ok so heres the deal... this guy has a colt match target heavy barrel... he says he bought it 9 yrs ago... and it is post ban... has a heavy barrel with a 1 in 9 twist ,,,,, he claims it is a national match... however i examined rifle and the handguards did not appear free floated... the barrel twist was 1/9 instead of 1/8... but the 1 thing i was confused about was the barrel by the front sight said DCM or CMP... i know what both these stand for as most of you too... but i can't remember which... i think DCM ...anyway...question is ...did they "COLT" in 1995 offer a special edition gun with these marking on the barrel? and if so... in unfired condition A3 model... is it worth $900... that's what he want with 2 ten rounds clips, original packing... new condition,,,, lost paperwork... would appreciate any insight to this rifle... thanks...

thanks... what i was wondering is if all colt barrels are marked CMP or if just limited editions???? it did'nt seem to have any extra's... like a free floated barrel..... what would make this match target have this mark?    just wondering if the rifle is plain jane or a early national match rifle... thanks for the feedback...

With the exception of the Colt 24" accurized model I don't think Colt ever Free Floated a barrel.

Mine is a Hbar I belive the Match Target barrel is not Hbar profile but is reduced weight/diameter underneath the handguards.

Most likely it's a sear blocked oversized trigger pinned Post Ban Colt.

For $900 you could get yourself a real DCM rifle from Rock River Arms, with free floated upper and National Match 1/4 MOA sights, and 2-stage DCM match trigger. It would be a much better shooter.

It should describe the gun model etc. on the label on the end of the original Colt box it came in.

The C MP you describe stamped on the barrel refers to Manufacturer and Manufacturing stampings, not that it is a CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program) or DCM (the earlier Director of Civilian Marksmanship Program) edition.

The "C" indicates the barrel was manufactured by Colt Industries.

The "MP" indicates this barrel was "magnetic particle tested" or magnafluxed.

The described stamping is usually followed by additional info, including caliber (5.56 NATO), twist rate (1/9), and possibly barrel configuration (HB) and/or chrome bore.

Refer to http://www.biggerhammer.net/ar15/barrelbolts/ for a full description with adult-oriented photos (barrels, bolts, and carriers!).

you guys have excellent information!!!! thanks alot!!!! i am an old dog at old milsurps, but the black gun is fairly new to me...i got me a bushmaster carbine, from a friend... for a good deal... i did'nt particularly want a colt, but thought it might be an early limited edition because the guy said it was and the "CMP" mark baffled me a bit... i thank you much for clearing it up for me.... my next ar i think will be an OLYMPIC and i will free float it with the armalite 3 piece fiberglass handguard... Gotta love these black guns!!!! i'm hooked...