New to ARs, what have I got here?

[usp9]

I'm a pistol collector. My rifle knowledge is limited...very limited, so please bear with me. I was offered a Colt AR15 Hbar II in trade for a pistol and I took him up on the offer. It happened quickly, I acted impuslsively, and I'm not sure what it is exactly I now own. Here's a picture.



Is this a good, competent plinker? I don't shoot competitively or hunt, just fool around.

Am I able to put a collapsable stock on it?

What kind of accuracy can I expect? Can I shoot the heavier target rounds. Can I shoot 5.56 military ammo?

What do I need to buy to maintain and clean it other than standard .22 rifle cleaning stuff?

Any offering of advise for this newbee AR owner is appreciated.

 

[3pairs12]

Yeah you got yourself a nice gun. You can put a collapsable stock on it. You will have to get a kit with a buffer tube. You should be able to get 2 MOA without any problem. I think you can shoot 5.56 out of a Colt it will say on the barrel. Should e a reliable range toy. Check out AR15.com they have exploded veiws and take down instructions for everything. They are easy to work on just keep it clean and you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[Zach S]

bbl tells all, you cant go by the caliber markings on the lower.

You'll have one of two caliber markings on the bbl, .223 or 5.56.

Twist rate should be on there too, 1:9 or 1:7.

Someone will chime in for what weights go with what twists. I shoot 75, 62, and 55 grain out of my 1:7. 75 does best, but hurts my wallet the most...

 

[TexasRifleman]

Check the barrel but a Colt 6731 (HBAR II) should say "C MP 5.56 NATO 1/9 HBAR" on the barrel.

1/9 twist and 5.56 if it's as it came from the factory. Probably fine up to the 62gr bullet weights. Beyond that you may have issues.

I have a 1/9 barrel that shoots 75gr fine and another with the same twist that keyholes, so it seems pot luck beyond 68gr.

 

[usp9]

...should say "C MP 5.56 NATO 1/9 HBAR" on the barrel.

Yes, it does.

 

[franconialocal]

Nice rifle.

The great part about M-16/AR-15 variants is that they are like the "legos" of the firearm world....very customizable, easy to work on, plenty of options.

There are a ton of after-market sights, gas blocks, hand guards, stocks, bolts...etc., etc. but yours is very nice "as is". Depends on really what you want to do with it.

Perfect for plinking. As far as cleaning it you can get by with a basic kit, but they do make some AR specific tools if you are willing to spend the $$$. Just may sure you pay attention to all the little nooks and crannies once you get into it....there are plenty of them. http://www.ar15.com has a bunch of great diagrams, guides as well.
Check out http://www.brownells.com for a TON of after-market toys and upgrades. They also have a video series about how to build an AR. I think you'll enjoy it!! They carry just about everything you would need.

 

[RP88]

if it is a Colt through-and-through, then you probably came out the winner on that trade; what did you trade for it? How used was the Colt?

 

[usp9]

if it is a Colt through-and-through, then you probably came out the winner on that trade;

As far as I know it is all original. It is very good condition. The barrel looks good, the bolt clean and sharp, only one wear mark area on the bottom of the bolt (I assume that's natural), muzzle crown is recessed and in fine shape.

The barrel and lower are marked Colt

what did you trade for it?

We both walked away happy. Actually I traded two pistols, CZ83 and a Interarms Walther PPK/S. The CZ was listed for sale and was the initial reason he asked to trade. The Walther was added to make it a cashless trade. An even deal I hope.

How used was the Colt?

My guess is only a few hundred rounds, no outward marks, scuffs, scratches and the bolt carrier and parts lack wear marks. Based on my experience with pistols, I'd say less than 1000 rounds ever fired, (admitedly a guess).

 

[nhm16]

If it were me I would keep the gun all original and not put a collapsible stock on it. Colts, for better or worse, have a special status in the AR world and keep their value better if not messed with. Though replacing the stock is a highly reversible operation, I suppose.

It does have a detachable carry handle so you can remove it and install an Aimpoint or other red dot sight, or a scope.

As for cleaning, get a short (36") .22 cal cleaning rod, jags, and a chamber cleaning kit from Dewey, and maybe some extra expendables like brushes. Keeping the chamber and bolt locking lugs clean is pretty important on an AR. Also highly recommended that you get a delrin rod guide like one from Dewey or Sinclair.

 

[RP88]

sounds like a pretty good deal, actually.

 

[rundm]

good gun. it is ban compliant for when they were making them without flash suppressor and bayo lug. you can get it threaded for the flash suppressor now and put the bayo lug on it but it really does nothing for the gun. shoot it like it is and enjoy it. should be more than 2moa accurate. oh, and don't worry about the 5.56 or 223. it will shoot either one.

 

[rodensouth]

sounds like a nice trade to me

 

[Matrix187]

I recommend ADCO for barrel reprofiling/threading if you want the barrel changed.

 

[mds2004]

Id change the pistol grip, the buttstock, thread the barrel and add a flash hider, and then maybe even add Magpul MOE handguards.

1/7 barrel will handle about all the ammo you throw at it. Usually 55gr, even a little lower, all the way up to 77gr+.

 

[rangerruck]

I say you got a good deal, colt is one of the very few ar makers, whose value goes up. What you got resembles pretty close to an old A2 version, just a bit shorter, with a removable handle. Love it. I agree with not doing anything too radical to this, and yes, I would say, just removing the buttstock is not too terrible; just hang on to the origional, and keep it nice.
with a 1/9 twist, you should be able to do somewhere up to 72-75 grainers, just depends on what ammo your rig likes. Then again, you may have to stop at 68 grainers, but you should find a heavier one that it likes.