What to look out for in buying a used M4/AR15

[jjtroutbum]

Was sitting at a buddy's place last night shooting the breeze and mentioned. That after some savings become available mid month I'm going to buy a carbine. My first actually.

He then replies that I need to go buy a lotto ticket because a buddy of his is selling a Colt. Due to hardships of some sort and needs cash

My buddy said it looked hardly shot and near mint. However he just glanced it over since he is not in the market for one himself.

I think its gonna be a great deal but I don't really know much about them specifically. And really don't think it would be in my interest to wait to long doing tons of research. I have been researching new bargain ones but if I miss a chance at a Colt I think I would regret it for a long time to come.

So my question is does anyone have any thoughts on what you would look for in the way of possible problems mechanically or other wise that could help me out in inspecting this weapon.

Thankful for any info from Y'all

JJ

[slewfoot]

Your best bet would be to take it to a certified gunsmith.

[WolfiePacker]

Gunsmith is best but if you can't manage that then a few areas to look are:


Barrel Rifling (how much rifling is left? is there any pitting?)

Upper Receiver (How much wear internally? Are there any cracks?)

Lower Receiver (Are there any cracks? Inspect internal parts to make sure some idiot
didn't take a file to anything, you'd be surprised)

Its always good if you can to test fire the rifle before purchase to make sure it is in working order and not having an feeding or extraction issues.

[Panzerfaust]

Better make sure the lower isn't housing a full-house of M16 parts. This is a set up, usually

[Stanze]

Barrel Rifling (how much rifling is left? is there any pitting?)



Take a round and stick it in the muzzle tip first, if it goes past the copper jacket the barrel is worn. If it doesn't, it should be good to go provided there's no pitting (Look though the barrel with a bore light or remove the upper assembly and use your finger nail to reflect light into the barrel if you don't have a flash light.

[jjtroutbum]

don't think this guy would be looking to make a federal case. Nor would I want to be on the receiving end of one. Auto mean no no for me.

Good info so far thanks...

[nsabjg]

What is he asking for it? Just pull it apart and you will see how worn it is. The price will be the selling point. Any extras?

[jjtroutbum]

Got to see the Colt in question tonight. It is a SP1 Pre-ban R6000 ser. # 200000 range. With very little, if any use. He still has the plastic cap over the flash suppressor! Did get to shoot it. Worked flawlessly! Opened it up and inspected all the parts mentioned above and couldn't notice any wear. Tho didn't shoot more than twenty rounds my self. Did see about 80 go through it. Two Mags to come with.

So the only hitch I see with the whole deal is that. It is not an evil BLACK rifle. It has a factory electroless nickel or COLTGUARD finish on it.

I was thinking more evil and less unique but the look grew on me.

The price is better than I had hoped so Guess tomorrow evening. Ill have a some Preban Pics to post.


Specs as per Blue Book of Gun Values by S.P. Fjestad

SP-1(R6000) - .223 Rem. cal. original colt paramilitary configuration without forward bolt assist, 20in barrel with 1:12 twist, identifiable by the triangular shaped hand guards / forearm, no case deflector A1 sights finishes include parkerizing and electroless nickel, approx 6 3/4 lbs. Mfg 1963-84

Pre- ban is ser.# SP360,200 and lower.

If any one has this years Grading PPGS values I would really like to compare the prices to the ones in my 2004 edition.

Open for Comments questions remarks or giggles at the guy with the Not so evil but rare AR. :tongueout:

JJ

ps ""WARNING"" This rifle will appear naked to most all people since It is about the least "tacticool" AR I have ever seen. Grin
_________________

[jjtroutbum]

Got to see the Colt in question tonight. It is a SP1 Pre-ban R6000 ser. # 200000 range. With very little, if any use. He still has the plastic cap over the flash suppressor! Did get to shoot it. Worked flawlessly! Opened it up and inspected all the parts mentioned above and couldn't notice any wear. Tho didn't shoot more than twenty rounds my self. Did see about 80 go through it. Two Mags to come with.

So the only hitch I see with the whole deal is that. It is not an evil BLACK rifle. It has a factory electroless nickel or COLTGUARD finish on it.

I was thinking more evil and less unique but the look grew on me.

The price is better than I had hoped so Guess tomorrow evening. Ill have a some Preban Pics to post.


Specs as per Blue Book of Gun Values by S.P. Fjestad

SP-1(R6000) - .223 Rem. cal. original colt paramilitary configuration without forward bolt assist, 20in barrel with 1:12 twist, identifiable by the triangular shaped hand guards / forearm, no case deflector A1 sights finishes include parkerizing and electroless nickel, approx 6 3/4 lbs. Mfg 1963-84

Pre- ban is ser.# SP360,200 and lower.

If any one has this years Grading PPGS values I would really like to compare the prices to the ones in my 2004 edition.

Open for Comments questions remarks or giggles at the guy with the Not so evil but rare AR. :tongueout:

JJ

ps ""WARNING"" This rifle will appear naked to most all people since It is about the least "tacticool" AR I have ever seen. Grin
_________________

[tjf76]

Your best bet would be to take it to a certified gunsmith.


My thoughts as well