Colt AR-15 Serial number, YEAR? Colt AR-15 A-2 Sporter Govt Carbine.223 Assault Rifle sn GC003716 Only info I can get is it was made prior to 1978, as sn. Colt ar15 serial numbers. Colt AR-15 A2 Gov't Carbine R6520 Pre-Ban.223. Description: Colt AR-15 A2 Gov't Carbine in.223 Remington. 16' barrel with bayonet lug, 1:7 twist. 2-position collapsible stock with sling. 800M Adjustable rear sight. No box, so whether it was a green or blue box I do not know. This is As-New, maybe fired a handful of times. The year/serial numbers under Colt SP series was forwarded to me by an individual whose return address I no longer have. Double asterisk (.) under Bushmaster, a person on the internet e-mailed me that he had a lower that was shipped stripped (thus not a complete rifle) in 1991 from Bushmaster with serial #0327XX – ALWAYS CALL TO VERIFY. I have a Colt Gov't Carbine, I think I purchased it new in the early 90's Its serial number is GC02091X. On the front sight is says 609, on the barrel it says 2/95 under the handguars and it is stamped C MP556NATO 1/7 It has a pinned sear block that says COLT, 2 position plastic CAR stock, extractor has a blue insert.

Colt Commercial Variants

Click here for definitions of the terms used in this table.

1 - Colt built several thousand 'bastardized'AR-15's using different lower receivers but the same model number. Dependingon the date of manufacture it may have an A1 or an A2 lower receiver.There doesn't seem to be a definitive list of which rifles have which receiver,or when Colt began using strictly A2 receivers for their AR-15's.

Colt M16 Rifle Models

Definitions

Barrel terms

HBAR: Heavy BARrel,Heavy Barrelled AR, Heavy Barrelled Automatic Rifle, Heavy Barrel AssaultRifle
.223: .223 Remington, 5.56 x 45 mm NATO cartridge
9x19mm: 9 mm Parabellum cartridge
.22 LR: .22 Long Riflerimfire cartridge
1:7': Riflingin the barrel twists clockwise, with any one groove making a complete revolutionevery seven (7)
inches (178 mm).
1:9': Riflingin the barrel twists clockwise, with any one groove making a complete revolutionevery nine (9)
inches (229 mm).
1:10': Riflingin the barrel twists clockwise, with any one groove making a complete revolutionevery ten (10)
inches (254 mm).
1:12': Riflingin the barrel twists clockwise, with any one groove making a complete revolutionevery twelve
(12) inches (305 mm).

Barrel contour/slip ring/handguard terms

Standard: Original thin barrelstyle. Did not stand up to prolonged firing very well giving reducedaccuracy.
A2: Later style of barrel that was tapered at the front sight to thicken theexposed barrel. Apparently to
strengthen the barrel to avoid bending when G.I.'s used it as a pry bar.
HBAR: Lateststyle of barrel that is the same thickness the enitre length through, ratherthan just the exposed
section. Stands up to heat well and gives better accuracy.
HBAR
stepped: New barrel for the M4 carbine designed specifically with a 'step' to accomodatethe M203 grenade
launcher.
Straight: Slip ringretainer between the handguard and the upper receiver that has a straightcylindrical shape.
Typically found only on early AR-15 and M-16 rifles with A1 upper receivers.
Tapered: Slip ring retainer between the handguard and the upper receiver that hasa slight conical shape. Used on
all new AR-15 and M-16 rifles.
Smooth
triangular: The original handguard usedon early AR-15 and M-16 rifles. Still commonly seen today, not usedon
newer rifles. The handguard is a smoothened triangle shape with vent holesat the top.
Ribbed
cylindrical:Newerhandguard used on all modern AR-15 and M-16 rifles. Cylindrical ratherthan triangular, it has
vertical ribs along the entire length of the handguard for better grip. Vent holes are along the top and
bottom.
Ribbed
shorty:Identicalto the Ribbed cylindrical handguard found on modern AR-15 and M-16 rifles,the shorty
handguard differs only by being shorter to accomodate shorter barrel lengths.
Smooth
cylindrical: Special handguard found only on the7' barrel of the 9mm Model 633. It has no ribs and is smooth
along its entire length.
Square
LMG:Bulky square handguard used on the M16A2 MachineGun to vent heat as efficiently and quickly as
possible. Has several holes in the top and bottom to accomodate specialattachments such as a vertical
foregrip and carrying handle.

