COLT SPORTER TACTICAL UPGRADE | AR-15

COLT SPORTER TACTICAL UPGRADE | AR-15 RIFLE UPGRADE

COLT SPORTER TACTICAL AR 15 UPGRADE

Some visitors to this page might recognize this project from the COLT SPORTER TACTICAL UPGRADE PROJECT  that first appeared at AR15TACTICAL.NET. As this site is the progression away from the original site it  is only fitting that I place the updated project here.

COLT SPORTER TACTICAL UPGRADE – You might wonder why would I change anything from the original project? There are two answers are pretty simple. The first being I entered the world of Class III firearms and had a trust created and have begun adding silencers to my collection. The second reason is age. In the past 7 months my vision has taken a hit and I am now forced to re-examine my choices for sights and optics.

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COLT MATCH TARGET HBAR COLT SPORTER

I originally purchased the Colt Match Target HBAR Sporter in the early 1990’s for a little over $650. A few years later my home state imposed an Assault Weapon Ban in advance of the federal version. The AWB limited what could be done to an AR15 to improve performance and handling. Not that there were many options at the time. Over the years my Colt Sporter performed flawlessly in it’s stock form. Then in 2008 a friend was in the market for an AR15 and I decided to do a bit of research. Up until this time I had not really used the internet for information on firearms. Sure I bought stuff all the time from the catalog houses like Brownells but I hadnt really “Got into it”. To that end I was surprised to learn that I could in fact modify my Colt Sporter because it was considered “Preban” and it was a “Registered Assault Rifle”. This was a game changer. I could completely modernize this classic Colt Sporter.

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AR 15 M4 FLATTOP STRIPPED UPPER RECEIVER

My Colt Match Target HBAR Sporter being old school is not a “Black Rifle” in fact it’s a grayish blue anodizing. Because of this color matching issue it was a given that the stripped upper would be sent out for refinishing. I did not put much thought in to my stripped upper receiver selection. Basically I selected whatever stripped upper had the highest rating and was in stock at Brownells.

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WHITE OAK ARMAMENT 16 STAINLESS STEEL MATCH GRADE BARREL

For those desiring a shorter AR15 barrel the WHITE OAK ARMAMENT 16 STAINLESS STEEL MATCH GRADE BARREL meets the same rigid specs as our Service, Match and Varmint barrels, allowing you to get WOA quality in a shorter length barrel. .223 Wylde chamber suitable for .223 or 5.56. This barrel has m4 feed ramps and a mid-length gas system. Diameter at the gas block is .750″. The muzzle is threaded ½ X 28 to accept a flash hider or muzzle brake.

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LARUE TACTICAL AR-15 13.2 HANDGUARD LT15-13.2

This choice took me quite a while to decide upon. I finally narrowed it down to a Daniel Defense M4 12.0 Rail and LaRue Tactical AR15 13.2 Handguard LT15-13.2 finally deciding to run with the Larue. There were a few reasons I settled on the Larue unit. The main reason I believe was my good friend Rob at Ranier Arms planted a subliminal message that covering up as much barrel as possible would be most appealing to the eye. Naturally Rob was correct. I had no intent on utilizing a front sight gas block so the 13.2″ length covers the Daniel Defense Low Profile Gas Block nicely. The LT15-13.2 also has a very comfortable profile. The LT15-13.2 is taller than it is wide.

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YANKEE HILL MACHINE LOW PROFILE GAS BLOCK YHM-9383

YANKEE HILL MACHINE LOW PROFILE GAS BLOCK YHM-9383 replaces the existing front sight and provides a simple, streamlined design that can be used to mount a rifle length forearm to a carbine length barrel. Available with either a two set screw mounting system (#335471) or a clamp-on style mounting system(#462151). The Yankee Hill Machine Low Profile Gas Blocks measure .950 Inches long and are manufactured from high quality steel, then finished with a Mil-Spec phosphate coating. Does not include roll pin.

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YOUNG MANUFACTURING CHROME NATIONAL MATCH BOLT CARRIER GROUP

These days everyone is making pretty AR15 Bolt Carrier Groups. Young Manufacturing builds great Bolt Carrier Groups that happen to look good. My favorite for many years

Young Manufacturing signature carrier assembly. Added surface area in the front of the carrier gives a tighter fit when the bolt is in battery for more consistent lock up. This unit is complete with gas key, bolt, cam pin, and firing pin ready to install in your rifle. AR15 weighs 11.3 ounces and the M16 weighs 11.4 ounces

YOUNG MANUFACTURING – Why don’t they stake the gas key

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CMC TACTICAL TRIGGER

The CMC line of triggers are mid priced but their performance nearly rivals triggers costing one hundred dollars more. They are a regular recommendation from me.

CMC TACTICAL TRIGGER GROUP is a completely self contained, 100% drop-in fire control group upgrade for the AR-15 rifle. Building on the original Super Match design, the double patented Tactical  Curved Trigger design yields truly remarkable and unprecedented trigger control, trigger feel and accuracy, while also the retaining the rugged reliability of a Mil-Spec trigger group. Trigger pull is factory pre-set at 3 to 3-1/2 pounds, and is not user adjustable. Fits most standard Mil-Spec lower receivers with .154″ trigger and hammer pin holes.

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ADVANCED ARMAMENT FLASH HIDER

The Advanced Armament Flash Hider is required to utilize the AAC M4-2000 Silencer. Fortunately the Flash Hider is a great one.

