Colt Delta AR Hbar collectibility

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08-19-17, 13:30
Dcr5595

Colt Delta AR Hbar collectibility

I've been looking for a 20 inch Ar lately and my dad has offered to sell me his Colt delta Hbar. He says that it is in like new condition with the original metal case as well. The price he quoted me is in line with what a new Colt A4 is selling for. Do these models have any collectors value? I have several other AR's so this one would be for occasional range use only. Any guidance is appreciated. Here is a pic of it:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...0d4e3dcdbf.jpg

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08-19-17, 14:06
Renegade04

They do have a collector value. If your father has offered to sell it to you for what a new Colt AR15A4 sells for, that is a great deal, especially with the original metal case, scope, and leather sling. Does he also have the cleaning kit, owner's manual, and the magazines it came with? Most likely, it came with two 20-round and one 30-round USGI magazines.
08-19-17, 14:41
Dcr5595

Yeah he said the only thing that doesn't appear original is the grip. Most of the pics online have a colored delta symbol on the grip.

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08-19-17, 14:50
Renegade04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dcr5595

Yeah he said the only thing that doesn't appear original is the grip. Most of the pics online have a colored delta symbol on the grip.

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http://www.ebay.com/itm/Colt-Firearm...EAAOSwCfdXo0ke

ETA: The grip on his may very well be original. I am seeing Delta HBARs with the same A2 grip. The Delta Elite has the medallion.
08-19-17, 15:00
Dcr5595

Thanks sir!

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08-19-17, 15:14
Renegade04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dcr5595

Thanks sir!

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You are welcome. I hope you do buy the Colt from your father. That would be a fine model to own. I have wanted one for years to add to my Colt AR collection, but other things seem to come first.
08-19-17, 18:03
MistWolf

There is a Colt Delta HBar on gunbroker with a "Buy It Now" of $2800
08-19-17, 20:46
Dcr5595

Quote:

Originally Posted by MistWolf

There is a Colt Delta HBar on gunbroker with a "Buy It Now" of $2800

I missed that one but I did see listings for $5100 and $2600 on a couple of other ones on gunbroker. I'll check the serial number to see if it is a pre ban or not.

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08-20-17, 09:15
81mmcat

I'm fairly sure the delta symbol was just a sticker that would fall off with use
08-20-17, 17:45
SteyrAUG

Quote:

Originally Posted by 81mmcat

I'm fairly sure the delta symbol was just a sticker that would fall off with use

Yeah, I've seen a handful that didn't have the symbol that I'm sure were original guns. Not something I'd bother to change out, especially on what looks like a sporter model (no bayo lug). It's got the correct scope, cheek riser, sling, etc. so that's probably how it came from the factory.

Neat rifles and the price is a steal plus the bonus of how valuable everything that belonged to your father will be one day.
08-20-17, 19:11
Dcr5595

Colt Delta AR Hbar collectibility

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteyrAUG

Yeah, I've seen a handful that didn't have the symbol that I'm sure were original guns. Not something I'd bother to change out, especially on what looks like a sporter model (no bayo lug). It's got the correct scope, cheek riser, sling, etc. so that's probably how it came from the factory.

Neat rifles and the price is a steal plus the bonus of how valuable everything that belonged to your father will be one day.

Thanks steyr - he has an excellent collection and that has been one of the things we bonded over the years with. Now if he would just sell me his H&K 94 or 91 (green furniture) I'd be happier!

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08-20-17, 20:30
SteyrAUG

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dcr5595

Thanks steyr - he has an excellent collection and that has been one of the things we bonded over the years with. Now if he would just give sell me his H&K 94 or 91 (green furniture) I'd be happier!

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Same here. I started collecting guns and going to gun shows with my dad when I was in the 4th grade. My advice is to source your own 91 and 94 because when his become yours one day, it will have a different feel.

There are a couple of my fathers 1911s that I won't even shoot because he was the last person to shoot them and I want to leave it that way.
08-28-17, 08:58
ClassIIIGunsmith

I had the Delta Elite, would never buy it again but they are kinda rare because they weren't something you would just walk into a gun store and buy it. it was a ordered item. And yes that is an original grip because the Elite had the medallion.
08-28-17, 14:57
SteyrAUG

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClassIIIGunsmith

I had the Delta Elite, would never buy it again but they are kinda rare because they weren't something you would just walk into a gun store and buy it. it was a ordered item. And yes that is an original grip because the Elite had the medallion.

I've seen more than a few without the medallion grip. I think it's more common to the later Delta Hbar "sporters" that were produced after the clinton ban which had no bayo lug and were marked "Sporter" rather than "AR-15." I don't think anyone was swapping them out in the secondary market, I suspect Colt simply ran out of medallion grips and just installed A2 grips until the discontinued that model.

And not sure about the gun stores in your area, but I saw a few in gun stores down here and always saw them at gun shows. For me the draw was always the hard case package and the NM sling. I knew the scope was a Japanese made Tasco and I was pretty sure the actual Delta guys didn't have medallion markings on their weapons so it was hard for me not to look at the rifle like some kind of Franklin Mint commemorative rifle.

My plan was always to buy one and swap out the Tasco for a higher grade Leupold scope, but I never got around to it.
08-28-17, 15:14
sig1473

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteyrAUG

Same here. I started collecting guns and going to gun shows with my dad when I was in the 4th grade. My advice is to source your own 91 and 94 because when his become yours one day, it will have a different feel.

There are a couple of my fathers 1911s that I won't even shoot because he was the last person to shoot them and I want to leave it that way.

As did I but I think I started around the 1st grade with my father going to shows/gunshops. He passed 2yrs ago and I have all his guns now. I still have mags loaded that he loaded last untouched. As far as shooting the guns, there is a piece that wants to shoot them since I know he would want me to. I still find myself wanting to call him to discuss guns and plan our next shooting trip.

Sorry for the off-topic.
09-20-17, 12:17
RAM Engineer

Quote:

Originally Posted by sig1473

As did I but I think I started around the 1st grade with my father going to shows/gunshops. He passed 2yrs ago and I have all his guns now. I still have mags loaded that he loaded last untouched. As far as shooting the guns, there is a piece that wants to shoot them since I know he would want me to. I still find myself wanting to call him to discuss guns and plan our next shooting trip.

Sorry for the off-topic.

Just lost my dad last summer and I know exactly how you feel. I gave some of his guns to my nephew with strict instructions that if he EVER thinks of selling them, to let me buy them back from him.
10-09-17, 17:00
bad107

nice gun but won't ever be worth a ton
10-10-17, 16:29
scottryan

OP,

Colt slabside lower preban guns of the late 1980s don't have the collectability that people think they do. They are not desirable due to the large front pivot pin.

Collectors don't want them unless they are truly NIB. That means the gun is unfired and the accessory pack, box, clear bag, and box insert have never been messed with. That means the accessory pack has never been opened. That means the end label on the box is fully intact with no handwriting on it.

Retro clone builders don't want them because of the large front pivot pin.

Most people in ban states don't want them because of the large front pivot pin.

The only people that buy them would be someone in a ban state that is desperate to find a preban lower.

Unless it is truly NIB, then I would not place too much value on it. I wouldn't have more than $1500 invested in it.
10-10-17, 16:38
bad107

1500? i would stay closer to 1100
10-10-17, 17:39
Dcr5595

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottryan

OP,

Colt slabside lower preban guns of the late 1980s don't have the collectability that people think they do. They are not desirable due to the large front pivot pin.

Collectors don't want them unless they are truly NIB. That means the gun is unfired and the accessory pack, box, clear bag, and box insert have never been messed with. That means the accessory pack has never been opened. That means the end label on the box is fully intact with no handwriting on it.

Retro clone builders don't want them because of the large front pivot pin.

Most people in ban states don't want them because of the large front pivot pin.

The only people that buy them would be someone in a ban state that is desperate to find a preban lower.

Unless it is truly NIB, then I would not place too much value on it. I wouldn't have more than $1500 invested in it.

Thanks to scottryan and all of the others than have offered sage guidance! The day after Vegas my dad said that he would hold on to it. Oh well, I’m glad I didn’t spend the $1,100 he wanted for it for something that would just sit in the safe!

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10-10-17, 18:00
bad107

good call
10-14-17, 02:14
SteyrAUG

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dcr5595

Thanks to scottryan and all of the others than have offered sage guidance! The day after Vegas my dad said that he would hold on to it. Oh well, I’m glad I didn’t spend the $1,100 he wanted for it for something that would just sit in the safe!

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If he changes his mind, or anyone else has an original "like new" with hard case and accessories I'd go $1,500. Large front pivot pins don't bother me at all.
10-25-17, 10:25
Campbell

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteyrAUG

If he changes his mind, or anyone else has an original "like new" with hard case and accessories I'd go $1,500. Large front pivot pins don't bother me at all.

No kidding... pretty sure the value for this rifle would have come from it belonging to his father anyway.
03-14-18, 15:16
spcsys

Just wanted to add a note regarding the grip medallion. I have one of these that was bought as a gift back when I was young. I used the gun and the medallions came off over time. There was not an engraved spot for them although I have seen this grips for sale by individuals. Mine did not have the bayonet lug and came with 2 20rd magazines with 10rd limiters I took out long ago but still have. Another odd accessory which you don’t see mentioned often is a spanner wrench that tightens the Colt/ARMS A2 scope mount nut. It goes into the hole and wraps about 1/3 of the circumference of the round but. Works just like the old buffer tube nuts that used holes. Not an expensive tool but it is part of the package.

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04-09-18, 00:49
tnw50cal

I'm old, bought a brand new Delta HBAR in 1987/88. The medallion was nothing but a sticker that peeled right off. Mine was slab side with bayonet lug.
04-09-18, 10:47
diving dave

I bought one around the 90's something time frame. No bayo lug and marked sporter. I actually still have it, but it doesnt look the same anymore . I wasnt thinking for collector value at the time, but I sent it off to D&L Sports and had it turned into one of his perimeter carbine models. Thing shoots light out though.
05-02-18, 20:23
dropshot

bayanet lug on the earlier models deleted on 6601 models i believe
06-28-18, 10:27
samnev

Quote:

Originally Posted by dropshot

bayanet lug on the earlier models deleted on 6601 models i believe

You are correct. The 6600 model had the bayonet lug. The 6601 did not.
06-28-18, 15:19
dropshot

colt delta

Quote:

Originally Posted by dropshot

bayanet lug on the earlier models deleted on 6601 models i believe

nice accurate rifles. i bought a nib 6600 and added a couple parts to make it look like a delta. nice fined
08-11-19, 11:43
OLIAR15

I bought a second hand one years ago, the complete package. It’s a nice rifle, I like it a lot, although it’s obviously a bit on the heavy side.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...8c738575cf.jpg

I changed the scope recently

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...156e11267e.jpg
10-28-19, 16:56
bobish

Thank you for the pic. Having a bit of seller's regret.
12-20-20, 17:46
Dcr5595

Well 3 years later he finally decided to sell it to me for $1200. It goes well with my delta elite 10mm. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...f8b0bc6ea5.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...5c99c5e95d.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...a49eb27e22.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...7c6a1cbb01.jpg

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12-21-20, 10:22
OLIAR15

Very nice. Patience is a virtue in gun collecting.

I have yet to take a pics of my rifle with the pistols

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...7fe7f315cb.jpg
12-21-20, 17:53
Renegade04

Congratulations. You got a fine rifle for an exceptional price.
12-25-20, 19:18
rooster2412

Quote:

Originally Posted by Renegade04

Congratulations. You got a fine rifle for an exceptional price.

That Delta HBar is worth 3 times what he paid for it! You don't see them anymore at the shows. They were a scarce rifle in the early to mid 90's just after they were released in 89'. The one above in the photos looks to be a Transition gun, no bayonet lug, blue label probably, might even have a nasty sear block in the receiver but whether it does or does not doesn't effect it's price, both blue & green labels are extremely valuable at this point & time. The black & red diamond sticker affixed to the A2 grip never kept stuck on. In the mid 90's I bought a transition slab sided no sear block Delta H Bar no bayo lug in the aluminum case with all the accessories for $ 1500.00 for the first one, $ 1800.00 the second one. Definately a nice AR

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