Posted: 10/5/2008 1:34:11 PM EDT
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I have a Colt SPII R6500 upper that I'm on the fence about selling or using for parts. What I'd like to know is, did Colt chrome line these barrels or not? In some of my research, I have come across things that suggest that they may have, even though they are not marked as such. But none of it has been definitive. Does anybody know for sure? Thanks. |
There should be a little "o" stamped on the receiver end of the barrel under the handguard which is the chrome vendor's proof mark. I believe they marked the chromed barrels as you indicated at one time, but abandoned that practice. |
I've looked several times for that little "O" & haven't found one yet. There are a couple of hash marks that look like more of a manufacturing goof up than a marking. Also, it has a "885" (August 1985) date code stamped under the gas tube, halfway between the FSB & the Reciever. Here's the hash marks:  Here's the front end of the barrel:  And the whole thing: 
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| My reference, "Black Rifle II" clearly states that the Model R6500 has a chromed lined barrel. The same reference says that the barrel should be stamped with the "o" under the handguard, but it also says that the "o" was a military requirement so perhaps some or all of the civvy ARs didn't get the stamp. My assumption would be that your barrel is properly chromed as confirmed by other posters with the same model. |
Actually, I think the "hash marks" are the "O" marking. I've seen some pretty sloppy ones. ~Augee |
good luck with that. you better think real hard about trying to swap front sites 
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I take it that the swap usually doesn't go so well. What are the pitfalls? |
| FSB are pretty much custom for the barrel they are on. no two are alike and its a real pain in the ass to swap out and get it to work. Most people just buy a new barrel with FSB already installed and change out that way. there are some places that can do what you want though but I can not tell you how well or badly it turns out |
I was afraid of something like that. And now that you mention it, I remember reading that there is a chance that the gas will leak if the FSB isn't custom fit to the barrel. I completely forgot about that. Hmm, decisions, decisions..................... |
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You can still use the A2 FSB if you really want to swap out to an A4 upper. It should still zero. The "F" marked FSB was intended for carbine length sights. Colt carbines, prior to the introduction of the "F" marked FSB on the M4 were all shipped with taller front sight posts, which can still be sourced from Bushmaster, among others. ~Augee |
Good deal, thanks!
Yeah, I intend to eventually use an optic on it (all my scopes have other rifles to call home at the moment), so the front sight will be a backup. But it's nice to know that the front sight is going to work.  Thanks to everybody for the help! 
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