2 questions - Colt AR lower pricing, and retro AR-15 lowers - Talk me off the ledge :)

[Dibbs]

Many experienced riflemen believe they are better.

I DNK if I qualify as an "experienced rifleman". But I own two Colt ARs. While I've had offers on both,
the Colt logo doesn't make them mechanically better than other ARs. If you are either a collector, or
intend to sell them in the future, the name will spur better value. If you are buying them to shoot, IMO the
logo improves neither durability, reliability, accuracy, or muzzle velocity.

 

[Dr.Rob]

I upgraded a kit gun I built on an Anderson when complete Colt m4 lowers went on sale at Brownell's for 250.

I think there is a definite difference in tolerances on the Colt over the Anderson. Wish I'd bought a Colt bolt too.

 

[imashooter]

I found out first hand that Colt firearms were nothing special in the early 1980s. It's hard to fathom that people still believe that they are somehow better.

I bet. Their worst decade ever regarding quality. Today's Colt products have never been finer. They've made excellent firearms for at least the last 10 years I'm aware of.

 

[imashooter]

Some people believe in Bigfoot too. Just because someone believes does not make it so. Colt makes a good quality AR but they are over priced. You get nothing special for the extra you pay.

I disagree on the price deal for one reason which justifies it for me. Regarding quality which is arguably better than PSA, I've considered both Aero and Anderson. However, I find with them also, a level of inconsistency of quality for me to roll the dice with either. Can't say I'm finished with a few PSA products but I'm pretty much done with them. Speaking only of ARs and related parts, I find Colt to be very consistent with good quality weapons and parts. I have 2 Colt ARs, 2 Colt Lowers and another Colt lower arriving tomorrow. All purchased on sale and good to very good deals. I agree their prices are a bit high but there are some excellent Colt sales 2-3 times a year. I have a nice Colt 1911 I purchased new 3-4 years ago because I "had" to have a Colt 1911 in my 1911s stable. It was a premium price at the time and within a year or so the price had dropped 200.00 - 250.00 if you shopped around. I regret having paid that price but that's just the way it goes sometimes.

 

[cheygriz]

Simple answer.

If you think a Colt is worth the money, buy it.

If not, buy something cheaper..

 

[kwg020]

For the A4, really was just looking at Colt. Armalite was on my radar, but seem to be unobtainium.

PSA and Bushmaster are less than half the price, but lesser quality as well. Can't stand the Spikes logo.

I guess one thing the Colt has going for it, is that it'sess expensive and more available then FN lowers.

I don't have a Colt lower but I had one issued to me for 24 years in the Army and the National Guard. They are consistently good lowers but so are the older Bushmasters, Armalite lowers made when Mark Westrum owned the company and the current Aero precision lowers. I don't have a PSA so I cannot comment on them. I have not seen a current Armalite lower so I cannot comment on them either.

I do have an older Armalite lower and it seems to be as well made as the Colt lowers. A Colt will have a higher resale value but you pay more up front. If you want a Colt, get a Colt but I think the best value right now is the Aero Precision. If you want a lower that has a good resale value look into DD or BCM as well.
kwg

 

[Speedo66]

The only reason I can see for buying a Colt, besides pride of ownership, is resale value. Others will pay more for a Colt when you go to sell it.

Perhaps a Colt will hold up better in a combat situation, but I have serious doubts I'll ever be in a position to find that out.

I don't fire large quantities, just a casual shooter. My Anderson / PSA suits me fine.

 

[Dibbs]

Simple answer.

If you think a Colt is worth the money, buy it.

If not, buy something cheaper..

One thing is sure,Colts generally hold value better.

 

[wojownik]

I think I'm going to lean towards the Colt A4 lower. I found one that is less exhorbitant (still $100 over a complete Aero or Bushmaster lower, but as several of you have said - resale, and being happy with a Colt rollmark). YMMV.

In terms of retro lower, I'm still on the fence. As to what makes a lower better - in spec, quality of manufacture and finish, and intangibles like the rollmark (coolness factor). So far, I've seen tooling marks on the McKay that are - frankly - appalling for the price. Reminds me of the tooling marks on a WW2 mosin receiver. And some finish issues on the examples I saw over the past week. The American Pride receivers are an unknown - no idea how "in spec" they are. The Brownell's retro lower looks good, but I'm not jazzed by the "Brownell's" rollmark. NoDak would be the way to go, but I don't want to have to wait a year, then weeks more for engraving and anodizing. Rethinking the whole retro clone project now...

 

[Casefull]

I disagree on the price deal for one reason which justifies it for me. Regarding quality which is arguably better than PSA, I've considered both Aero and Anderson. However, I find with them also, a level of inconsistency of quality for me to roll the dice with either. Can't say I'm finished with a few PSA products but I'm pretty much done with them. Speaking only of ARs and related parts, I find Colt to be very consistent with good quality weapons and parts. I have 2 Colt ARs, 2 Colt Lowers and another Colt lower arriving tomorrow. All purchased on sale and good to very good deals. I agree their prices are a bit high but there are some excellent Colt sales 2-3 times a year. I have a nice Colt 1911 I purchased new 3-4 years ago because I "had" to have a Colt 1911 in my 1911s stable. It was a premium price at the time and within a year or so the price had dropped 200.00 - 250.00 if you shopped around. I regret having paid that price but that's just the way it goes