Flash hider terms

3-prong: Vietnam-era flash suppressorwith three slits and an open front end. Soon changed to closed endafter
vegetation frequently got caught in the prongs.
Birdcage:Newerstyle of flash suppressor that has six openings with a closed front end. Changed to A2-style to
prevent dust kickup when firing.
A2-style:LatestColt flash suppressor that has five openings (two to either side, two diagonallyupwards, and one up) and
a closedfront end. The lack of holes in thebottom of the suppressor avoids kicking up dust when firing.
Vortex: A highly efficient flash suppressor that eliminates all muzzle flash evenfrom very short barrels. Typically
four-pronged and 1/2' longer than the 3-prong suppressor. Newer modelshave the prongs twisted
slightly counterclockwise.

Sight style terms

A1: Original style rear sight that was adjustable for windage only. Adjustmentsrequired the use of a tool or
bullet tip. Flip-type aperatures for short and long-range shootingare provided, the ranges depending on
the firearm.
A2:Newer style rear sight that is adjustable forwindage and elevation up to 800 meters, and requires no tools
for adjustment.

Receiver terms

A1: The original, non-reinforced, slab-sided lower receiver with the exposed magazine release button. Easily recognizable by the smooth right side. Usually accompanied by a straight pistol grip.
A2: Newerlower receiver with reinforcing around the magazine well and a 'fence'around the magazine release button.
Flattop: New style of receiver that lacks the carry handle. Allows for themounting of a wide variety of optical
sighting devices and accessories.

Grip terms

Straight: First production pistol grip. Was straight and had no notches or contours for the fingers or the hand.
Grooved: Later production pistol grip, nowstandard on all new AR-15 and M-16 rifles. Slightly thicker gripwith
a notch for the middle finger for a better grasp.

Last Modified on September 24, 1999
aalbert@biggerhammer.net

Colt Ar-15 A2 Gov T Carbine Serial Numbers For Sale

This article describes the many variations of the Colt AR-15 and M16 rifle family of weapons produced by Colt's Manufacturing Company. Weapons patterned on the original ArmaLite AR-15 design have been produced by numerous manufacturers and have been used by nations around the world, some of which created their own variations. The tables here are split in a variety of categories, and provide an overview of different subtypes. For purposes of these tables, bold model numbers are weapons used (or previously used) by the U.S. Military while italic model numbers are weapons for commercial or export sale. See Glossary of terms for an explanation of each column.

• 1Colt military models
• 2Colt civilian models
• 3Glossary of terms

Colt military models[edit]

Colt has been the most visible producer of ArmaLite AR-15 pattern weapons, and the military designations M16 & M4 are heavily associated with the company. Colt has an intricate internal nomenclature system for its models, with a variety of suffixes and prefixes. Colt’s systems have generally followed the times and though its model numbers originally came without prefixes, with the need to separate weapons made for civilian consumption from those made for military and law enforcement use, military models became prefixed with the code 'RO'. For the purposes of this table, the RO nomenclature is obviated as this terminology did not exist in all cases, but it can be understood to be present. Military/LE models are also easily identified by their three digit code in contrast to the four digit codes for civilian weapons.

Colt Armalite AR-15[edit]

The original Armalite AR-15 have the charging handle located on top of the upper receiver, protected within the carrying handle.

Colt M16 rifle based weapons[edit]

Colt military models without model numbers[edit]

In rare instances some Colt models have been produced without in house model numbers, or at least one which is readily apparent.

