Colt AR newbie question

[wamj2008]

Hi, I'm looking at getting a Colt 6520, it's an A2 frame with a non-detachable carry handle. If, in the future, I'd like to mount an optic on a flat top, could something like this be easily swapped on?

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=...op_Upper_Receiver_w_Assist___Cover___223_5_56

Not sure how everything works yet! Thanks for your help!

 

[taliv]

it can be done, but it's only easy if you've done it a few times before and have the right tools. keep in mind a lot of the value of the colt is not just their parts but the way they properly assemble the gun. if you unassemble it and reassemble it, you kinda lose that value.

 

[madcratebuilder]

With the correct tools you can swap uppers in short order. Personally I would just build a complete upper and swap lowers as needed.

 

[jsimmons]

With the correct tools you can swap uppers in short order. Personally I would just build a complete upper and swap lowers as needed.

+1 Building a complete upper would be a better choice.

 

[Geneseo1911]

I'm kinda in the same situation wamj. I bought a 6520 back in '08, mainly because it was the only AR I could get my hands on (yes, I was a panic buyer). The 6520 is a little bit odd as it has a lighter, thinner barrel than any of the other Colts. I think it is one of the lightest AR barrels you can get. Unfortunately, this doesn't do much for accuracy, and the shorter sight radius and A2 sights make it kind of a turkey in my opinion.

My plan is to go ahead and put a flat top upper and reflex sight on it, making an ultra lightweight, handy carbine. I think if you are buying a Colt with resale in mind, you need a 6920. Those are what everyone wants. Now that the pressure is off and you can get whatever you want, the only reason to buy a 6520 is to get the Colt made pencil barrel. Or if you want a short, cool looking, not-that accurate carbine with a prancing pony on the side.

 

[Tirod]

Not buying a carry handle is the best choice. If retro looks and reenactment are the primary use, sure, go ahead. But if the plan is to change it right off, why waste the money?

If shooting accurately is the real reason, get the A3 upper. More uppers lying around eventually grow their own lowers and you have 2-3 times the money tied up in getting what you will actually use 85% of the time. All that money could be ammo or accessories, not more guns you actually don't shoot either.

Buy for what you will use it for most of the time first. Then save money up and get the stuff that will sit around 364 days a year doing nothing.

A lot of these questions are actually ones of fiscal responsibility and good use of money, not technical questions on which suits a shooter better.