What is a fair price on a Colt AR-15 upper?

[rambone]

I haven't built an AR from parts yet but I am halfway considering it.

Somebody offered to sell me a Colt AR-15 upper for $450. Can you guys tell me the price range of such parts, whether they be Colt brand or otherwise? Is this a good price?


Also, what other parts will I need to buy besides the upper? What exactly does an "upper" consist of? Building AR's is all new to me.

 

[Hondo]

$450 for a Colt upper is a good price....does that include the BCG and charging handle....probalbly not if it is a true Colt...

All you need to go with the upper is a complete lower..another $350 to $400 based on what you buy....

The BCG and Charger handle is another $150 to $175 depending on what your get....The ptions for all of these is endless...

back to the point I just got a Colt upper without BCG and charge handle for the $450 range and was pleased...

Be advised that some of these beign offered have only 14.5" barrels and will have to have a flash hider/muzzle break installed and pinned and welded...another $50 or so including shipping.....

And so it goes.......

 

[DragonGunner]

At the last Indy Gun show my son found a guy selling a few dozen
complete uppers...used...he bought a Colt, with M16 bolt, A2 for 300.00.
I figured it was ex military or LEO an the barrels would be shot out, But
the rifling looked excellent...he then went 50 feet away to ZX Guns an bought
a DPMS complete lower, folding stock for 199.00.....it shoots perfect.

 

[rambone]

At the last Indy Gun show my son found a guy selling a few dozen
complete uppers...used...he bought a Colt, with M16 bolt, A2 for 300.00.
I figured it was ex military or LEO an the barrels would be shot out, But
the rifling looked excellent...he then went 50 feet away to ZX Guns an bought
a DPMS complete lower, folding stock for 199.00.....it shoots perfect.

So $450 is a little steep?

 

[Fargo]

Depends on what configuration it is. Prices will vary widely between say an old m16a1 ($350) upper or a new 6920 upper($750).

Is it a flattop?
How long is the barrel?
What is the barrel profile and markings?
Does it come with a BCG and if so how is it marked?

Best,

Joe

 

[tzgunter]

I saw the same guy selling the Colts at the last 1500, and passed... should have snagged one when I had the chance. I had the same concern as you, Gunner. Glad your boy got a nice rifle out of the day, though!

 

[rambone]

Update:

Barrel is 20" long.

Comes with the bolt, it is a complete upper.

Other than being a Colt, I don't know the model number yet.

Item is used.


Price is $450 through an acquaintance.

Overall, sounds good yes?

 

[IndyMonkey]

Update:

Barrel is 20" long.

Comes with the bolt, it is a complete upper.

Other than being a Colt, I don't know the model number yet.

Item is used.


Price is $450 through an acquaintance.

Overall, sounds good yes?

Thats about right for complete used uppers.

You can get them for 300 to 350 but they are usually pretty beat.

New, quality uppers are going to run you 600+ for a complete upper with bolt carrier group.

 

[Nemick]

If the barrel is in good shape I would be all over that deal.

 

[DragonGunner]

If its in good shape not a bad price, you could be sure the one
my son bought for 300.00 was used. Funny thing is, after he bought
it there at Indy an was waiting to do paperwork for ZX guns for a
lower...some guy came up to him an asked if he wanted to sell his
upper!!! My son said no, he just bought it an told him where to go to
get one...the guy took off fast to find them...I told my son he should of
said sure, hows 400.00 sound....he could of picked up some extra cash an
then went back an bought another for 300.00....

 

[rambone]

Looks like I'm gonna bite on it.

So... next question. What kind of lower should I buy?? What would you do? Where do you buy your parts? Used, new?