Should this be my first Colt

carbinero · #1 11-08-08, 23:17

I have a few projects working and am planning for the family, so this idea came about. I saw a used A2 Colt Sporter 20" HBAR 1:7 for $800 at a local store, and am kicking around whether to get serious about it. The exterior looks very good.

I could buy an LMT lower for $330 and when they become available, put a Charles Daly or BCM 20" on it. So maybe another $600, then a 100 for the BUIS...say, $200 more for this rifle (mass rounding due to FFL, shipping, etc). It would be much closer to the configuration I want: flattop, lighter profile. I could have it re-profiled, but realistically I'd shoot it as is, and give the lighter guns to wife and kids. Likewise with swapping for an A4 upper, but I plan to work more on iron sight practice anyhow. I guess stock doesn't matter, since I'd just as soon swap the A2 with an A1. I could shop for a 4x carry handle mount scope, or just put a tritium stripe in the front sight post and call it a day.

I know LMT-BCM would be quality, but the "if and when" of availability concerns me a little. If the used rifle were a Bushie, I wouldn't think twice, but this is a nice ticket into the realm known as Colt...or is it? Would you go the next step, bring a light to the store and field-strip it, or move on--nothing to see here?

bkb0000 · #2 11-08-08, 23:44

well im not one of these big colt fans.. the colts i used in the army didn't impress me, nor does colt's corporate size. i don't like big.

however, everyone here thinks colt is THE standard. so i say tell that clerk to make some room, strip the motherfucker down and buy it if it's good to go. I really don't think the availability of parts is going to be a HUGE issue, though.. i think people will calm down over the next month, people will run out of money after christmas, and parts will be plentiful before BHO takes office.

carbinero · #3 11-13-08, 03:40

You're talking corporate "big," and I'm thinking HBAR big. I know it won't be a joy to carry, and I do plan to hunt with it, however I just don't see a better choice in 20" 1:7, combat ready and accurate, for the money than a good condition A2 Colt HBAR. Standard and gov't barrels are scarce. Am I missing something?

BTW, that Colt was gone a few days later, so I waited just long enough.

But I'm checking out a few others...since I'm not so confident about waiting for Charles Daly and BCM. I keep thinking about Bushmaster, but the professional advice here is a Negative on that.

Any other words of wisdom?

bkb0000 · #4 11-13-08, 04:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by carbinero

You're talking corporate "big," and I'm thinking HBAR big. I know it won't be a joy to carry, and I do plan to hunt with it, however I just don't see a better choice in 20" 1:7, combat ready and accurate, for the money than a good condition A2 Colt HBAR. Standard and gov't barrels are scarce. Am I missing something?

BTW, that Colt was gone a few days later, so I waited just long enough.

But I'm checking out a few others...since I'm not so confident about waiting for Charles Daly and BCM. I keep thinking about Bushmaster, but the professional advice here is a Negative on that.

Any other words of wisdom?

bushmasters are never worth the money. they're just way over priced for what you get. They're a $700-quality gun- but right now all i'm seeing is 1,100 - 1,500... that's totally ridiculous- you can get an LMT for $1,025 shipped. You can get a 6920 for less than $1,500, even right now. Being patient will pay off. I'm still waiting for my Noveske.. SO glad I placed the order back when I did.. they're not even taking back orders now.

My advice is call the order in ASAP, on BCM, LMT, Saber, CMMG, WOA, Colt... whatever. The longer you wait to place the order, the more people call and place theirs first.

carbinero · #5 11-13-08, 11:00

Without turning this into another "which 20" upper should I get" thread,

I'll just say, I think I've looked around plenty, and there are no new 1:7 chrome lined options in the near future, except BM. I'm already in line for a Charles Daly, and BCM's aren't until Summer '09. Sabre direct from the factory is maybe $900, which doesn't fit me.

So I got this idea of a used A2 Colt HBAR, although I'm not really hip on the weight or carry handle.

Seems to me if I can get one for the right price and condition, it would be a good 20" and an opportunity to have a Colt upper. Just based on READING, I've pooh-poohed HBARs and fixed carry handles, but now that I've actually shot an HBAR, I'm starting to see the point...saving $$ from a BUIS makes sense, and I could get a handle mount scope...

Please help confirm or dissuade this line of reasoning; thanks.

markm · #6 11-13-08, 11:09

It's hard to beat the price. I'd snag it.

Darkop · #7 11-13-08, 16:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by demigod

It's hard to beat the price. I'd snag it.

If he didn't get it when he saw it, I'll bet it's already gone..................

Darkop

bkb0000 · #8 11-13-08, 16:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by carbinero

Please help confirm or dissuade this line of reasoning; thanks.

sounds good to me.. i have nothing against carry handles, i'm an iron-sights guy anyway. the last build i finished was an A2 16" upper.. i even like the classic look.

if you think it's gonna be the only thing you might be able to get your hands on, then a bushmaster is better than NO gun.. but please try to find something else. i'll keep my eyes open for a 20" 1/7... actually, I know where there's a 20" 1/7 upper... http://mapartsinc.com/productsDetail.asp?id=1199 $395

carbinero · #9 11-13-08, 16:20

Thanks all. I'm usually the guy to say, "just buy it," but you know how it goes when it's yourself. Actually, I just wasn't ready, but now I am. Sometimes it just takes a little outside prospective.

On the initial subject, it was on the rack for about six months; I looked at it 11/7, and when I went back on 11/11, it was gone. However, I'm not concerned...hopefully it found a good home.

I'm currently negotiating for another, and this time I'm solid on the rationale.

Don't know enough about M&A to choose them over BM; I have to assume they're not on par with Colt/BCM...right now I'd prefer a used Colt--not even in my preferred configuration--over a new BM.

decodeddiesel · #10 11-13-08, 16:21

If you're not willing to wait a few months for things to calm down I would say buy it.

carbinero · #11 11-13-08, 17:41

IIRC BCM posted on TOS that they have ordered a few batches (of 100 each) of 20"s, but delivery takes 6+ months. I clicked the button on their site, since I didn't want to bug Grant about it so prematurely. I'm proud to have helped a friend find a resale BCM 20" with a YHM FF just a few months ago...maybe I'll get lucky by checking EE more often.

As far as things calming down, I think that's like saying, "As soon as the real estate market rebounds." Everyone wants to believe that's right around the corner...but it could get worse. Supply of top quality chrome lined 20" uppers has been tight the last several months, and the future doesn't look any better. I just don't see another option, or Colts getting cheaper.

m4_556 · #12 11-13-08, 19:15

Colt and $800 don't go together often, I'd say buy it outright.