Colt AR-15 Lower Receivers

The Colt AR-15 Legacy

The AR-15's military roots run deep at Colt, dating back to the company's first military contracts that placed the rifle in the hands of the United States armed forces, including the Marine Corps. That legacy continues with Colt's civilian rifles, which carry configurations influenced by Colt's military experience, including mil spec features, forged lower receiver designs, and chrome-lined barrel options. The Colt AR-15 remains a recognized name in the civilian market, backed by decades of military and law enforcement history.

Browse Colt AR-15 Models by Series

Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore stocks a wide range of Colt AR-15 models across several series. Here is a look at the main options we carry:

• M4 Carbine and LE6920 Series: Colt's most popular line, these semi-automatic rifles feature a 16-inch barrel, forged upper receiver, and a full complement of mil spec components including a forward assist, dust cover, and charging handle.
• AR15A4 Rifles: These A4-style models pair a longer barrel with a detachable carry handle and rear sight, offering a more traditional rifle profile influenced by the classic service configuration.
• Colt Expanse: A more affordable entry into the Colt lineup, the Expanse M4 delivers the core Colt build in a streamlined package, with some models adding a forward assist and dust cover.
• Marksman and Competition: The Colt Marksman CRX pairs a precision barrel length with a refined trigger, giving competition shooters and precision-focused owners improved accuracy on the range.
• Retro Re-Issues: These faithful reproductions of classic Colt rifles, including the M16A1 re-issue, recreate the original profiles, furniture, and details that collectors look for.

Locate an FFL Dealer Near You

Buying a Colt AR-15 online through Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore is simple. All firearms ship to a licensed dealer with a Federal Firearms License (FFL) for a secure, compliant transfer. A background check is completed at the time of pickup in accordance with federal law.

Use our Find an FFL Dealer tool to locate a licensed dealer in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a Colt AR-15 different from other AR-15 rifles?

Colt has produced the AR-15 platform longer than almost any other manufacturer, and its rifles are built to mil spec standards drawn from decades of military production. Colt AR-15 rifles use a forged upper receiver and lower receiver, a properly staked carrier group, and a fire control group built for reliability.

Are Colt AR-15 rifles semi-automatic?

Yes. Every Colt AR-15 sold through Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore is a semi-automatic rifle, firing one round per trigger pull. These are modern sporting rifles built for the civilian market, not full-auto firearms, and each one functions like any other semi-automatic version on the market.

What calibers do Colt AR-15 rifles come in?

Most Colt AR-15 rifles are chambered in 5.56 NATO, which also accepts .223 Remington. Colt also offers models in other chamberings, including a 9mm carbine and the LE901 series in .308 Winchester for shooters who want heavier bullets.

What should I check when buying a used Colt AR-15?

On a used rifle, inspect the barrel and bolt for wear, confirm the takedown pin and pivot pin fit properly, and make sure the small parts like the o ring, extractor, and gas rings are in good condition. Matching the serial number to the original configuration can also help verify an authentic Colt build.