20 Inch AR-which to select?

[Mexican Kerry]

I don't have much experience with these, but I had a 79? manufacture SP1. Great shooter (to me anyway) and nice and light. Sold it a year or so ago, now looking for another. I found a '75 (my birth year) but I need to save a bit of scratch before I can pick it up. Hopefully its still there!

 

[JohnRippert]

I prefer the A1 20 inch rifles. The slightly shorter stock, smooth grip, fully integral rear sight, thin barrel profile and triangle grip all work better for me.


This is a mostly Colt A1. 10-15 years ago CDNN was selling A1 uppers without a bolt carrier group or charging handle. They included a NOS Colt A1 buttstock assy and a Colt A1 grip in the package. I found a Colt FA BCG online and bought a RRA lower receiver and CH at a local show. Assembled them into this.

About ten years ago I was on the Equipment Exchange on another forum and someone was selling a SP1 minus the receiver. I snatched it up immediately. Recently I ordered a Nodak Spud 601 receiver for it. When they get the next batch of them made it will be coming my way. That one is going to be awesome.

 

[Engine49guy]

John Rippert thats exactly what Im missing in between my SP1 and HBAR.
I recall the M16a1 uppers back in the day for $300 IIRC but wasnt on my radar at the time,

Probably closest Im gonna get is the ones with a brass deflector for $ $750,
My guess is when Colt makes their retro run they will ask $1500+ per unit.
Hopefully since we are transitioning to a pro gun govt things will drop in price and become plentiful.

 

[hkcavalier]

I built mine. Both are 20" though one is A LOT heavier than the other!

 

[Iversn1]

correct me if I am wrong, the original Colt Sporters (70s) did not have forward assists or a dust cover?

Man would I love a A1 looking style rifle

 

[JohnRippert]

correct me if I am wrong, the original Colt Sporters (70s) did not have forward assists or a dust cover?

Man would I love a A1 looking style rifle

My SP1 upper has a dust cover but does not have a forward assist. It also has a birdcage flash hider and not the duckbill.

 

[vonn]

A1 gets my vote! A lot of AR types I see weigh as much as a M1 or M1A and for that weight I go for the more powerful ammunition.

 

[Iversn1]

A1 is very cool. Shot my FN A4 today and love it. ordered a colt too.

I think 20 inch ARs are an undeserved market. Lots of interest.

 

[Comrad]

That would depend on what state you live in. Some, like NJ have some restrictions that don't make a whole lot of sense but the law's law.
NJ doesn't allow any rifle that has AR as a designation. Manufacturers have special editions for states like this NY is another bad one and so is MA I am told. Hopefully you like in a state that's in America.

 

[Iversn1]

My two cents on the FN-15 and the Colt AR15A4:

Love both and like Colt a tad more just cause of the name but the FN was $100 cheaper. So I recommend both. FN-15 has been discontinued.