Been out of the game WAY too long so I apologize for not being up on the latest trends, prices, etc. A CAR-15 Olympic Arms that was built in 1993 has come into my possession. Very good condition, has the 11" barrel and 5.5" permanently welded flash suppressor, CAR stock, A-1 carry handle and sights, bayonet lug.
Is it true that these can command a decent $$ from buyers in states like CT or others that have AWB laws in place?
Any idea as to the best way to sell this rifle? BTW - I live in FL.
I’d go to ban state forums and see what they say. I’m in Florida too and I rarely see pre-ban stuff.
Good idea - I just joined the CT gun owners forum - are there any other states where this rifle might get more attention due to laws?
I bought one of those EXACT same models in TX in 1996 - allegedly, part of the last shipment of pre-ban Oly’s EVER! Sold it years ago in WV for about double what I paid for it (years BEFORE the 2004 sunset). I’d be curious to see what it goes for now, too!
Probably worth between $1-1.5k. You can check out www.northeastshooters.com
Oly is one of the worst commonly found AR15 manufacturers ever. I’d have SERIOUS ethical issues with trying to sell one of those turds for a premium to someone behind enemy lines.
It’d be one thing if, at least, their lowers were decent, but that is very often not the case.
11.5" barrel with a 5.5" flash hider?
Novelty?
Put it on Gunbroker.
Things are worth what people pay for them. If someone thinks it is worth $1500, and they pay that much, then that is what it is worth.
I usually draw a parallel with wages. People think thier work is worth way more than they actually get, and I ask why they don’t get someone to psy that much. It usually shuts them up or they start making excuses why they are where they are for the time being.
It’s a pretty common config amongst older ARs, especially ones from the 90s. I know a person with a Bushmaster that has a configuration like that… it’s a really silly gun.
BUT, it did have a nicely staked semi-auto bolt carrier and actually ran pretty well. It has yet to malfunction. I think Bushmaster QC may have been a little better back then.
Mimics the XM177E2 configuration.
Like an A2X gets a 14.5" barrel to the 16" legal length, the 5.5" moderator/flash hider (longer than the stock 4.25" one on the CAR-15) gets you out to the 16" length.
It’s as HackerF15E said
XM177 mimic and Olympic been doing from 80s. Mine is from 80’s I’ve been offered over $1200 in ban years. I’m going to keep my unicorn one. 
it’s been a odd bird of reliability.
As Markm said they are the POS of AR’s compared with what is available now. Back in 80’s they was what available… Colt was not as pro citizen owned AR.
Sorry, meant 10.5" barrel
So, could someone in a ban state purchase it and replace everything but the pre-ban lower receiver?
Tomac
Yes…
Agree…put that turd on GB.
After the sunset of the AWB in 2004 a lot of guys sold their pre-bans for crazy prices to folks behind enemy lines in ban states and turned around and picked up a new production model. Most of the pre-ban stuff in free states has dried up because of the crazy money it can fetch.
I wasn’t nearly as savy about weapon buying back then unfortunately. As I grew wiser I found out the train has left the station, at least in Florida.
You guys also remember, at one time Oly set up for you to send in the old “preban” “Stop Sign” cast lowers and they sent you a forged, same serial number lower back.
Bushmaster was a big name back then, remember it was called Bushmaster, Quality Parts Corporation. Comparison to others now, we all know the stories.
In my opinion, two things made the AR what it is today-The sunset of the “Assault Weapons” Ban and the War on Terror.
Not sure how many states allow Pre-Bans anymore. In NY its a no-go since the SAFE Act, it was never a go in NJ. Maybe CT?
Seems like an auction site is the best bet. Things are only worth what people are willing to pay, an auction is the best way to find that number.
That’s exactly what I would do. Even though it’s a POS compared to what’s available today, it’s still a pre-ban and in the commie states it will be a high demand item. Put it on Gunbroker, sit back, enjoy the ride, and get paid.