From: sscott@mcs.kent.edu (Stephen Scott)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: AR15 info & purchase info wanted
Date: 30 Dec 92 20:52:10 GMT
Organization: Kent State University

I too am in the market for an AR15 (H-BAR .223) for target play and
have heard some comments regarding different makes / models.  I would
like to hear some others opinions / information regarding the AR15. 
Also any information on other manufacturer's models.

COLT presently has three H-BAR .223 models available.  Prices are from
a local OHIO dealer (I have not yet shopped around).  The following is
the product description in the COLT catalog 1992 with comments I have
heard prefaced with a %.  I do not claim to support any of these
comments (except for the few marked as "my comment") and very much
want the opinion of others.


R6700CH		Sporter Competition HBAR
$799		Range Selected w/ scope & accessories.

		Range selected for top accuracy.  Has a 3-9X rubber
		armored variable power scope, scope mount, carry handle
		with iron sights, cordura nylon case, and other 
		standard sporter accessories.

%(my comment) I wonder who the scope manufacturer is?  Anyone know?

%I heard that although these are "range selected" that they have
accuracy problems when compared to the standard Sporter Match HBAR. 
This persons opinion was that it was because of a different
manufacturing process for this nonmilitary version.

%(my opinion) I question the above reasoning as the only difference is
the top sight/handle which once attached (securely - I hope) should
not significantly change the integrity of the rifle.  However, if they
- COLT - were sloppy in the design of the machining tools to make this
model - then problems such as accuracy may occur.  Any opinions on
this?  Any experiences??


R6700		Sporter Competition HBAR 
$749 
		This model is the same rifle as the above R6700CH 
		only it does not have the extras.  It only comes with 
		the removable carry handle with iron sights 
		(weaver - type base mount) and the standard sporter 
		accessories.

%I would assume (my comment) that since the R6700CH is claimed to be
range selected and no mention of "range selection" is made for the 
R6700 that these would be the rejections from the "range selection"
process.  Thus these would be inferior accuracy (at worst) or unknown
accuracy (at best?) when compared to the R6700CH.  Good marketing???


R6601		Sporter Match HBAR
$749
		This is the "new" model of the standard Sporter Match 
		HBAR.  My understanding of the "new" is that these
		models can not be converted to a fully automatic.
		Comes with standard sporter accesories.

%(my comment)  I don't wish to own a fully auto - so this does not
affect me.

%I have heard comments (from same person as the R6700CH) that this
model is the most accurate of the COLT HBARs.  One other person at the
club I belong to said the same thing (he owns a number of these models
- both the old and new versions).


Standard Sporter Accesories: target sling, two magazines, cleaning kit.



All COLT HBAR models have counterbored muzzle and rifling twist of one
turn in 9".  I heard that one other manufacturer uses one turn in 12".

%I was told by a local NRA instructor (Army Reservest type) that the
1:9 is better on light bullets while the 1:12 is better for the
heavier.  Any comments on this?


R6222		.22LR conversion kit for .223 sporter
$160		contains conversion kit and one 10 round .22 magazine.

%I have heard that the accuracy is not that good for this and that the
.22LR shells will dirty the gun very much in comparison to the .223
shells.

%(my comment) I would like to use for short range shooting and for
teaching others how to shoot.  Of course not to mention the low cost.
Does anyone know of sources for additional .22 magazines for this
conversion kit - I have been unable to locate any sources?