Colt AR-15A2 Government Carbine

Published on December 29, 2024
Duration: 18:38

This video provides an in-depth historical overview of the Colt AR-15A2 Government Carbine (R6520) and its predecessors, tracing its evolution from the early SP1 carbines through various Sporter models and the impact of the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban. The presenter, a firearms instructor, details key technical changes, manufacturing iterations, and the rifle's long service life in Colt's catalog.

Quick Summary

The Colt AR-15A2 Government Carbine (R6520), introduced in 1988, was a significant evolution featuring the adjustable A2 rear sight and a 1:7 twist barrel. It served for 23 years, becoming a staple in law enforcement, and was notably affected by the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban with modifications to prevent full-auto conversion and the use of standard parts.

Chapters

  1. 00:08Introduction: Colt Government Carbine Request
  2. 00:43The AR-15A2 Government Carbine (R6520)
  3. 01:03Evolution: The Colt SP1 Carbine (R601)
  4. 01:57SP1 Carbine Trigger Mechanism Changes
  5. 03:141985: AR-15A2 Sporter 2 Carbine
  6. 03:50AR-15A2 Sporter 2: First Model (1985)
  7. 04:24AR-15A2 Sporter 2: Final Model (6420)
  8. 04:50A2 Sporter 2 Series: Barrel and Muzzle Device
  9. 05:271988: Introduction of the R6520 Government Carbine
  10. 05:50R6520: Green Label vs. Blue Label
  11. 06:55R6520 Green Label Details
  12. 07:15R6520: Buffer and Feed Ramps
  13. 07:39Next Version: Post-1991 Assault Weapon Ban
  14. 08:04R6520: Lower Receiver and Pivot Pin Changes
  15. 09:02R6520 Markings and Pre-1994 Ban
  16. 09:311994 Assault Weapon Ban Modifications
  17. 10:12Bolt Carrier and Sear Block Modifications
  18. 10:26Colt's Three Tiers: Military, LE, Commercial
  19. 10:51Assault Weapon Ban: Finish and Handguard Changes
  20. 11:112009: M16 Bolt Carriers and Mil-Spec Pins
  21. 11:382004: Sunset of the Assault Weapon Ban
  22. 12:13Pre-Ban Colt Sporter Series (R6530)
  23. 12:39Match Target Lightweight (Post-Ban)
  24. 13:19Least Desirable Colt Models
  25. 13:40R6520: A Favorite for 23 Years
  26. 13:53Law Enforcement Market Appeal
  27. 14:21Later R6520 Features
  28. 14:39Retro Trend and R6520 Significance
  29. 15:04Rifle Discontinuation: Rise of the LE6920
  30. 15:50Colt Sporter Series Uniqueness
  31. 16:15Colt Rifle Evolution and Part Compatibility
  32. 16:50Modern Lineage: AR-15 A4 Carbine
  33. 17:26Conclusion: Iconic AR-15A2 Series Rifle
  34. 17:30Collector's Ideal R6520 (Pre-Ban)
  35. 18:06Hammer/Trigger Pin Contention
  36. 18:25Legacy of the Colt AR-15 Series

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguished the Colt AR-15A2 Government Carbine (R6520) from earlier models?

The Colt R6520, introduced in 1988, was notable for being the first Colt carbine to feature the fully adjustable A2 government profile rear sight. It also incorporated a 1:7 twist barrel and an H buffer for improved performance with modern ammunition.

How did the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban affect the Colt R6520?

During the ban, Colt voluntarily modified the R6520 by installing a 0.170-inch hammer and trigger pin diameter to prevent the use of standard mil-spec parts and added an auto sear block to prohibit full-automatic conversion, restricting its sale to law enforcement and government use.

What were the key differences between the Colt R6520 'green label' and 'blue label' variants?

The 'green label' R6520 featured a slab-side lower receiver without a forward assist, using original AR-15 forgings. The later 'blue label' variants adopted the more standard M16A2 lower receiver forging, which typically included a forward assist.

Why was the Colt AR-15A2 Government Carbine (R6520) discontinued?

The R6520 was eventually discontinued in 2011, largely due to the introduction and growing popularity of the Colt LE6920 in 1998. The LE6920 became Colt's flagship M4-style rifle and the industry standard, overshadowing the R6520.

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