Pre-Ban Colt AR-15 Match HBAR Sporter 5.56mm 20” M16 Rifle Carry Handle
SOLD FOR: $1,310.00
LSB#: LSB260305BL007
Make: Colt
Model: AR-15 Match HBAR Sporter
Serial Number: MH085503
Year of Manufacture: 1986-1994 Preban
Caliber: 5.56
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 Sporter Match Hbar, Cal .223, Serial. MH085503, Colt’s Mfg. Co, Inc, Hartford Conn, USA, Fire/Safe”. The top of the barrel is marked “C MP, 5.56 Nato, 1/7 HBAR”
Barrel Length: 20? Threaded with A2 Flash Hider
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable A2 post iron sight and the rear sight sight is an adjustable A2 dual aperture sight sight in the carry handle.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has an A2 style buttstock with a 13 1/2″ LOP. The handguard is a rifle length, large profile, clamshell with internal heat shields. There are light handling marks and scuffs throughout. Overall these stocks rate in Excellent condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: AR-15 Pattern. No magazines included.
Type of Finish: Parkerized. Anodized Aluminum
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. The feed ramps are smooth and shiny. The muzzle is clean. There is very minor copper scrub on the feed ramps. This rifle does not appear to have been fired more than a few times. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its original finish. There are light handling marks throughout. Overall this rifle rates in Excellent 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 Match HBAR Sporter stands as a product of the late Cold War era, when civilian AR-15 rifles were closely patterned after their military counterparts yet adapted for the commercial market. Produced between 1986 and 1994, this “pre-ban” configuration reflects a period of Colt manufacturing that has become increasingly significant to collectors due to subsequent legislative changes. Built with a heavy barrel profile and chambered in 5.56 NATO, a cartridge developed in the mid-20th century for lightweight, high-velocity performance in the M16 platform, the Match HBAR Sporter emphasizes stability and accuracy over sustained fire handling. The fixed carry handle upper with A2 rear sight and front sight post embodies the classic service rifle profile that defined U.S. small arms through the latter half of the 20th century.
This example exhibits the hallmark features expected of a Colt rifle from this era, including the “C MP” marked 1/7 twist HBAR barrel and the Rampant Colt-marked lower receiver. The 20” barrel paired with rifle-length gas system provides the smooth cycling characteristics and velocity typically associated with full-length AR platforms. The A2 stock with its 13 1/2” length of pull, combined with the large-profile clamshell handguards with heat shields, offers a traditional and well-balanced shooting configuration. The rifle retains approximately 98% of its original parkerized and anodized finishes, with only light handling marks visible, and the furniture remains in excellent condition throughout.
The bore presents in exceptional condition, with bright lands, sharp rifling, and no visible erosion, suggesting minimal prior use. Feed ramps remain smooth with only minor copper presence, and the muzzle is clean. Mechanically, the rifle functions correctly with proper operation of the action. Overall, this Colt Match HBAR Sporter represents a well-preserved example of a pre-ban AR-15, combining period-correct features with strong condition, and reflecting a notable chapter in the evolution of the American sporting rifle. MF