The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - COLT CAR-15

Skans · January 15, 2013, 08:41 AM

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, 08:41 AM	#12
Skans Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Posts: 11,132	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.