Hello... I am new to the "new" AR15.com.  Mucho thanks to Goatboy for all the help.

I was wondering if any of you experienced pre-ban AR owners could shed any light on the Colt pre-ban AR's marked "Gov't Carbine."  The serial numbers that I obtained from this site say that GC018500 and below are pre-ban.  I have seen an AR with a serial in this range, and the lower receiver is marked "Gov't Carbine."  Obviously this is not really a gun made by Colt for the government, IMHO.  I mean why would they sell/buy single shot AR's when the M16 can be fired in single shot mode?

So I think the GC guns are just another name that Colt gave to a line of AR's, just like they named some "Sporter."

Does anyone know anything about the order in which GC AR's were produced?  Were they before or after the Sporter models?  When were they produced?  Is there any difference between the GC models and other AR's?  

Any kind of info like that would be appreciated.  I am thinking this gun might be a good one to buy.

Thanks in advance.

ARnSC

I believe the "Gov't Carbines" are the pre-ban equivalent of the current AR-15's issued to law-enforcement.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

Not all Govt Carbines are prebans, anything with serial number above GC018500, is LEO, believe me I found out the hard way.

Thanks guys, for the replies.  Garand_Shooter, I am in Lexington, SC about 16 miles west of the Capitol City of Columbia, SC.

You are probably right drfcolt.  The serial number list shows that "GC018500 and Below-Pre-Ban.  It doesn't mention anything above that number.  The one I saw was GC015xxx.  In excellent condition too.

Confederate... yikes.. what was "the hard way?"  I hate to think.... ARnSC

You a member of Mid Carolina Rifle Club? I can take you for a visit / shoot if you want.I live in the St. Andrews area (Lex Co.)
Scott

Hi Scott... Yep, my wife and I are members of MCRC.  But it has been so hot that we haven't been to the range the entire summer!  Goatboy reminded me that we need to shoot more, so we will hopefully get to the range soon.  

You live over across the Lake Murray dam from us.  We are just south of the dam off of Old Cherokee Road.  ARnSC