Colt CHP AR15 Dissipator

Published on August 10, 2021
Duration: 22:16

This entry details the Colt CHP AR15 Dissipator, an A2-style rifle with a unique configuration designed for law enforcement during the Federal Assault Weapons Ban. Hickok45 highlights its 16-inch barrel with a carbine-length gas system hidden under a full-length handguard, providing a longer sight radius. The rifle's history with the California Highway Patrol and its subsequent appearance on the surplus market are discussed, offering insights into a specific era of AR-15 production.

Quick Summary

The Colt CHP AR15 Dissipator is a unique AR-15 variant made for law enforcement, like the California Highway Patrol, around 2002 during the Federal Assault Weapons Ban. It features a 16-inch barrel with a carbine gas system but a rifle-length sight radius due to its full-length handguard and A2 upper receiver. These rifles later surfaced on the surplus market after the CHP upgraded their equipment.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Initial Shooting
  2. 01:15History and Origin
  3. 02:48The Dissipator Configuration
  4. 04:09Gas System Mechanics
  5. 06:39Market Availability and Surplus
  6. 09:14Performance and Handling
  7. 10:11Final Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Colt CHP AR15 Dissipator?

The Colt CHP AR15 Dissipator is a specific AR-15 variant originally produced for law enforcement, notably the California Highway Patrol (CHP), around 2002. It features a 16-inch barrel with a carbine-length gas system hidden under a full-length handguard, combined with an A2 upper receiver and a rifle-length sight radius.

What makes the 'Dissipator' configuration unique?

The 'Dissipator' configuration is unique because it uses a carbine-length gas system on a 16-inch barrel but extends the handguard to the muzzle and adds a front sight tower. This creates a longer sight radius, similar to a rifle, while maintaining the maneuverability of a carbine.

Why were these rifles made during the Federal Assault Weapons Ban?

These rifles were produced for law enforcement agencies during the 1994-2004 Federal Assault Weapons Ban. As such, they often included features that were restricted for civilian sales under the ban, such as bayonet lugs, making them specific to LE procurement.

Where did the Colt CHP AR15 Dissipator come from on the surplus market?

Many Colt CHP AR15 Dissipators appeared on the surplus market around 2013 after the California Highway Patrol transitioned to newer Sig Sauer rifles. Their availability surprised many collectors who were unaware Colt had produced this particular configuration.

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