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Colt CAR A3 HBAR Elite
hughbetcha
Member Posts: 7,801 ✭✭✭
I'm building a custom AR flat top. I have a chance to buy a lower receiver from a Colt CAR A3 HBAR Elite for 200.00 I am told the trigger on this receiver is match grade. Is this true? How much value should I allow for the trigger?
Is there anything else about this receiver that would be superior to a standard Bushmaster receiver?
Is there anything else about this receiver that would be superior to a standard Bushmaster receiver?
Comments
Greg [8D]
Advanced Member
USA
8491 Posts
Posted - 05/11/2010 : 8:47:01 PM Show Profile Email Poster Reply with Quote
I'm building a custom AR flat top. I have a chance to buy a lower receiver from a Colt CAR A3 HBAR Elite for 200.00 I am told the trigger on this receiver is match grade. Is this true? How much value should I allow for the trigger?
Is there anything else about this receiver that would be superior to a standard Bushmaster receiver?
EVERYTHING
You say that you were offered the lower for $200. Either you were offered it for $200, or you weren't. So, the question about the value of it's trigger does not compute.
An AR lower primarily just holds parts together. Most manufacturers have made changes to their lowers throughout production. Without seeing photos of the exact parts in question, it's hard to say. But, sight unseen, I would likely choose a Colt part over another, if I were assembling a mixed parts rifle.
Neal
The Colt CAR A3 HBAR Elite is currently in production. Colt advertises the trigger as "match". At the least, it will be better than their "standard" trigger.
You say that you were offered the lower for $200. Either you were offered it for $200, or you weren't. So, the question about the value of it's trigger does not compute.
An AR lower primarily just holds parts together. Most manufacturers have made changes to their lowers throughout production. Without seeing photos of the exact parts in question, it's hard to say. But, sight unseen, I would likely choose a Colt part over another, if I were assembling a mixed parts rifle.
Neal
+1.
I think the question is how much would the Colt trigger unit be worth if it were removed from the gun.
Since they're very rarely actually sold seperately that way, I can't answer that, but $200 for an entire assembled Colt lower is a great price, and I'd take it.
Now point in fact, is a Colt lower really "better" than a Bushmaster one in any way OTHER than the name/perception? Arguably the Colt ones have better quality control, and *maybe* they're tougher (though probably not).
The real question is, if I were to swap them in a secret Folgers challenge would you notice?
Probably not.
But all else being equal, the word "Colt" is still worth something.
I'm building a custom AR flat top. I have a chance to buy a lower receiver from a Colt CAR A3 HBAR Elite for 200.00 I am told the trigger on this receiver is match grade. Is this true? How much value should I allow for the trigger?
Is there anything else about this receiver that would be superior to a standard Bushmaster receiver?
thanks for your input guys.
The lower is complete in that it has trigger group installed, magazine catch assembly, no grip, no safety etc.. It is well used. the previous owner said he had gone through two barrels on the uppers he has used with the gun.
I am considering buying matched set of upper and lowers from a company such as SI or Sun Devil. I have to think the trigger group is worth something, but I dont really know. I compared the "match" trigger to a standard Bushmaster trigger and couldnt tell much of a difference.
II couldnt tell much differencebetween the colt and bushmaster side by side but I thought I'd get opinions. I prefer Colt myself but that perception may be based on old infor.
If it is as he describes an "HBAR Elite", wouldnt it preban and there for have large pins?
Its still a great buy as demand for pre ban lowers and rifles are good.
EDIT:
I see now, for some reason Colts calling a 24" match version of the Colt AR-15, CAR. Thats confusing
That description does not, to me translate to "good deal".
If I were you and I simply have to have this receiver, I would offer the guy $100 because it has been through maybe 15,000-20,000 rounds of ammo. That's too much usage and possible wear. There most likely is no way you can realistically mic the thing to determine how much wear this lower receiver has. Again, if you simply must have it, get a ten power loupe/magnifier, clean the receiver well and eyball this thing for hairline cracks, especially up in the front and rear areas around the take-down pin holes. Check it out for cracks all over. If you find even one crack, don't buy it; it can't be fixed (properly, anyway) and don't let anyone tell you different. There's a reason the guy is selling the receiver and it probably is because he's worn it out and is trying to recoup his investment by passing it off on someone else as a "genuine Colt". A junk Colt receiver is as bad as any other junk receiver. Plus, you're out the transfer fee, too.
As for me, even with no cracks, I would question whether the thing is worth $100, regardless of who made it and I wouldn't buy it. As for Colt vs. Bushmaster, DPMS, Olympic or other reputable maker, I'd rather have a new one of these other brands than a possible Colt clunker. And, you can buy new ones of those brands all day for $200.
As for the "match" trigger assembly, if it has been squeezed of 15-20k rounds as well, then it definitly questionable.
There's really no use for you to inspect this receiver and trigger very closely; you're amost certainly not equipped to do the inspection properly.
Just pass on it and buy a good Bushmaster, DPMS or one of the others.
What I did find is that the Colt receiver is heavier, has thicker sidewalls in the magazine well and is slightly heavier all the way back to rear takedown pin. I didn't actually put a micrometer on it, but I can tell by eyeballing it that it's thicker than the Bushmaster.
Also, in front of the rear takedown pin the "forbidden zone" where the auto sear might fit is much thicker on the Colt than the Bush and even has an additional piece of cross support built in. Whether this support is designed to make auto conversion harder or not, I think it would also make the entire receiver more rigid.
Finally, i decided to put a trigger gauge on the Colt match trigger and on my Bushmaster. Comparing the two by pulling the trigger was not the best way to compare. they both felt about the same. But when I secured the receiver on a stand and used the gauge there was considerable difference. The Colt trigger measured about 3.5 lbs. and the Bushmaster was about 6.