Just got a text from my boy who works at his family's gun shop...filled with rage

[Baldanders]

He scored a 1978 Colt Sporter in great condition for $180.

Yes, $180 in this market.

I'm not an AR guy, but I am triggered. 😜

Maybe pics tomorrow when I get over being a hater.

[Baldanders]

Ok, he threw in his recent build 10/22 on the deal too, but still...$300 ish for a '78 Sporter.

Bastard. 😇

At least I get to shoot it.

[Baldanders]

Definitely needs to get back to its roots!

[NH Shooter]

YUGE score!

I agree to replace the non-Colt parts (such as the grip) with genuine pieces the carbine came from the factory with.

Nice find and a keeper for sure!

[Norville]

Not to rain on the parade, but were A2 sights available in 1978?

[HCM]

Not to rain on the parade, but were A2 sights available in 1978?

No, they weren't and 1978 Colt AR's aren't marked "Sporter Target Model" Looks like a late 1980s or more likely early 1990s pre-ban lower. Still a good deal for the price.

Upper could be a mix/match. During the 1994-2004 AWB it was not uncommon for preban 20' rifles to be re-built into carbines since that was the only legal way to do so if you weren't LE.

The more I look at the photos, the more I notice the finish doesn't match. May well be a Colt upper but I don't think that thing left the factory that way.

Forge marks on the other side of the upper receiver will help tell if it is Colt.

What are the barrel markings ? A 1978 gun would have a 1/12 barrel. a 1/9 or 1/7 is definitely not a 1970s barrel.

[Gater]

A potential resource:

https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup

[Baldanders]

Thanks guys!

So my boy's Google-fu may have issues...😃

Obviously working at a gun shop has it's perks.

I am still surprised anyone would be itching to sell an AR right now, but maybe the guy picked up a few while the price was down 4 years back?


Mostly now I'm "triggered" to thinking again about a pseudo A1 for myself, some day. Also been mulling over a .350 Legend build for no good reason than I want a modern day Model 8/.35 Remington-type semi, and it's the closest equivalent. Someday.....

I'm thankful we Americans realized we have a pretty great service rifle/carbine. (I have a Duncan Long book from the 80s where he spends much text explaining that the AR is "really quite accurate, I swear" and explaining changing opinions) It only took what, 30-40 years after we adopted the M16 for that to become the majority opinion? I have a feeling ARs will still be in American service, along with the B52, in the 2050s.

[HCM]

If this thing has .170 fire control group it's a 1990 to 2010ish Colt lower receiver.

Pre 1990 and post 2010 have the standard .150 FCG pins as well as the NFA and LEO only guns.

[HCM]

Thanks guys!

So my boy's Google-fu may have issues...😃

Obviously working at a gun shop has it's perks.

I am still surprised anyone would be itching to sell an AR right now, but maybe the guy picked up a few while the price was down 4 years back?


Mostly now I'm "triggered" to thinking again about a pseudo A1 for myself, some day. Also been mulling over a .350 Legend build for no good reason than I want a modern day Model 8/.35 Remington-type semi, and it's the closest equivalent. Someday.....

I'm thankful we Americans realized we have a pretty great service rifle/carbine. (I have a Duncan Long book from the 80s where he spends much text explaining that the AR is "really quite accurate, I swear" and explaining changing opinions) It only took what, 30-40 years after we adopted the M16 for that to become the majority opinion? I have a feeling ARs will still be in American service, along with the B52, in the 2050s.

I have an A1 clone built on a Nodak spud set but If doing it over I would just get a Brownells A1.