Need advice on Olympic Arms AR purchase

[rock jock]

I found a local sale for an Olympic AR described as: pre-ban, excellent condition with few rounds fired. I have some info on serial numbers for Olympic ARs which I will verify. The seller is not the original owner and doesn't know if it has a cast or forged receiver - is there a simple way to check? Same question for a chrome-lined barrel - I know Olympic made some with chromed-lined barrels, but the owner doesn't know one way or the other. Finally, I have heard bad things about the Plinker model - will it state the model on the receiver?

The price is $550. Assuming that the receiver is forged, is pre-ban, and and that the gun is in excellent condition, is this a good price? This would not be my primary defense/3-gun rifle since I have a Bushy, but I am wondering if this would make an economical shooter?

 

[cookhj]

uh, yeah....i would buy that without thinking. AS LONG AS it really is pre-ban.

 

[ARperson]

Honeslty, I doubt it's a pre-ban if it's only $550. Hell, Bushy and Colt ask for twice that on some of their post-ban complete rifles. Either somebody doesn't know what they have or they're hoping the buyer doesn't know what to look for. As far as I know, the only way to check pre-ban status is to verify date of manufacture based on serial number.

Chrome-lined is easy to tell: shine a bore light or flashlight into the barrel from the chamber and look down the barrel from the muzzle. If you're blinded, it's chrome-lined. If you're not, it's not. In other words, it's fairly obvious.


If it's the complete rifle as it came from the manufacture, you should be able to call them with the serial number and find out if it is indeed the Plinker model. I think they keep that kind of information. That being said, serial number might also be the means of finding out whether it was cast or forged. At least they would know the ranges of serial numbers. I would think they would anyway.

Have you physically seen or laid hands on this rifle yet? Just curious.

Regarding Olympic in general: I've heard they make good plinkers, but I've also heard the quality isn't up to par with Bushmaster, Colt, etc. In some cases, people have described them as complete crap. But then some have had great experiences with them. I think it's hit or miss. Having greater chances of missing than with Bushmaster, Colt, etc.

Disclaimer: I've never owned or handled an Oly. I just know they're not on the top of the list for AR manufacturers.

 

[rock jock]

If it's the complete rifle as it came from the manufacture, you should be able to call them with the serial number and find out if it is indeed the Plinker model.

Unfortunately not. I visited the Oly website and found out all their records beofre 2000 burned in a fire. The serial number ranges they have listed don't help either. I was hoping someone might have an Oly receiver with a similar serial number.

 

[Redlg155]

On the Olyarms website there is a section on how to tell whether or not your lower is a cast or forged lower.

The easiest way I see is this. (From the Oly Arms website.)

On the forged receiver there is a small crescent shaped groove that is machined into the from inside of the magazine well.

In the cast receiver, there is not groove. This difference is true of all of our cast and forged receivers.


Olympic models and serial numbers can be a bit crazy. One instance is the SGW lowers. Most SGW lowers with a "stop sign" logo are pre ban. But then you have new production SGW lowers that are post ban. PCR prefix are post ban (PCR= Politically Correct Rifle) . The plinker models are post ban.

Your best bet is to call Olyarms. They were very helpfull when I was searching on information on a pre ban SGW Oly lower.

Oh..and the $550 price tag sounds like a "plinker" model. I can't see anyone willing to sell a complete "pre ban" rifle for that much when the market value is twice as much. Especially in Excellent condition. The seller states that it is a "pre ban"...so that doesn't mean he's totally ignorant of ARs. Be careful you don't get taken for a ride on this one.

Good Shooting
Red

 

[rock jock]

Thanks much for the info Redlg. I think the seller is trying to be square on this. He turned down another buyer after talking with me since he is no longer confident it is a pre-ban and doesn't want to misrepresent the rifle. Also, I talked with im again an hour ago and he said the model was stamped as "PCR03". So, does this mean it is a post-ban?

 

[Redlg155]

Rock...

Again..Olys can be a little confusing, but since you have the Prefix of PCR , then it is definitely a post ban gun. Oly did the (Politically Correct Rifle) series name as a sort of protest against the AW bill.

It could very well be the PCR-3 rifle from Oly as pictured below. I'd ask if it had a free float tube installed and a flatop. The PCR-2 has A2 sights.

(PCR-3 Shown)

The PCR-2 and PCR-3 offer the ultimate in a compact CAR-15 variant with accuracy levels superior to most full size rifles. The PCR-3 is basically a 16" barreled PCR-1 rifle. The PCR-2 is identical except it comes standard with A2 sights.

Sub MOA accuracy is the norm with these carbines, and 1/2" groups are achieved regulary with nothing more than good factory ammunition. If repeatable accuracy in a rugged, reliable and "quick to the ready" .223 carbine is what you are looking for, look no further. This is the choice to make. Features include:

Broach cut 416 stainless steel heavy barrel, 16" OAL, 1x10" twist
Match aluminum free-floating handguard
A2 upper & sights (PCR-2), forged flattop upper (PCR-3)
4-5 lb. crisp trigger pull
Weight: 8 lbs 2 oz
Length: 34 1/2"
MSRP $958.00


If it is a PCR-3 then I'd say it is worth the $550 asking price.

Otherwise I'd pass.


Good Shooting
Red

 

[rock jock]

Thanks, red. I'll offer the guy $500 contingent on a personal inspection and possible test fire.