From: wa3wbu!john@uunet.UU.NET (John Gayman)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Re: Colt Sporter Models and Prices
Date: 20 Aug 92 13:07:48 GMT
Organization: @ WA3WBU, Marysville, PA


In article <9208171456.AA21899@a2.cim.cdc.com>, jaf@a2.cim.cdc.com (James Foster x2197) writes:
# 
# I know I've seen this a while back, but could some kind soul describe the
# different Sporter models available and how they differ? I remember
# hearing terms like HBar, Delta HBar, Match, and Competition HBar, but am
# not clear on the exact differences.  In particular, a local shop has
# a Competition HBar that I'm interested in.  This has the longer and
# heavier barrel.  Are these the barrels that have been selected for accuracy?
# Their price is $750 NIB.  This seems reasonable to me.  What are the 
# typical gun show and retail prices for this model? 

   HBar: heavy barrel original AR15-A2 model. Found with evil bayonet
        lug and open receiver section above safety assy. I paid $650
        for mine a couple years ago. Best buy if you want a conventional
        appearance, target grade M16-type rifle. 1:7 twist.

   Delta Hbar: factory selected from Hbar's for better accuracy. They
        come standard with a nylon cheek-piece, 3X9 rubber armored scope,
        leather sling and aluminum carrying case. A decent, out of the 
        box, sniper-grade semi-auto. Also has bayonet lug and vacant
        sear section in receiver. Has designation AR-15 on receiver. 
        1:7 twist.

   Match Hbar: This is a "politically correct" Hbar. It has "Sporter"
        in place of AR-15A2 on receiver. Evil bayonet lug is milled off.
        Block of steel is pinned in receiver when a auto-sear "could"
        go. Magazines have the floor-plates riveted in place. Otherwise
        the same as the original Hbar. 1:7 twist.

   Competition Hbar: This is essentually a Match Hbar with the carrying 
        handle milled off and a weaver-type base milled in. Comes with a 
        ARMS scope base and rings. Made in response to demand for a rifle
        which was easier to use with a scope without the need for a 
        cheek-piece. 1:9 twist.

   There are other models you didn't mention:

   CAR-15: (AR-15A2 Carbine). Short barrel rifle with colapsible stock
        and evil bayonet lug. 

   Hbar CAR: Same as Car-15 only with heavy barrel. Why ? You tell me. :-)

   Sporter Lightweight: Same basic rifle as CAR-15 except it has a full
        shoulder stock like the AR-15A2. Also bayonet lug milled off
        and receiver is pinned. 

   AR-15A2 Government Model: Same as original Hbar except barrel has the 
        same profile as M16-A2 (heavy at muzzle, conventional taper at
        rear). 


    There are others of course.... original SP1 Sporter with triangular
   handgaurds. There are 9mm versions of the Carbine. There's also a 
   model that is like the AR-15A2 Government but it doesn't have the 
   fully adjustable rear sight.  I'm sure I've missed some things. I'm
   certainly not the world's authority on AR's. :-)  Most of the rifles
   like the CAR have gone up in price due to lack of availability. 
   The original AR-15A2 Government is the closest thing available which
   resembles all the specifications on the current M16-A2. Perhaps 
   someone has all the catalog numbers and carton tag colors which 
   further seperate some of the models. Keeping track of production AR-15's
   over the years is definately an adventure. Oh. yea..... now there's
   the 7.62X39 model..... and on it goes. :-)


						John




-- 
John Gayman, WA3WBU 
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