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ADVANCED ARMAMENT M4-2000 SILENCER | SOUND SUPPRESSOR

The ADVANCED ARMAMENT M4-2000 SILENCER, SOUND SUPPRESSOR is the best AR-15 silencer at the time of writing this page

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MAGPUL ACS MILSPEC STOCK

Magpul ACS Adaptable Carbine Storage – Mil-Spec Model is a drop-in replacement buttstock for AR15/M4 carbines using mil-spec sized receiver extension tubes. Dual, rear accessible, water-resistant battery storage tubes and an integral storage compartment in the butt of the stock provides multiple storage options. Similar to the Magpul CTR®, the ACS also features an anti-snag release latch to prevent accidental activation along with a supplemental friction lock system that minimizes excessive stock movement for enhanced weapon stability and accuracy*. The ACS comes standard with a 0.30″ thick rubber butt-pad which provides positive shoulder purchase to prevent slippage even with body armor or modular gear.

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CHARGING HANDLE

Today I would buy the AXTS RAPTOR CHARGING HANDLE.

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TROY BATTLESIGHTS

 

TROY BATTLE SIGHTS – This is one area I seem unable to try something different.

Rugged, flip-up sights provide failsafe backup when your primary optic or red dot sight fails. Deploys easily and locks securely in place under powerful spring pressure and two locking detent balls, so it can’t be accidentally bumped down until you hit the spring-loaded button on the left side of the base to retract it. Positions apertures at the same height as factory sights, simplifying integration of these sights on your rifle. Base clamps securely to any military or commercial Picatinny rail using a standard flathead screwdriver – no knobs or levers to catch on brush, clothing, or other gear. Protective “ears” shield posts and apertures from impact.

• Front Sight – Tritium HK-Style Front Sight, Black SSIGFBSFHBT02, distinctive “globe” shape that aids in fast target acquisition under stress. Also available with a self-illuminating Tritium dot on the post for precise shot placement in low-light conditions.
• Rear Sight – Folding Rear Sight, BlackMfr Part: SSIGFBSR0BT00, bolt to flattop receiver rail and are only .460″ high when folded. Detent-locking adjustment wheel lets you change the windage setting in ½ MOA increments.

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EOTECH 557 AR223 HOLOGRAPHIC SIGHT | OPTIC

EOTech Holographic Sights feature a heads up design that allows both eyes to be open in order to maintain peripheral vision and depth perception while shooting. The reticle is a 65 MOA open circle with a 1 MOA aiming dot in the center, and incorporates separate aiming dots for the trajectory of the 223 Remington at 400, 500 and 600 meters. This Model 557 AR223 AA is 5″ in overall length and runs for 1100 hours on a set of AA batteries. It also features a toggle switch that immediately lowers the light intensity for use with night vision without any halo effect. Includes an integral Weaver-style mount and 2-year factory warranty.

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OPTIC MOUNT

The EOTECH 557 AR223 requires no additional mounting hardware.

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HK AR-15 MAGAZINES

While there’s no denying PMAGS work well and certainly look great in pictures they are my least common magazine.  I mostly have DH, Brownells followed by Magpul,  Colt and Lancer. I have a couple HK’s that are beyond compare with a price to match. The HK’s reside with this rifle.

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SAFETY SELECTOR

ipsum

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MANTA RAIL

Lasermax Manta Rail is a picatinny mount pressure activated switch for weapon mounted tactical lights.

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SUREFIRE SCOUT LIGHT TACTICAL LIGHT

SUREFIRE Weapon Mounted Tactical Light. The SUREFIRE Scout Weapon Mounted Tactical Light is not inexpensive but it is uncompromising quality and durability.

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BOBRO BIPOD

BOBRO is my favorite AR15 bipod for light AR15’s. Light, strong and cleverly designed. Problem is they are difficult to obtain. Price wise they are at the upper scale with the other premium bipods. If you can find one and the budget allows by all means buy one and thank me later. On a budget a Harris Bipod is always a solid choice, avoid the knockoffs. My go to is the GG&G when Bobro isnt obtainable. Accu Shot Atlas is probably the highest quality bipod currently available but it comes at a premium price and a slight weight penalty.  I like that Atlas a lot and they are great folks to deal with.

Im fortunate I was able to obtain a BOBRO BIPOD for our COLT SPORTER TACTICAL UPGRADE project.

The BOBRO BIPOD utilizes Patent Pending CTM (Collapsing Triangle Mechanism) technology to permit deployment without the requirement of control manipulation such as buttons etc. The bipod is deployed by pulling the legs rearward fully until the claw within the clawbox applies pressure to the clawbox post. A conical interface applies constant and even pressure to ensure that the bipod remains positively locked and cannot collapse without Operator input.

Having the bipod lock securely and not collapse is the most important feature, and is much safer than a design that permits collapse without dedicated intent. To collapse the bipod, depress the claw pivot and start pushing the leg(s) forward. Once the leg(s) start forward travel, the claw pivot button is released. Bobro designed the Type 3 with integral bushings and used the yoke as a secondary interface in conjunction with the leg pivot. The Type 3 is extremely strong, and is further braced with the CTM system.

The Patented [US Patent 8,567,105] BLAC™ lever system is how the Bipod is attached to the weapon. Aluminum components are of alloy 6061-T6 and hard anodized to Mil-Spec. All fasteners are phosphate coated to Mil-Spec or oxide treated 304 stainless steel. Main springs are phosphate coated to Mil-Spec.

COLT SPORTER TACTICAL UPGRADE

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