January 13, 2013, 11:04 PM | #1 |
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COLT CAR-15
I have a Colt CAR-15 that has the reciever marked '.223'
It says 'COLT CAR-15 Gov't Carbine .223' This is an older gun that was purchased in 1990. Do you know if it is ok to fire 5.56 through it? I am pretty sure I have with no issues. I know that guns marked 5.56 fire both 5.56 and .223 What do you think an original CAR-15 in excellent condition is worth?
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January 13, 2013, 11:31 PM | #2 |
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"Do you know if it is ok to fire 5.56 through it?"
Of course it's OK to fire 5.56 thru it. Same-Same. Value? Anyones guess at the moment. Hang onto it. Willie . |
January 14, 2013, 12:48 AM | #3 |
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You can but it's not advised. Rifles built to .556 can shoot .223 but not vice versa. Keep in mind that .556 ammo builds higher pressure's than the barrel that your rifle is designed for. Shoot .556 at your own risk.......
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January 14, 2013, 01:03 AM | #4 |
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+1 Stripeknight
A rifle with a .223 chamber isn't built to handle 5.56 pressures. Regular use of 5.56 ammo can damage your rifle. If it were marked "5.56 NATO" you'd be hunky dory to shoot either or through it.
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January 14, 2013, 01:11 AM | #5 |
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What does it say on the barre? I had an old Colt marked ".223" on the lower but the barrel itself was marked "5.56", and that's what matters.
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January 14, 2013, 01:21 AM | #6 |
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YEAH! It is stamped 5.56 on the barrel!!!!! Thanks for sending me in the right direction THEOHAZARD!!!
Never even realized the barrel was marked because my eye sight is ageing. I had to put on some magnifiers to read it!! I am good to go with any variation of ammo!!!!!! This place really does work!
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January 14, 2013, 01:51 AM | #7 |
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Great! Glad we could help! Yep, you're good to go with both 5.56 and .223.
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January 14, 2013, 07:17 PM | #8 |
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^^^ Gentlemen:
Anyone who thinks that Colt ever made a ".223" AR-15 that was chambered any differently than a 5.56mm AR-15 needs to find another hobby, because they are not smart enought to participate in this one. The entire 5.56 v/s .223 "controversy" is silly on it's face for any rifle, never mind a COLT manufactured AR-15 that uses the SAME barrels as military issue. Now... anyone else other than me ever see a .222 chambered AR-15? That's a different cartridge... Willie . |
January 15, 2013, 01:50 AM | #9 |
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.223 and 5.56 are not exactly the same. True, there are not many .223 rifles that shouldn't be used to shoot 5.56, but they do exist.
Colt has made many, many different versions of the AR-15 family over the last 50 years. Many are very different from their military M16 and M4 models. I still would assume all those barrels were rated for both .223 and 5.56, but I won't pretend I know that history well enough to say that for sure. According to you, anyone who doesn't know the complete history of the Colt AR-15 line isn't smart enough to participate in the hobby of shooting. Well, I guess that includes me: I carried a Colt for my four years in the Marine Corps infantry, I've owned several Colts starting from when I was 18, and I sell them for a living now. But because I can't say for sure that they've NEVER produced an AR-15 style rifle that was chambered in .223 only, apparently I need to find a new hobby and a new line of work, huh?
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January 15, 2013, 02:17 AM | #10 |
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Actually, you DO see AR's chambered in .222. All the time....
...because the original designation of the cartridge is .222 Remington Special.
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January 15, 2013, 04:51 AM | #11 |
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Willie, why would you say anyone who doesn's know shouldnt participate in the hobby? That is not an objective fair statement.
I carry a COLT LE6940 as my primary duty rifle and I am very proficient with it. I think it is a legitimate question to ask if a reciever is marked .223 on an older AR-15. I own four black rifles and only one is stamped .223 Definately worth clarification since there is a difference in the two rounds. So happens that my CAR-15 is a lightweight barrel with a lightweight cut out bolt carrier, so I wanted to be sure I was good to go and would not damage the rifle. Now I know thanks to some helpfull folks here! Glad your not the only one providing info here because in your book, I should not own a gun!
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January 15, 2013, 08:41 AM | #12 |
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I have a Colt CAR-15 that has the reciever marked '.223'. This is an older gun that was purchased in 1990.
I have one too - manufactured around 1981 and I purchased it around 1992 - No forward assist, solid aluminum sliding retractable buttstock, thinner chrome-lined barrel, no sear block and older style bolt carrier that registered lightning-link owners need to make their gun go full auto. That's what I think you are describing. It says 'COLT CAR-15 Gov't Carbine .223' - This may be a later model - does it have the heavier barrel? Do you know if it is ok to fire 5.56 through it? I am pretty sure I have with no issues. I know that guns marked 5.56 fire both 5.56 and .223 No problem - you can fire 5.56 through it all day long. What do you think an original CAR-15 in excellent condition is worth? The Colt CAR-15 (which is actually an SP1 variant) in 98% condition would probably sell for between $1,700 - $2,100 in the current market. |
January 15, 2013, 08:49 AM | #13 |
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"I have an AR that's marked 5.56 on the receiver". That marking means absolutely NOTHING.
It's what's on the barrel that counts. |
January 15, 2013, 01:44 PM | #14 |
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That's not entirely correct because there are lowers for 7.62 x 39, 9mm, and .45ACP as well.
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January 17, 2013, 01:31 PM | #15 |
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anyone else seen one in .222?
Yes. Several. They were made for export. the.222 is still very popular in Europe. Not to mention the very first Armalites.
One for up for auction right now. |
January 17, 2013, 01:49 PM | #16 | |
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Quote:
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January 18, 2013, 02:21 PM | #17 | |
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Quote:
Me thinks you need to re-think your attitude (and yes I am willing to be censured for these comments if the moderator thinks I am out of line as I feel it needs to be addressed). I would hope you are censored. We are here to learn and the OP asked a legitimate question and you should NEVER assume. IT could have a different barrel on it as unlikely as that is and be a 223. Colt may have made 223s YOU did not know about. |
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January 19, 2013, 02:47 PM | #18 | |
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I think this might help clear things up.
Quote:
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January 19, 2013, 07:55 PM | #19 |
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And as for Colt NEVER selling AR rifles in .223, they did in the late 1950's and early 1960's before the .5.56 cartridge was developed for military use.
Back then the full-auto rifle was called the AR-15 and it was chambered for the Remington .223 cartridge. It was only after the military decided to buy the rifle as the M16 did they develop the military 5.56 cartridge. |
February 3, 2013, 05:37 PM | #20 |
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.223 vs 5.56
Guys,
Most all/ if not all Military style AR15 rifles that say .223 are in effect 5.56. Including Mini 14's. Not true for Bolt Actions. Found that out shooting Portugese .308 in a Remington Model 7. All Military rounds are overpressured in tight chambers of rifles chambered in Civilian Cartridges. My 700 Remington shot all over the place with 7.62x51, the few rounds I fired. Taught me a lesson. DON'T DO IT. P.S. Colt stole the AR 15 from Eugene Stoner when he couldn't meet the contract for the Military. The government wanted Colt to make them. The Air Force was issued the first AR 15's in 1962 and they were semi-auto. We destroyed Bunkers full of M1 Carbines to get the AR 15. Slammed the Blast Doors on the middle of them. Last edited by coltcollector; February 3, 2013 at 05:43 PM. |
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