Question on my Colt AR-15A3

[zuma5280]

I have a Colt AR-15A3, Serial #: LBD012XXX. On the left side it's marked: "Colt AR-15A3, TACTICAL CARBINE, CAL. .223, SER. LBD012XXX". On the right side it''s marked: "RESTRICTED, MILITARY/GOVERNMENT, LAW ENFORCEMENT/EXPORT USE ONLY". I'm wondering if this particular model is rare and what the approximate value is? Any advice is appreciated.

[BPTactical]

Nope, not rare.
The rollmarks denoting it as "Restricted blah blah blah" came out during the Clinton ban clearly marking them as a LE/Mil item not to be sold to civilians.
They just never removed the markings after the ban expired in '04.
You have what is known as the 6721 "Government" carbine. they are a good rifle and can be had with a lightweight or heavy barrel. The only difference between it and the 6920 "Law Enforcement" carbine is the barrel profile, the 6920 has the M203 cuts on the barrel and aside from barrel length and selector the 6920 is virtually identical to the M4 service carbine.

[zuma5280]

Thanks for the info. You seem to be very knowledgable on these rifles. Any idea how much its worth in very good condition?

[BPTactical]

As it is a standard over the counter rifle there is no collector value per se'. I believe it is a recent production rifle and as such not as desirable as an earlier Colt.
Condition is everything. You state it is in very good condition so I am going to assume it has been fired and used somewhat.
New in box they are probably running in the 1200.00 range so depending on condition I would say anything from 850.00 to 1000.00. If you have the box, wrap and all factory accessories you can pull a little higher but not much.
They will never have the desirability of the 6920 L.E. Carbine but they are a damn good rifle.
You aren't going to lose any value should you decide to make reasonable changes such as furniture, forend and such.

[zuma5280]

Thanks. I'm trying to decide if I want to keep the Colt and add the accessories or sell the Colt and buy a Daniels Defense.

[rpm]

In my opinion, you gain nothing by going with a DD rifle. You can accessorize the Colt with anything the Daniel Defense rifles have and be well ahead of the game. Shoot me a PM if you decide to sell the Colt.

[BPTactical]

^^^ what RPM said. You have the foundations for a great rifle and as your not going to lose any money by tweaking it to your desire.
You will actually be spending more for little benefit by selling it for a DD.
I get the impression you are fairly new to the platform, run the Colt and figure out what works best for you. Make little changes that will suit your use.

[zuma5280]

Thanks to both of you. I'm glad I have a good rifle. I'm going to go ahead and keep it and add the accessories I want.

[BPTactical]

Enjoy it.
Run quality ammo (try not to run the steel cased stuff)
Keep it wet and clean and she will run well for you.
When you are ready to make changes give us a shout, most of these guys know what works and what doesn't.
They will keep you from wasting money.

[zuma5280]

Thanks! I have some quality ammo now. It doesn't eat the steel cased stuff well at all.