...And I have a few questions: I've always been a Kalashnikov fan, but I finally broke down and bought my first AR. It's a used gun, and there's a few things I'd like to know about it. It's a shorter, lighter version of the full-size AR, with a 16.5-inch barrel, a short handguard and 3-position collapsible stock. The receiver stamping says: Colt (with logo) SPORTER LIGHTWEIGHT CAL. .223 And I'm fairly sure it's a pre-ban because the serial number is " SER. SL 004xxx " Does anyone know if this particular model was numbered sequentially? If so, this rifle is older because it was the 4,000-something one produced? (and what does the "SL" mean?) I know how to field-strip the rifle, but I'd like to know how to completely disassemble the lower receiver so I can re-finish it. That involves removing the mag release, bolt release, safety, trigger group and the "strap" on the trigger guard. Does anyone have any links to any online tutorials to do this? I'm very competent with guns, but I don't want to go poking around with a hammer and punch without having some kind of guide. I've got plans to accessorize this AR, but I'd like to become more familiar with it before I go slapping on a bunch of picca-thingy rails :icon_chee. Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.
Check out AR15.com They have down-loadable manuals for a range of manufacturers. I would post your serial number question there as well.
Arfcom build thread: AR15.COM :: Forums :: Assemble your own LOWER, UPPER, FREE FLOAT, TRIGGER, GAS BLOCK - Step by step instructions! Has all you need to assembly, should be plenty for ya! For all their complexity, AR's are pretty damn easy to work on. From what i know, the only real difference is that Colts use larger trigger group pins than the other manufacturers... that and they charge a premium.
DOES THE WEAPON HAVE A MAGAZINE OR IS THE MAG BUILT IN TO THE WEAPON. IF YOU CAN TAKE THE MAG OUT IT IS ILLEGAL BUT IF IT IS ONE PIECE IT IS LEAGAL. MY DAD HAD A COUPLE OF THEM AND HIS ONLY LEAGAL ONE HAD A BUILT IN CLIP. aT LEAST THAT IS WHAT HE TOLD ME THE GUN LAW WAS IN CALIFORNIA. I TRUST HIS WORD TOO BECAUSE HE WAS AN AVID GUN COLLECTOR COLECTING OVER 300 GUNS THAT WE HAD TO GO THROUGH WHEN HE PASSED AWAY
Pelosi wills it. Here's a link that should explain it: Atlantic firearms - AR15 & AK47 rifles - Olympic arms at wholesale prices.