colt ar-15 pre-ban

linetech1

November 22, 2002 18:52

I have a pre-ban colt serial number # sp 301360. The top of the barrel reads CMP 5.56 nato 1/7. There is no forward assist and the rifle is mint. That 1/7 appears to be twist. Is that twist better then say 1/9. I would like to find out as much info on this gun-age ect. and its value. Any response would be greatly appreciated.

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  nmyers

  November 23, 2002 04:06

  Your rifle was made in the mid to late '80s. I see "for sale" ads listing similar rifles for $1,500-1,600, but doubt that they are selling for that. I would expect a more realistic price range to be $1,000-1,200, with top dollar for a rifle with original box & accessories.
  
  No twist rate is "better" than another; rather, you want to match the twist rate with the ammo for the best accuracy. Colt was recently cataloging AR-15's with 4 different twist rates, so obviously there is a wide variety of preferences. Early rifles such as yours were designed for the M193 ball ammo, which had 55 gr bullets; the US military later changed to a "faster" twist rate & SS109 ammo (with 62 gr bullets) for greater accuracy. Unless you are a competition shooter, you can probably shoot any standard load without concern.
  
  If your rifle is truly "mint", and has all original packing, shooting it will lower the value. The slightest scuff or scrape will show on the surface, and 1 session at the range will lower the condition from "mint" to 99%, or less.
  
  Neal

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  GPWEAPON

  November 23, 2002 04:32

  linetech to address the question on twist yes 1-7 is the most desireable twist you have the option to use all the weight bullets available in that caliber. The slower the twist the lighter the bullet. I have the 1-7 and have mine set up to shoot the 75 gr Hornady hp for competition I can shoot it across the course.

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