Pre-Ban Colt AR-15 A2 Sporter II 5.56mm 20” M16 Rifle Carry Handle

SOLD FOR: $1,404.00

LSB#: LSB260119SH001

Make: Colt

Model: AR-15 A2 Sporter II

Serial Number: SP 304818

Year of Manufacture: 1986-1994 Preban

Caliber: 5.56mm

Action Type:  Semi-Auto, Direct Impingement, detachable magazine fed. 

Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked with the Colt’s Rampart and “Colt AR-15 A2 Cal. 223 Sporter II, Ser. SP 304818/ Colt’s Firearms Division, Colt Industries, Hartford Conn, USA. The top of the barrel is marked “C MP 5.56 Nato 1/7”

Barrel Length: 20? Threaded with an A2 Flash Hider 

Sights / Optics:  The front sight is an adjustable A2 post iron sight and the rear sight sight is an adjustable A1 dual aperture sight sight in the carry handle. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has an A2 style buttstock with a 13 5/8″ LOP. The pistol grip is a Colt A2 style pistol grip. The handguard is a rifle length, large profile, clamshell with internal heat shields. There are light handling marks and scuffs throughout. There is a sling stud added on the bottom of the handguard. Overall these stocks rate in Excellent condition. 

Magazine Quantity & Condition: AR-15 pattern. There are no magazines included.

Type of Finish: Anodized, Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. The feed ramps show light copper scrubbing. The muzzle is clean. There is very light fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its original finish. There are light handling marks throughout. There are some light scratches scattered throughout. Overall this rifle rates in Very Good condition.   

Mechanics:  The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Colt AR-15 A2 Sporter II represents a transitional period in civilian AR-15 production, bridging earlier SP1-pattern rifles with the more modernized A2 configuration adopted by the U.S. military in the 1980s. Manufactured during the 1986–1994 pre-ban era, these rifles carry particular historical and collector interest due to their place in the timeline preceding federal restrictions on certain features. Chambered in 5.56 NATO, a cartridge developed for lightweight, high-velocity performance in the M16 platform, the Sporter II reflects the continued refinement of Eugene Stoner’s original system. With its fixed carry handle and integrated rear sight, this model retains the classic service rifle profile while incorporating improvements in durability and sight adjustability associated with the A2 pattern.

This example exhibits correct period features, including the “C MP” marked 1/7 twist barrel and Colt-marked receiver bearing the Rampant Colt logo. The 20” barrel and rifle-length gas system provide the smooth recoil impulse and consistent cycling characteristic of full-length AR rifles. The combination of an A2 front sight post and A1-style rear sight offers a slightly transitional sighting arrangement, while the A2 buttstock and rifle-length clamshell handguards with internal heat shields maintain the familiar handling characteristics of the platform. The addition of a sling stud on the underside of the handguard suggests minor user modification, though it does not detract from the rifle’s overall presentation. The rifle retains approximately 95% of its original finish, with light handling marks and scattered surface wear consistent with careful use.

The bore remains in strong condition, showing bright lands and sharp rifling with no visible erosion, and only light fouling and minor copper presence on the feed ramps. The muzzle is clean, and overall indications suggest moderate, responsible use over its lifetime. Mechanically, the rifle functions correctly with proper operation of the action. This Colt A2 Sporter II stands as a solid and well-preserved example of a pre-ban AR-15, offering a blend of classic configuration, transitional features, and enduring appeal tied to one of the most recognizable rifle platforms of the late 20th century. MF