Colt AR15 terminology

dude1951

Colt describes their AR's using "Target" "Sporter" "Match" "Competition" Is there really any real difference in these guns.......other than barrel size or stock type. Are the triggers and internal parts the same or has some of them had "finer" tuning at the factory??

nmyers

First, the term "AR-15" is copyright by Colt, & applies primarily to their Sporter 1 & Sporter 2. The rule is, the model is whatever is stamped on the lower receiver by Colt. So, if the rifle doesn't say "AR-15", it's an AR, or AR-type, or AR-clone, or whatever.

Yes, the model names are precise & significant. They describe the configuration, although they are not specific enough to know the exact meaning; for that, you have to look it up in a book or on a website. Also useful is the Colt model number, printed on the box label but not the rifle inself.

You also need to consider that the term "AR-15" was used to define so-called semiautomatic assault weapons in federal law, sometimes also in state law. So, Colt need to name their models anything but AR-15.

Neal