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Posted: 10/8/2025 4:11:10 PM EDT
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Colt AR15 HBAR Sporter (1991) Do they have collector value? If the distance from a chambered round ogive to the barrel lands is excessive, is it better to replace the barrel with an aftermarket competition barrel or is it better to sell it as is and buy/build? I hear that re-machining the barrel to put the bullet jump distance in spec is not an option. Should I ask a gunsmith to turn key a barrel change? Should the existing front sight mount easily transfer to an after market barrel? I really don't have a good idea of how to proceed although it would be nice to have it shoot at least 1 MOA if not 1/2 MOA. |
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Front sights are not interchangable. They are married to the barrel they come with. While ban era colts are the least desirable they still have some value. Pass it off to someone instead of bubbaing it. Assuming you have the original lower as well and everything is in good condition you should be able to get ~$750 for it. |
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Originally Posted By Jake1989: Front sights are not interchangable. They are married to the barrel they come with. While ban era colts are the least desirable they still have some value. Pass it off to someone instead of bubbaing it. Assuming you have the original lower as well and everything is in good condition you should be able to get ~$750 for it. It’s not a ban era gun it’s a 1991 if what OP says is a accurate. The ban was 1994-2004. As far as OP, no way you’re going to get .5 MOA with your gun, but I suppose 1 MOA could be doable. OP, what makes you think bullet jump is too much? What exactly is the spec for that you say it doesn’t meet? Based on your expectations for accuracy and even mentioning that, do you have any real experience with AR15’s? |
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Originally Posted By CJH_MWC: Colt AR15 HBAR Sporter (1991) Do they have collector value? Some If the distance from a chambered round ogive to the barrel lands is excessive, is it better to replace the barrel with an aftermarket competition barrel or is it better to sell it as is and buy/build? Not likely to be a real issue. I hear that re-machining the barrel to put the bullet jump distance in spec is not an option. Correct, would cost far more in shop time than a new barrel would cost. Should I ask a gunsmith to turn key a barrel change? You absolutely can, but that may be a foolish choice. Should the existing front sight mount easily transfer to an after market barrel? No, as others have said. I really don't have a good idea of how to proceed although it would be nice to have it shoot at least 1 MOA if not 1/2 MOA. If you are looking for consistent sub-MOA, you would be far better of buying a complete upper that is built for precision. |
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I’m wondering if the OP is used shooting bolt guns where it’s common practice to get your bullet jump measured out when working up loads, or he’s being told by somebody that’s unfamiliar with AR’s that his bullet jump is excessive. The length of jump changes on the bullet type, i.e. weight, length, manufacturer, type of bullet, etc. Colt AR’s and most AR15’s are cut longer than bolt guns to account for this and allow reliable feeding as well as bullets being pushed back in their cases as they’re chambered. Anybody know what the dimension is that he’s talking about when he makes the claim that his barrel is out of spec? |
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Originally Posted By CJH_MWC: Colt AR15 HBAR Sporter (1991) Do they have collector value? If the distance from a chambered round ogive to the barrel lands is excessive, is it better to replace the barrel with an aftermarket competition barrel or is it better to sell it as is and buy/build? I hear that re-machining the barrel to put the bullet jump distance in spec is not an option. Should I ask a gunsmith to turn key a barrel change? Should the existing front sight mount easily transfer to an after market barrel? I really don't have a good idea of how to proceed although it would be nice to have it shoot at least 1 MOA if not 1/2 MOA. FWIW... Colts of that Era... had very, very deep throat lengths. They were so deep, that Federal made 80gr SMK loads at a OAL of 2.550" ( ? ) that only allowed single round loading. https://www.luckygunner.com/223-rem-80-gr-bthp-federal-match-20-rounds#reviews That said... how does it shoot ? |
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JAFOM.... Just another fat old man.
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Joined:
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Originally Posted By Trucker69: I’m wondering if the OP is used shooting bolt guns where it’s common practice to get your bullet jump measured out when working up loads, or he’s being told by somebody that’s unfamiliar with AR’s that his bullet jump is excessive. The length of jump changes on the bullet type, i.e. weight, length, manufacturer, type of bullet, etc. Colt AR’s and most AR15’s are cut longer than bolt guns to account for this and allow reliable feeding as well as bullets being pushed back in their cases as they’re chambered. Anybody know what the dimension is that he’s talking about when he makes the claim that his barrel is out of spec? The one and done post leads me to believe he’s trying to generate a little interest to sell it without using the EE that is inaccessible to him for now. I’m the perpetual skeptic.  ETA: I’m surprised that someone hasn’t said it belongs in the A2 forum and/or made reference to the defunct “preban” term boomers constantly throw around. |
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Originally Posted By gurn-blanston: How does it shoot? ^^^This is the only thing that matters. Is there an actual issue or just an opinion? If you really care have the bore scoped by someone with experience in looking at an active bore. In my experience this rifle, if unmolested, is already easily 1/2moa out to 300yrds with MK262 or equivalent . If you change the barrel it may not get any better with out dropping at least $5-800 for a new tube, which yes, will devalue it to collectors. Very few on arfcom or AR owners in general actually shoot any farther than 100yrds or more that five hundred rounds a year. That said the NATO chamber is 2.500" and a Wylde is 2.475", CLE and Kreiger match are 2.450" if memory serves, USAMU shoots NATO chambers and dominates the world. Decent surplus or commercial ammo has reasonably consistent neck tension which positively affects freebore jump. The only question that remains pertinent, 'how does it shoot'? When in doubt, have a good shooter shoot it. |
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Originally Posted By borderpatrol: All 5.56mm chambers have excessive bullet jump, it's designed that way to accept higher pressure ammo. Try some quality match grade ammo, you will probably be surprised how well it shoots as is. He hasn’t returned since posting…one hit wonder.
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