Hello Guys-I'm looking for some information about a carbine I just picked up.  It is an AR 15 A2 Sporter II s/n 304xxx.  It is slab sided, and has no sear block.  The upper is a Colt A2 carbine type with forward assist and A2 sights, with a 1/7 Colt barrel with the bayonet lug and flash hider with solid bottom.  The park finish matches for the entire rifle and is a medium grey.

The stock is a four position type adjustable.

Is this an original carbine or a made up one?  Any idea of the value?

Thanks

Sniper

[url]http://www.ar15.com/content/legal/serialNumberList.html[/url]

What's the prefix?

sorry, the prefix is SP

I'll venture it is made up, as the Sporter II I had new in '87 was a 20" w/A1 sights. The A2 stuff came out in very late '88 as the Gov't Model 20" w/A2 features and a "GS" serial prefix, and the Gov't Carbine with the "GC" serial prefix... I curently have a "GS" rifle, has the A2 upper features, but still maintained the A1' lower features, but does have the A2 grip.

I think the 1x7 barrel came on the Sporter II also, ut it has been to long (1988).

That's certainly possible.  The only problem with that hypothesis is that the left side of the receiver is marked Colt (right of the pony) over AR-15 A2 over cal. 223 over Sporter II over Ser. SP 304xxx

So the A2 part is original based upon the receiver markings.

Maybe a R6530 Sporter Lightweight?

Anyway, got any idea of what this piece is worth?

Sniper

Not sure of the value but my dad had a Colt Carbine, Slab Side Lower, A1 upper, no Fwd Assist, no shell deflector, pencil 16" bbl, and 2pos. aluminum telestock. Ordered it from a local dealer, Bought brand new in 83 for 385.00 (I was with him when he bought it). Hardly ever shot.. Man I wish I had that now!!!   John

Heres a quick history lesson on unusual Colt AR15A2s. What you have is a late 1980s green label Colt R6520. This is the transition model that came after the Colt carbine R6420(everything the same as your gun except it had A1 sights)and before the Colt R6520 Govt. Carbine. Your gun sounds correct except for the collapsable stock. It should be a plastic 2 position. One in unaltered mint condition goes for $1600.00+. Also Colt did make full size rifles marked AR15A2 Sporter II with A1 & A2 sights. These are model R6500s which later became the limited production Govt model with GS serial prefix. Colt does like to confuse us with their many variations of AR15s!

I had a R6420 AR15-A2 Sporter Carbine once. Standard weight 16" 1/7 twist, A1 rear sight, A2 front sight post, A2 flashider, 2 position stock. Wish I still had it.....

ChrisM, you said that the green label (non Gov't Carbine) R6520, in unaltered mint condition would fetch in the ballpark of $1,600.  How about the same condition R6420 (like the one SOF1 refers to), with the A1 sights?  Just curious.  Thanks

My experience has been that carbines with A1 sights dont bring quite as much money. Although with collector interest in these early carbines rising daily, condition may become more important than A2 sights!