Diemaco/Colt Canada models[edit]

The Canadian company Colt Canada (formerly Diemaco) licensed production of a rifle (Colt Model 715) and carbine (Colt Model 725), but later went on to produce an entire line of AR-15/M16 pattern weapons developed independently. In May 2005, Colt's Manufacturing Company acquired Diemaco, and the name was changed to Colt Canada.

Non-factory military models[edit]

Colt civilian models[edit]

Colt’s civilian line of semi-automatic Colt AR-15 rifles is identified by a four digit code following a specific prefix. Initially all Colt civilian weapons were listed with an “R” prefix, with this changing to “AR” following the passage of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban in 1994. Colt also produced a line of weapons aimed at target shooters under the “MT” prefix, which stood for Match Target, as well as, the Colt Accurized Rifle, which was the only model to feature the CR prefix. Most recently with the shift in marketing policy by Colt Defense, these weapons have been given the “LE” and 'LT' prefix. The 'LT' series is modified version of the Colt 6720 featuring a lightweight 'pencil' barrel with a free floating rail system. Only 1500 of the 'LT' series were produced. Currently, Colt Defense has no line targeted specifically at the private civilian market.

R series models[edit]

AR series models[edit]

MT and CR series models[edit]

LE series models[edit]

LT series models[edit]

Glossary of terms[edit]

Stock[edit]

Fixed Stocks

• A1: Fixed stock as used on M16 and M16A1. May or may not have a trapdoor to store a cleaning kit
• A2: Improved stock used on M16A2. Longer by 5/8'
• Tubular: Fixed tubular buttstock, similar to the 2nd Generation retractable unit, using a receiver extension and triangular rear with buttplate

Retractable Stocks

• 1st Generation: 2-position sliding stock that resembled a shortened fixed buttstock
• 2nd Generation: 2-position aluminum retractable stock
• 3rd Generation: 2-position fiberlite retractable stock. Introduced 1985
• Canadian 3rd Generation: 4-position fiberlite retractable stock fitted with rubber buttpad
• 4th Generation: 4-position nylon retractable stock. Introduced 2002, designed by Picatinny Arsenal engineer Lily Ko with reinforced ribs, an angled buttplate, and a rear sling swivel
• Retractable ACR: Similar in design to the so-called 'Crane Stock' (initially fabricated by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division) essentially a 3rd generation unit with integrated cheek-rest
• FPW Wire: Retractable wire stock similar in appearance to the stock used on the M3 submachine gun
• Israeli: Rebuilt 3rd Generation stocks with 6 positions instead of 2

Handguards[edit]

• Triangular: Triangular rifle handguards
• Short Triangular: Carbine length triangular handguards
• Round: Smooth round rifle handguards^{[citation needed]}
• Short Round: Carbine length smooth round handguard
• Ribbed: Ribbed round rifle handguards
• Short Ribbed: Carbine length ribbed handguards
• Square LMG: Special heavy handguards with integral vertical grip for use during sustained fire
• FF Tube: Free-Float Tube
• M4: Oval carbine handguards with double heatshields
• Rail System: Handguards are replaced with a Rail Integration System.
• Monolithic Rail Platform (MRP): A variant Rail System made by LMT. It has a free-floating barrel for greater accuracy.

Fire control[edit]

• S-1: The selector is Safe (S) – Semi-Automatic (1)
• S-F: The selector is Safe (S) – Fully Automatic (F)
• S-1-F: The selector is Safe (S) – Semi-Automatic (1) – Fully Automatic (F)
• S-1–3: The selector is Safe (S) – Semi-Automatic (1) – 3-Round Limiter (3)
• S-F-1–3: The selector is Safe (S) – Fully Automatic (F) – Semi-Automatic (1) – 3-Round Limiter (3). First Generation 4 position group
• S-1–3-F: The selector is Safe (S) – Semi-Automatic (1) – 3-Round Limiter (3) – Fully Automatic (F). Second Generation 4 position group

Rear sight[edit]

