WTK: Colt LMG Upper any good?

[mkellett]

I like the looks of the older Colt LMG upper halves, which were around at gun shows a few years ago. I don't have a FA lower (yet) but still thought this would be cool to have for an older-generation AR project. Any experience with these? Known issues, problems or the like? I trust the feedback I get from you guys way more than the fifteen year-old, pimple-faced armchair commandos over at the "AR board".

 

[Mario_FAMOInc]

Good for 'Beta dumping.
The gas tube is about the diameter of a pencil so it stays pretty cool and doesn't fail as often.
The open bolt kit is worth the money if you are going to shoot it a lot.

 

[Glockdude1]

What is the going price for a Colt LMG upper?

 

[Ed]

The last Tulsa Gun show I was at had one for $1000. Bolt group and charging handle was included. I would love to have one, but since they have been around for a while would the throat erosion be a big problem?
Checked my reference material and here is what I came up with....

During the 1980's, Colt modified it's HBAR design, increasing the size of the gas tube (to prevent damage from overheating) and added an FAL style handle to the barrel (early models are smooth, older models have grooves). An M60 bipod and large square handguard was added (this was taken from the older CMG 2 rifles)...it was offered to the military with use of the 90rd MWG drum. It was passed on by the US in favor of the FN , becoming the M249 SAW. The closed bolt version was identical to Colt A2 rifle, while the open bolt had a diffrent trigger group and a beefed up hydraulic buffer. A version of the closed bolt was adopted by parts of the Canadian army as the C 7 machine gun (not to be confused with the C7 rifle) that included 45rd magazines that could be linked together......

 

[Samuel_Hoggson]

I've shot one that belongs to a friend alot. It's not set up as open-bolt. They are really smooth, especially if you wish to shoot FA from prone with bipod. They work well with optics in FA. A bit heavy for unsupported positions, IMO.

But the price is too rich for my blood. I suppose you can replace a barrel, but I use 20" A2s for blasting off bipods. I figure I can afford to pooch a $300 upper.

If you're planning on SA use only I'd say go for it if you can afford it. For SA use definitely no need to bother with the open-bolt conversion.

Sam

 

[mkellett]

Thanks guys... I'm going to keep an eye out at the SAR show...

 

[Cerberus36]

A version of the closed bolt was adopted by parts of the Canadian army as the C 7 machine gun (not to be confused with the C7 rifle) that included 45rd magazines that could be linked together......

Sorry to say..in the 20 years I was an armourer...the Canadian Military never bought any of those.....our Special Forces tried afew out..and they blow chucks