I was wondering which models and years of Colt AR-15's are considered very good or the best? I have seen a 1993 R6601 for sale in mint condition, but these models seem to sell for less then others, is it because it's a sporter model, are the good features like magnetic barrel checking or blocking not available in this model? Blue box versus green box?Are these not mil spec parts? What are the things that I should look for? Sorry for the basic questions but I have searched all over and can't find specific post's or articles about this.

"BEST" is sort of a personal concept issue.  In COLT AR-15 rifles I have only pre-ban green labels.   I bought them new w/all the "EVIL" features, bayo lug, flash hider, & in the shorty's adj stocks.   I would think ALL COLTS sold to date have mil spec parts.   Magnetic bbl checking & blocking are new ones on me???    If it has to say Colt on it, might as well find a green label w/factory goodies.  If not there are very good, new rifles out now w/bayo lugs, flash hider, adj stock for a lot less money.  Good luck, ALLONS11

it is all a matter of preference.
My Colt Match Target has a small hole pivot pin (mil spec) but large hole trigger pins. My Sporter 2 has a large hole pivot and small hole trigger pins (mil spec)

My Match Target has a steel sear block pinned in place, my Sporter 2 does not have a block.

I believe today's Colts such as the 6400C "M4" and the 6920 "M4" are as close to the real deal as you can get. They still retain the large trigger pins though. (correct me if I am wrong)

Again, it is all a matter of preference. Large pin replacement parts are easy to get so it should not matter.

I would rather have the large hole trigger pins than the large hole pivot pin.

Or if you want all "mil spec" you can join the service... only joking... Other brands as Bushmaster/RRA have the "mil spec" sized pins.

Thanks for the reply's, I am too old for service nowhug.gif, but still like the feel of AR's. I should have mentioned that I am in Long Island, NY which is still covered by a AWB, so its either a restricted model or a preban, which is what I am looking for.

In that case if you really want a Colt get either...

a MT6601


a MT6400C


a MT6700


or the equivalent in Bushmaster or RRA

I have an RRA carbine and a Bushmaster 20". I was just looking for a Colt to keep them company and add to my collection. Thanks for the great pic's, can those Colts be sold in NY?

how is the 6400C different from a 6920?


ETA:
ok i found it, from the maryland ar15 shooters sight:

"Manufacturer/Model: Colt 6920 - a non-NFA version of the M4 witha 16" M4 type barrel.  The Colt 6400C is a 'AW Ban' compatible version of the 6920 for thos in 'AWB states'. The rifle will not have standard fire control parts - but it will have the extended feed ramps for reliable feeding and a host of other internal enhancements.  The 6920 is darn near perfect out of the box.  The only bad points about the 6400 are the price and the tacky faux telestock (which can be swapped).  This carbine also comes with the double sheilded M4 handguards and side sling adaptor."





ETA:


What that means to me is that in CB1s post that should be a 6920 instead of a 6400C.