• A1: 'Field sights' in which the rear sight is only adjustable for windage
• A2: Rear sight adjustable for both windage and elevation
• Flattop: Indicates carry handle and rear sight has been replaced with a MIL-STD-1913 rail. A detachable carry handle can be attached to the rail which features either A1 (Diemaco/Colt Canada) or A2 (Colt) sights
• Weaver: Indicates carry handle and rear sight has been replaced with a Weaver-type rail. A detachable carry handle can be attached to the rail which features either A1 (Diemaco/Colt Canada) or A2 (Colt) sights

Barrel Profile[edit]

• ArmaLite Early ArmaLite AR-15 ultra-lightweight 'Hollywood' turned-down profile barrel, 1:14 twist only
• A1: Also referred to as the 'lightweight' or 'pencil' profile. Government-specified barrel profile increased to between 0.675 and 0.575 inches
• A2: Also referred to as the 'government' or 'gov't' profile. Barrel profile for which the portion of the barrel in front of handguards is thickened to 0.715 inches
• HBAR: A barrel that in some portion is thicker than government-profile, usually underneath the handguards
• M4: Government barrel profile with small portion reduced to 0.575 inches to mount M203 grenade launcher
• M4 HBAR: M4 barrel with portion under handguard thickened for sustained automatic fire
• Super Heavy: Special Colt bull target/match barrel
• SFW: Special Forces Weapon profile, A2 profile with 'fat' portion forward of the sight triangle

Barrel twist[edit]

Note: Metric measurements are rounded upwards to the nearest digit.

Colt Ar-15 A2 Gov T Carbine Serial Numbers List

• 1:14: 1 right hand twist every 14 inches (356 mm) .222 Remington or .223 Remington (US M193)
• 1:12: 1 right hand twist every 12 inches (305 mm) .223 Remington (US M193) or 7.62×39mm
• 1:10: 1 right hand twist every 10 inches (254 mm) 9×19mm NATO
• 1:9: 1 right hand twist every 9 inches (229 mm) .223 Remington & 5.56×45mm NATO
• 1:7: 1 right hand twist every 7 inches (178 mm) 5.56×45mm NATO (NATO SS109 & US M855)

Muzzle device[edit]

• Type 1 Duckbill: Original three-prong flash hider
• Type 2 Duckbill: Also referred to as 'three prong.' A larger three-prong flash hider
• A1 or A1 Birdcage: Also referred to as Birdcage flash hider
• A2 or A2 Compensator: Birdcage flash hider with bottom slots closed off to act as muzzle compensator and to prevent dust from being blown into the shooters face while in the prone position
• 3.5' Moderator or 4.5' Moderator: Either the 3.5-inch or 4.5-inch baffled moderators
• Conical: A conical flash suppressor
• ACR Compensator: Special anti-rise muzzle device developed specifically for the Colt ACR
• Factory Compensator: Colt Factory muzzle brake compliant with the restrictions of the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban

References[edit]

• Bartocci, Christopher R. (2004). Black Rifle II: The M16 into the 21st Century. Cobourg, Canada: Collector Grade Publications Inc. ISBN0-88935-348-4.
• Dockery, Kevin. Special Warfare Special Weapons. Chicago, IL: Emperor's Press, 1997. ISBN1-883476-00-3.
• Gervasi, Tom. Arsenal of Democracy III: America's War Machine, the Pursuit of Global Dominance. New York, NY: Grove Press, Inc, 1984. ISBN0-394-54102-2.
• Long, Duncan. The Complete AR-15/M16 Sourcebook. Boulder, CO: Paladin Press, 2001. ISBN0-87364-687-8.
• Stevens, R. Blake; Edward C. Ezell (2004) [1987]. The Black Rifle: M16 Retrospective. Modern U.S. Military Small Arms (Second Enhanced ed.). Cobourg, Canada: Collector Grade Publications Inc. ISBN0-88935-115-5.

See also[edit]

Colt Ar-15 A2 Gov T Carbine Serial Numbers Chart

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