Pre-Ban Colt Sporter Target Model 5.56 NATO AR-15 20” Semi-Automatic Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,250.00
LSB#: LSB260517LE022
Make: Colt
Model: Pre-Ban Sporter Target Model
Serial Number: ST 001503
Year of Manufacture: Ca.1991 / Pre-Ban
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Direct Impingement, rifle fed by detachable magazines.
Markings: The barrel is marked “C MP 5.56 NATO 1/7”. The front sight is marked “UP” with a left-pointing arrow above it. The rear sight is marked “UP” with a left-pointing arrow and “DN” with a right-pointing arrow as well as “CM” on the opposite side. The left side of the lower is marked with the Colt Rampant and logo, “SPORTER” / “TARGET MODEL” / “CAL .223” / “SER.ST 001503”, and “COLT’S FIREARMS DIVISION” / “COLT INDUSTRIES” / “HARTFORD, CONN.” / “U.S.A.” / “SAFE FIRE”.
Barrel Length: 20”, 21” with A2 Flash Hider
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an A2 Post Sight with elevation adjustment. The rear sight is an A2 Dual Aperture in the carry handle and is adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The rifle is equipped with a ribbed A2 clamshell handguard, A2 checkered pistol grip with a finger groove, and a fixed A2 rifle buttstock with a checkered buttplate and a metal storage door w/compartment. There are cleaning rod sections and rag inserted in the storage compartment. There are scratches and compression along the buttstock, minor handling scratches along the pistol grip, handling scratches on the handguard, and an abrasion at the front of the forend. There are sling loops mounted on the bottom of the front sight base and the toe of the buttstock. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the furniture rates in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Hardcoat Anodized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. There are handling scratches and compression marks throughout the receiver. There are scratches and scuffs along the barrel. The front sight base and the barrel have scattered corrosion staining and freckling. The screw heads are sharp and pins are unmarred. The markings are legible. Overall, this Pre-Ban rifle rates in about 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 Sporter Target Model, generally cataloged as the R6551, was introduced around 1991 as Colt’s commercial A2-pattern rifle with a 20″ barrel, 1:7 twist, fixed A2 furniture, and A2 sights. Early ST-prefix examples belong to Colt’s transitional “Sporter” era preceding the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban, and the model has developed collector interest as a classic pre-ban Colt AR-15 configuration.
This example retains approximately 96% of its original metal finish with scattered handling wear, freckling, and corrosion staining. The bore remains bright with sharp rifling and rates 9/10, while the action functions correctly. Its Colt-marked 1:7 barrel, C-marked carrier, MPC-marked bolt, original A2-style configuration, and low ST-prefix serial number give it strong appeal as an early pre-ban Colt Sporter. Overall, it rates in Very Good condition. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY