Help buying ar15

I'm new here.This seems like a great place for me to start.Iwant to buy an ar15.Have found one thats a colt le6920.I'm told its brand new,what can I tell from the serial number.Its from a private party,I went to Colts web sit,they have a serial number look up but that comes back no information??? Could it be current production when the manual it comes with says 2009 ?? What should I look for. Thanks

 

I can't help as far as the serial number goes, but what does it say on the reciever? Colt has had different things on the lower over the years. Current 6920s say "M4 Carbine" from what I've seen. Not long ago they had the "Restricted/LEO" stampings. You could have a new version of either, but if if says M4 Carbine you can deduct that's it's not more than a couple years old (I don't know exactly when they started putting M4 Carbine on the lower but I think only a couple years or so).

Anyway, if it looks new there is a pretty good chance it is. One thing to look at is the brass deflector. I've never tried to clean the brass off mine so I don't know if it's possible to get all the brass streaks off, but that's one thing to look at.

I'm sure others will chime in with other info but I hope that helps.

I have a 6920 and it's been great so far.

 

So long as it isnt more than $1200 new or $1000 used, either way your good to go. You could also go here http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/firearms/rifles/palmetto-state-armory.html , wait about a week or two for them to run a sale on an AR/Aimpoint combo for usually right at $1000. Rifle will be just as good as the Colt, brand new and come with a top class optic.

 

Its a sweet gun for sure but they are $1100 new at walmart. Every third private transaction around here is listed as brand new. Pull the BCG and look at the friction areas near the gas key and bolt lugs. If parkerized 100% chances are less than 200 rounds through it. Pull the bolt out and look at the gas rings to see if there is any carbon. Look very close are picatinny rail finish to see if an optic was mounted. The muzzle crown will be fouled inside the flash hider if it has more than 20 rounds through it- look with a flashlight. Bring a cleaning rod and copper solvent and push a patch as soon as you are done negotiating and renegotiate if it comes out fouled. I have bought a lot of guns advertised as brand new, some with filthy barrels. Usually it means less than 500 rounds on an AR.

 

'Brand new' guns can have carbon on them and fouled bores, if they were test fired at the factory. Now, if a rifle shows obvious signs of being wear (missing finish on the high points, recoiling parts shiny at contact points, magazine throat chipped or worn, dirt, fouled lube) then it's likely the seller is pulling a fast one. Or that he had a fast one pulled on him.

BSW

 

Then it would be coming from a dealer and you'll be paying tax and filling out a 4473. If not, it is used. It can be "like new in box," but that is still used, technically.

Colt's SN look-up rarely works, ever. Doesn't mean anything.

yes, manuals are updated every few years or a decade since the guns rarely change. That could be the current manual, copyrighted then.

An atm machine?

Also no obvious mechanical problems, damage, lots of ammo and maybe fresh targets. Or paper plates. I like paper plates, I draw things on them.