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AR15 Proof Marks

magicmanml2
Are there any sites or anyone have pics of the different proof marks on AR-15s. I know Colt is a C. And i think bushmaster is the keyhole symbol. So how many are there and who do they belong to?
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  • shoff14
    There are not proof marks for the manufacturer of the rifle per say. The proof marks you see on most upper receivers is from the forger, not the manufacturer. The manufacturer could have and will have upper receivers from different forgers. Colt does mark their A2 uppers with a C under the rear sight. Colt also marks their bolt carriers with a C under the gas key. Some manufacturers have certain barrel markings to help identify the barrel.
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  • givette
    'Standard' markings found on Colt AR's (Also Sporters by name)

    Stamped small 'C' on left side of bolt carrier
    Engraved 'CMP' on the bolt
    Casting of 'C' on carry handle beneath rear sight (right side). Letters will appear as bas-relief, not impressed into the upper. Will have another letter, indicating the sub-contractor, also.
    Casting of 'Bell Symbol' on the front sight base, also bas-relief.
    Stamped small C MP on underside of barrel, and should say chromed bore.

    There are more, I'm sure, but this should get you to recognize the rifle as Colt. Best, Joe
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  • Txs
    The letter C on an upper receiver denote a Colt product, with the second second letter indicating the manufacturer of the forging itself. For example, CM means it's a Martin Marietta forging machined/finished by Colt.

    Like several other AR manufacturers Bushmaster has used different forgings over the years. Some will be marked with symbols while others have letter combinations, not all of which include the letter B.

    A keyhole symbol indicates Cerro Forge, whose forgings are used by more than one AR manufacturer.

    Other upper markings often seen are a stylized letter A (referred to as a 'splintered A') indicating Anchor Harvey and a cardinal's head indicating Cardinal Forge.

    There are actually only a handful of companies who forge receivers for all those AR manufacturers, with their quality pretty much equal. Who produced the forging isn't as important as what company machined and finished the final product.
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  • magicmanml2
    Ok thanks for the info gents. My flat top upper has just a key hole symbol. bought mine online as a basic mil spec for bushmaster supposedly, but i dont care really still works good for me.
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