History
The story and lore of the Colt HBAR goes all the way back to the development of the AR-15. The famous brainchild of Eugene Stoner, the AR-15 found almost immediate success with both military contracts and domestic production, largely due to its production by the Colt Manufacturing Company.
In 1963, Colt began production of both the AR-15 for the domestic market and the newly adopted M16 for the United States military. Both rifles exemplified Stoner’s desire for a lightweight rifle. The domestic version of the AR-15, designated the Colt SP1, was manufactured until 1982.
In the early 1980s, an upgrade for Eugene Stoner’s design began to take shape. This new upgrade had two major influences, the first being the United States Marine Corps. Living up to the motto of “Every Marine is a rifleman,” the Marine Corps was looking to fine-tune the design into more of a marksman’s rifle.
Of the several upgrades given to the platform, a windage and elevation adjustable rear sight gave the shooter the ability to tune the sights. The second influence for upgrades comes in the way of a typical governmental story.
A Government Solution
After servicing a few M16A1s, the U.S. military noticed that when they were running barrel usages down the breech, the gauge was getting caught around the gas port. The assumption was made that the thin, pencil-like barrel was drooping either from heavy physical abuse or due to the heating of the barrel. The government solution to this issue was to drastically beef up the barrel to make it stronger.
Doing its due diligence to comply with the requested upgrades, Colt completed a series of its own barrel tests. The Colt gunsmiths quickly discovered that there was no issue with dropping or bending barrels – rather, there was a material buildup around the gas port, likely due to excess carbon. Taking their findings to the United States government, they were informed that the decision had already been made and the next generation would have a heavier barrel profile.
The HBAR
In 1983, the Marine Corps adopted the new M16A2, followed by the Army in 1986. Subsequently in 1986, just as the Colt SP1 mirrored the M16A1, Colt began making an updated M16A2-style of rifle for the domestic market designated the HBAR, signifying its heavy barrel profile.
The Colt HBAR is chambered in both .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO, with a 20-inch barrel, a fixed carry handle with updated rear sight, and a full buttstock longer than that of the Colt SP1. This newer upgrade to the AR-15 sporting platform also included a forward assist, a feature that was omitted from the SP1. The lower receiver features ribbing around the controls, as well as a shell deflector – both upgrades over the SP1. Additionally, the pistol grip had an added ledge to support the middle finger.
The most distinguishing feature of the HBAR is its heavy barrel profile. Under the round, polymer handguards, the rifle features a weighty barrel that tapers off past the gas port to a similar profile to the M16A2. On pre-1994 HBARs, the muzzle is threaded and features a birdcage A2-style flash hider with a solid bottom to prevent dust kick-up when shooting prone and to act as a compensator. The barrel does not feature a bayonet lug.
On the Range
If you have never shot a 20-inch-barreled AR-15, you’re missing out on shooting the rifle as it was intended. The rifle-length gas system, full stock, and long barrel play into the smoothest recoil impulse you will find. Add in the heavy profile of the Colt HBAR, and this rifle’s recoil impulse easily goes unnoticed.
The Colt HBAR’s M16A2 rear sight with its windage and elevation adjustments make this one of the best iron sight systems out there. The aperture gives off M1 Garand vibes while offering a long sight radius. The A2-style birdcage is often referred to as the best muzzle device on the market and continues to be featured on many modern AR models.
My one complaint on the rifle is the addition of the finger ledge on the pistol grip. I already dislike the original angle of the AR-15 pistol grip, but the added ledge offers absolutely nothing and just makes the grip more cumbersome and uncomfortable. At the same time, I would never exchange it, because why would you mess with a perfectly authentic 1980s rifle?
Having just done a review on the Colt SP1, I can attest to the increased control with the HBAR. While you do have to combat the weight more, the sights simply don’t move much, and it is extremely easy to get off shots in rapid succession with the aid in follow-up accuracy.
Overall, I am not sure there is a more enjoyable version of the AR-15. While the original Colt SP1 holds a special place in my heart due to its lightweight nature, the HBAR is by far the easiest rifle to shoot well.
Summary
The Colt HBAR is one of my favorite rifles. Maybe it’s the iconic 1980s movies, maybe it’s the historic military service, or maybe it’s the fact that it’s one of the easiest firearms to shoot accurately.
In any case, what’s not to love? The Colt HBAR stands as a chain in the progression of the AR-15, produced by a company with a historic impact on American firearm manufacturing.
As always, whether it’s new or used, firearms are tools that need to be mastered. What a privilege it is to live in a nation that has etched your God-given right into its foundation. Don’t squander the privilege. Appreciate history, grab some ammo, hit the range, and master the craft.
