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AR-15 research. Where to begin?

dpappen
Gentlemen,
WTB an EARLY AR-15. Looking at what is "out there" in the market I see a need to do my homework before making a purchase. Information is power and research is half the fun anyway.
Could you direct me to some definitive articles/books into what defines an early AR-15? I have already gleaned some information from a few websites. Also interested in where to look to determine wear/shot count on an AR-15.
Thanks,
Dave
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Comments

8 comments

Date Votes
  • nmyers
    You might want to buy a copy of The AR-15 Complete Owner's Guide by Walt Kuleck, an inexpensive paperback that has a lot of history of the AR.

    As far as wear, well, I sometimes see early rifles that are still NIB; they bring really high prices. As for determining round count, it's difficult for those of us who aren't gunsmiths to determine, especially since the FH prevents you from just dropping a muzzle wear gauge down the muzzle. It is a legitimate concern, as some of the early machine gun owners would "shoot out" a barrel, then sell the complete upper to someone easily fooled by the lack of external wear.

    Neal
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  • dcs shooters
    A couple of web sites to check are, www.biggerhammer.com and
    www.blackrifle.com
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  • RogueStatesman
    AR-15.com is a good source of information as well.


    [:D]
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  • quickmajik
    10,000-20,000 shots through a barrel and its washed. It really depends on they type of barrel steel, rifleing, chamber & If its chrome lined. Probably a few other things I dont know or have forgot.

    rebuild Bolt/bolt catch assemble,& buffer assemble every 3,500-5,000 rounds.

    If you set the bolt carrier up on the bolt face and it unlocks, its time to replace the gas rings.
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  • drobs
    The AR15 is so modular, that one could buy and early version and put a brand new modern upper half (flat top, varmiter, etc. etc.) on it and be good to go.

    I don't know all the details about small ring vs large ring but there are enough adapters out there to not make it an issue.
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  • givette
    Over on AR15.com there's a photo essay of just exactly what parts wear, and what they look like for a given block of rounds fired. It's under buying an AR, or round count, or wear or sumsuch. You'll find the photos. Best, Joe

    EDIT:
    Found the link! Good luck!
    http://www.ar15.com/content/page.html?id=255
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  • dpappen
    EXCELLENT INFO! Thank you gentlemen. I am sure you are assisting more people than you know.
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  • drobs
    I would just add to my post, if you do decide to buy an older Colt and decide to change something (wear items, stocks, uppers, etc.) keep all the original parts.

    If you decide to sell the gun at a later time those original parts will help it's value.

    Original boxes and accessories also greatly affect collector value.
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