited August 1, 2012 by AlvinCYork

[Dolomite_supafly]

WOW, a shop had them for this price?

That is pretty amazing and you will have no problem coming out ahead in this deal.

Dolomite

[Lumber_Jack]

Well we expect pictures

[kwe45919]

Give us the Shops names!! We all need a deal!!!

[AlvinCYork]

Well, the Armalite is being transferred from a private seller from one of the big gun auction sites. The Colt was found at a pawn shop. I have done a bit of buying there in the past because they always make me a great deal. I will give you guys the name of the pawn shop if you like. It's Murfreesboro Pawn and Gun. Talk to Jay. He's a great guy that loves to make great deals.

Edited July 27, 2012 by AlvinCYork

[AlvinCYork]

Here are pictures of the Armalite. I picked it up yesterday. It's in even better condition than I had expected, especially for a rifle purchased new in 1995. As of right now, I think I'm going to keep this one and sell the Colt after I pick it up on Friday.

Edited August 1, 2012 by AlvinCYork

[Jonnin]

If you said it was LNIB I would belive it... nice find, congrats!

[Dolomite_supafly]

That is a very nice gun. It does look like it is like new. That was a good find for hundreds more.

Dolomite