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11/12/2013 7:40:57 PM EDT
Hi all!

I'm new here and relatively new to AR ownership.  I currently have a 16.5" Tavor and am about to receive a pre-ban Colt AR2 (6520).  Any special concerns or considerations I should keep in mind when it comes to this rifle?  The purpose is defense and of course, target shooting/enjoying using the rifle.

Thanks!
11/12/2013 9:15:14 PM EDT
[#1]
If you are going to use it for defense you'll need a light and a mount of some sort. With plastic hand guards your options are limited. So think about that.
11/13/2013 9:36:42 AM EDT
[#2]
Depending on the rounds fired of the noted AR carbine let's first talk about reliability, if the carbine is only lightly used less than 5K rounds, as a minimum, at least replace the bolt extractor spring and extractor insert (mil-spec black rubber type).

On my current Colt carbines (two 6920 and two 6721) I'm using extra power BCM extractor spring upgrade kits (but I'm not using the included O-ring), the extractor spring is made of more durable long life chrome silicon material and it increases extraction force for better reliability, I'm very satisfied with it.

If you don't want to go with extra power extractor spring, Colt current production copper/ gold color extractor springs are better than the old pre-ban Colt springs.

Another must have upgrade in my opinion and long experience is to replace the standard carbine buffer with a heavier H (heavy) buffer, it helps slow down the cyclic rate of the bolt group which improves reliability.

There are many ways of mounting a weaponlight for defense use, if you are keeping the original handguards there are mounts like Impact Weapons Components (IWC) that could be mounted on the top vent holes of the handguard or there are front sight mounts like the Midwest Industries (IWC & MI - links below).

If those mentioned light mounts does not appeal to you, you could also change the handguards with Magpul MOE handguards which have optional rails for mounting lights, if you like rails there are drop-in rails that installs the same as a standard handguards like Knight's Armament (KAC), MI, Samson, Troy, etc, go to AR15.com Equipment Exchange link at the top right corner of the web pages.

Here's some helpful links about the AR-15 platform, there's also a Colt Industry forum, click on Industry link (next to Hometown link) on top of the web page, then click on Colt.

Read the tacked threads on top of the Maintenance and Cleaning forum here.


AR15.com Maintenance and Cleaning Forum - link


AR-15 M16 Parts Diagram - link


AR15.com Articles - Guides - Parts Diagrams - Manuals - index link


US Army Technical & Maintenance Manual TM 9-1005-319-23&P - pdf format link


BCM Extractor Spring Upgrade Kit - link


Impact Weapons Components Light Mounts - link


Midwest Industries Tactical Light Mounts - link


11/13/2013 10:09:10 AM EDT
[#3]
Unless you want to do something special to it, leave it as is and shoot it.

Having an A2 fixed carry handle upper will limit your optic choices, if you decide to go that route.
11/13/2013 12:57:18 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Quoted:
Unless you want to do something special to it, leave it as is and shoot it.

Having an A2 fixed carry handle upper will limit your optic choices, if you decide to go that route.
View Quote


Get good mags and ammo.  And don't worry about everyone saying you NEED a flat top.  If you feel you need an optic there are ways of doing it.  Irons are fun too.  Especially when your young and your eyes are good.  You can get a mount that is made to fit in you FSB for a light if you want.  I have one and they work just fine.  

And oh, I would love to see it.  I like the 6520's.  There is an A2 subforum that doesn't get a whole lot of action and you could go and post in there.


Hey, SDRake, I watched that movie about a month ago.  Lost in translation.  It's on netflix.
11/13/2013 4:47:29 PM EDT
[#5]
6520 model has had a few minor changes over the years, but it is fine out of the box.  As far as I'm aware, the pre-ban will have a larger pivot pin and may have larger FCG pins.  Also check if there is a sear block before replacing things.  

The unimportant changes are hand guards and buffer.  There is no need to modify that rifle other than for personal preference.
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