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Pre-Ban Valuation Guide Colt AR-15 A2 Government

Published: December 18, 2025 | Updated: December 20, 2025

How Much is My Colt AR-15 A2 Government Worth?

The Colt AR-15 A2 Government is a classic pre-ban Colt rifle that reflects the later evolution of Colt’s commercial AR-15 lineup. Collectors and buyers value A2 Government rifles for correct Colt markings, period-correct configuration, and documented pre-ban manufacture. Condition and originality are major price drivers, especially in states where verified pre-ban rifles can command a premium.

Pre-ban pricing is driven by documented production era and how closely the rifle remains period-correct. Small details like markings, original parts, and finish can materially change value.

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About the Colt AR-15 A2 Government

The Colt AR-15 A2 Government represents a later-era Colt commercial rifle that draws heavily from the A2 pattern. These rifles remain desirable because they are Colt-marked, historically relevant, and commonly sought in compliant configurations for restricted markets. As with most pre-ban Colt AR-15 variants, the strongest premiums go to rifles that remain close to factory configuration with consistent finish, correct markings, and correct major components. Rifles that were modernized over time with rails, optics mounts, barrel swaps, or refinishing often sell for less to collector-focused buyers even if they remain excellent shooters.

Colt AR-15 A2 Government Pre-Ban Values & Variants

Pre-ban Colt AR-15 A2 Government rifles are valued for their documented era and how closely they remain period-correct. Most examples range from $700 to $1,500, depending on originality, condition, and demand in restricted states.

Pre-ban note: For the Colt AR-15 A2 Government, pre-ban generally means it was manufactured before September 13, 1994. Although the federal ban expired, some states still treat documented pre-ban rifles differently which can increase demand.

How to confirm your Colt AR-15 A2 Government is pre-ban

  • Receiver markings and model designation
  • Overall configuration and major components (barrel, sights, furniture, muzzle device)
  • Signs of permanent modification (drilled receivers, refinished metal, non-factory machining)
  • Consistency of finish and matching-era parts
  • Box, manuals, receipts, or original parts (if included)

Tip: photos of receiver markings, overall configuration, and any documentation help us move faster and price more accurately.

Common Variants & Value Ranges

Pre-ban Colt AR-15 A2 Government values vary based on originality and configuration. The ranges below reflect how collectors typically group these rifles in today’s market.

  • Modified / Non-Original Configuration

    Original upper with foreign lower or non-original configuration

    Estimated Value: $700 – $1,200

  • Standard Configuration

    Mostly original Government model rifle

    Estimated Value: $900 – $1,500

  • Collector-Grade (Carbine Variant)

    Documented pre-ban carbine configuration

    Estimated Value: $900 – $1,400

Collector notes: With Colt pre-ban rifles, photos matter. Clear receiver marking photos and full-configuration shots help confirm period-correct setup. If you have the original box, manuals, receipts, or original parts that were replaced over time, include them because they can increase buyer confidence and value.

Factors That Influence Colt AR-15 A2 Government Values

Original Configuration:

Rifles that remain in original, period-correct configuration typically bring the highest offers. Correct furniture, correct barrel profile, and correct small parts can materially affect collector demand.

Receiver Markings & Documentable Era:

Markings help confirm model and manufacturing era. Clear photos of receiver markings and overall configuration help verify pre-ban status and support stronger offers.

Correct Major Components:

Barrel type, sights, upper receiver details, stock and handguards can influence value when they remain period-correct. Major component swaps often matter more than small, reversible changes.

Condition & Finish:

Original finish and honest wear generally outperform refinished examples. Rust, pitting, heavy scratches, and mismatched parts can reduce value even if the rifle functions well.

Modifications & Permanence:

Aftermarket rails, barrel swaps, refinishing, or drilled receivers often reduce collector value. Permanent modifications typically matter more than reversible changes like furniture swaps.

State-Driven Demand:

In states with ongoing feature restrictions, documented pre-ban Colt rifles may sell faster and command a premium compared to similar post-ban rifles.

Compare your options

How selling a pre-ban firearms through WeBuyGuns compares to your other options

store Local gun shop

Usually fast, but most shops have limited cash on hand and may not specialize in older, rare or high-value pieces.

Offers often favor a quick resale, not the long-term collector value.

Auctions Auctions and consignment

Potential upside, but you wait for the sale, pay commissions and still carry uncertainty around final prices and timelines.

private sale Private sales or classifieds

Can take months, involve strangers and require you to manage listings, messages and transfers one gun at a time. For estates, that can add stress to an already heavy situation.

Selling to WeBuyGuns.com Selling to WeBuyGuns

You get a single, expert valuation and offer for the entire collection, prepaid shipping labels and clear expectations up front. No fees, no pressure and no need to piece out guns one by one.

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We’re happy to talk through the process step by step so you understand exactly what will happen and when.

Call us at (317) 804-8713 if you have any questions.

Chris Wing - Owner WeBuyGuns

With pre-ban firearms, value is defined by documented production era, configuration, and originality. Small details materially affect pricing, and accurate valuation requires familiarity with how collectors buy these rifles today.

Our team evaluates every pre-ban firearm individually. We do not rely on automated pricing or assumptions. Each offer is grounded in real details and current market demand, reflecting how these firearms are actually valued when money changes hands.

Chris Wing
Owner, WeBuyGuns

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Frequently asked questions

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Is this legal?
Yes. We are a federally licensed firearms dealer located in the state of Indiana. You, the seller, are covered under our license just as you would be if you walked into our store with the item. There are no laws preventing you from selling your firearm to us.
What makes a Colt AR-15 A2 Government more valuable?
Originality and correct Colt markings are the biggest drivers of value. Rifles that remain close to factory configuration with consistent finish and correct major components generally command the strongest offers. Collector-grade condition and included documentation can increase value.
What does “pre-ban” mean for the Colt AR-15 A2 Government?
Pre-ban generally means the rifle was manufactured before September 13, 1994. While the federal ban expired, some states still treat documented pre-ban rifles differently which can increase demand and value for verified examples.
Do modifications reduce the value of a Colt A2 Government rifle?
Often, yes. Many buyers are paying for a Colt-marked pre-ban rifle that remains period-correct. Modern rails, barrel swaps, optics mounts, or refinishing can reduce collector demand. If you kept the original parts, including them with the rifle can help preserve value.
What should I photograph to help confirm configuration and value?
Start with receiver markings and overall configuration photos. Include clear left and right receiver markings, close-ups of the barrel area if markings are present, and full photos of the rifle showing stock, handguards, sights, and muzzle device. Also include photos of any box, manuals, or accessories.
How do I sell a Colt AR-15 A2 Government to WeBuyGuns.com?
Submit your rifle using our online offer form and include clear photos of markings and condition. If you have a box, manuals, receipts, or original parts, include photos of those too. We’ll review and send a competitive offer. If accepted, we provide shipping instructions and a prepaid label and you’ll be responsible for packaging the firearm securely.
How long are offers good for?
Offers are valid for 14 days.
Can I sell multiple firearms?
Absolutely! Once firearm information has been submitted, you will have the ability to submit additional firearms for review and offers. These firearms will be viewable from your user panel, which you access from your initial offer email. If you have a large number of firearms or an estate, view our guide on gun collections.
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