New to me Colt Match Target, got a few questions?
I just recently bought a Colt Match Target, 20" A2, no flash hider and no bayo lug. I want to have it threaded for the flash hider and I have a non colt front sight w/bayo lug I want to have installed. I'm gonna get my gunsmith to duracoat the FSB to better match the coating on the rest of the rifle. Is there somewhere I could order an actual Colt FSB w/bayo lug, to keep the rifle all Colt? I want it to be more similar to the Colt I was issued at boot camp in the Marines in the early 90's. Will I be killing the value on this gun or actually enhance it? I got it for what I think is a pretty good deal, I don't see alot of Colt A2's in my area. What do you guys think?
You are doing the same thing I'm doing with my target match I picked up a couple of months ago. You will probably not change the value either way. A purist would say you were hurting the value, but unless it is basically new in the box it is not much as a collector piece. But most guys usually aren't going to pay more for a barrel that has been threaded and bayonet lug changed out, unless it is a pre-ban model. You might get alittle more for it, but unless it was a steal probably not enough to cover the cost of the work you want done. The full sized A2s just dont bring much interest. I've seen a couple of them on the EE fairly recently that had asking prices that were fairly low and some didn't sell.
You will also have to preferably find a new FSB since the pin holes probably are not going to line up correctly and it's hard to not egg the holes out some with a used FSB. So are you going to be happy with a FSB that has been painted and has holes that might not look like factory ones. (Check out the retro forum and there is a turtorial from NDS that goes through how to install a used FSB on a new barrel to understand what I am trying to say - Here is the link
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_123/554429_FSB_mounting_tutorial___re_post__.html)
Here is another idea, find a Colt or FN A2 barrel on the EE or gunbroker that is already threaded and has the bayonet lug. You pay more but figure what the threading job and replacement for the FSB as well as finding a Colt FSB. Also you can always either sell the neutered barrel or you can save it to put back on if you even decide to sell it.
Here's a link to my post from awhile back and how I'm going for the same thing
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_127/553333_New_A2_addition.htmlIt would de-value the rifle, possibly considerably, considering the actual quality of the work you have done. . As stated above just buy a Colt A-2 barrel or even an FN and either sell the Match target or keep it for the original rifle. You won't lose anything this way or waste the coins on labor. Ohio Ordnance Works had basically new excellent condition FN's pretty reasonable and they get in a lot of Colt's also from time to time. I bought a Colt A-2 off EE for $165 in the last year. Guessing a Service Rifle shooter had put some rds through it. Still shoots pretty darn good. Not as accurate as my new Service rifle stuff but considering $500 vs $1500 it's pretty darn good. Bet it will cost you $150 or more to cut thread and install a correct FSB after purchasing a FSB and FH on your existing barrel.
Yeah, my gunsmith said $125 on threading the barrel, I already have a FSB I took off another rifle years ago. After reading these two replies to my questions, I think I'll just get another barrel. Thanks for the links FA Gunner, they were very helpful.
Hope you get it setup soon. I still haven't had a chance to get my barrel changed out yet, but maybe in the next week or two I'll have it done and can get out to the range. I picked my A2 barrel up off the EE about two years ago for my A2 build, it was NIW and only cost me alittle over $200. The 20" A2 Colt's are a bargin in the market in the market right now, everyone wants the M4 style.
I only paid $750 for mine and I think I got a pretty good deal. Mine does have the large front pin attaching the upper and lower so it may just be easier for me to get a barrel setup as opposed to the complete upper.
I intend to shoot the HBAR out before swapping. Why waste such a great barrel? Missing a flash hider and bayo lug is nothing to me at the moment. If I ever need to replace it, well then I'll probably get a government profile barrel with said attachments..
you will reduce it's value when you "convert" it to something other than it's original configuration as you have described....<><....:)
I have a nice shiney quarter that says the Colt Match Target series will never have a collectors value the way other Colt AR's do. Every person I have ever met that had one, was looking for ways to restore it's banned features, including me. The above info is sound, just not from a "Collectors" stand point. It's more about the time and cost of turning the Ban barrel into a no ban. Just buy a suitable barrel, a Colt barrel would be the best choice. But they usually are a little pricey when found. If you have a garage, you can do the job yourself and save some cash.
Originally Posted By retroangles:
I have a nice shiney quarter that says the Colt Match Target series will never have a collectors value the way other Colt AR's do. Every person I have ever met that had one, was looking for ways to restore it's banned features, including me. The above info is sound, just not from a "Collectors" stand point. It's more about the time and cost of turning the Ban barrel into a no ban. Just buy a suitable barrel, a Colt barrel would be the best choice. But they usually are a little pricey when found. If you have a garage, you can do the job yourself and save some cash.
What he said.
If you keep your rifle original.... and you are the only person on the face of the planet to do so, then your rifle would become more valuable.
Match Targets are not collectors items (I have owned them.... still do).
I would have it threaded and a new FSB installed if that is what I wanted to do.
Sure isn't going to hurt the value by doing that.
In fact, it would make for an easier sale if you ever did want to let it go.
Well I had the barrel turned this morning and had the flash hider put on. Looks like factory. I traded the gunsmith some parts I had laying around in the safe and had no use for, so it only cost me 75 bucks. The holes on the aftermarket FSB didn't line up so i told him just to put the old one back on. I found on Copes Distributing sight Colt M16A1 front sight blocks for $44, anyone have any experience with these? Should the holes line up with my newer Colt rifle? Thanks for all the help and comments so far guys.
On one of mine I ended up installing a free float rail with a new YMH bolt on flip up front sight w/ bayo lug. It is also threaded and has a flash hider.
Holes on used drilled FSB's rarely line up with different barrel. Still should be able to make work.
Get a new barrel - maybe an A2 government profile Colt if you can fine one, if you want to keep it all-colt. It is not worth the effort to change the front site.
Personally, I would get an Armalite A2 barrel, 20 or 16 inches.
Also the A1 FSB are for the lightweight profile, the barrel dia is smaller under the FSB than on the A2 barrels, so it will not fit your barrel.
Under my front sight block the barrel is .750. I tried a new block on it I had off of a Del Ton upper and it fit just fine, but the pin holes didn't quite line up.
You can get new, undrilled FSBs. If you are not hung up on it being a Colt FSB, I know j&T sells them for not too much.
On another note I got my barrel on my match target today and now looks the way it should.
