Hey Fellers,

As it is past tax time and I don't have any "projects," going at the moment I'd appreciate a little info and advise.

I own a Colt AR Sporter in 7.62x 39. All factory, never fooled with. Question: Is this rifle small pin or large pin? I think thats the right terminology, and apparently it matters as to what you can convert the rifle to.

Depending on what you all say about the pin issue, what in your opinions is a good conversion for this rifle? I was thinking Flat Top so I could use optics, and was also thinking something along the lines of the 6.8mm. I'm not looking to use the rifle for anything in particular, really it's just a fool around at the gun range piece. Odds are good I'd never use it for big game hunting around here but there is a slim chance it might go wolf hunting once in a while.

Thanks much for your replies and opinions.

Scott, have you ever gone to this site?

http://www.ar15.com/forums/board.html?b=3

Everything you ever wanted to know about AR's but were afraid to ask! There are guys that will answer almost any post.

I had a Colt upper with a DPMS lower, in 7.62x39. I love that round as you know! But I am not sure about the pin size. I thought all Colts were different and you had to buy a universal pin. I sold mine in 7.62, because it would not feed from a full magazine. I learned that the 7.62 round is designed for a curved mag, like on an AK, and not designed for the straight m16/AR mags. Any way with 20 round or more I could only put 8 or 9 rounds in the mag so that it would feed.

Don't have the model #?

Probably Colt R6830 (large Pin .315").

Pull and check with caliper.

Doesn't matter what size the pins are, they make adapter pins to make unmatched upper and lower pin holes work and they work very well. Would be nice to have matching. Colt used the large in and all the military spec stuff is small pin.

Hey Kudu,

I haven't wanted to roam into to many different forums. I really don't have the time for this one and I figgered the broader I roam, the broader I'd spread my ignorance.

DaMan, There doesn't seem to be a model number. The rifle says Colt Sporter Lightweight and then the serial number. So, you mentioned pulling the pin and checking with caliber. Sorry, I have to ask an ignorant question, is the "Small Pin or Large Pin," we are refering to the pin that we pull to rotate the Upper from the Lower for cleaning? Again, sorry, but I just don't know any better. The rifle didn't come with the manual so I'm getting my info from the internet. I know, dangerous at best.

Star, I understood the first part of your post regarding universal pins, but I am a little fuzzy on the latter. Are you saying the military stuff is small pin and therefore since mine is a "Sporter" it is a Large Pin?

Also, none of you made recommendations as to prefered replacement make of Upper and caliber.

As in most other forums, you just can't dumb it down enough for me so please be as plain and simple as you feel is needed.

Scott the pin is the one that is towards the fornt. Yes it is the one that pivots when you pull the back pin.

When you start to look, look on AR15.com the above link. There are some great deals there. Every manufacturer is listed there and has a link. I personally like RRA, Rock River Arms. Two of my sons own them also. But we all have 5.56/.223. If you are interested in 6.8 do a search on google. And read all you can on AR 15.com. If nothing else, it will give you somnething to do in your spare time.

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