Some AR-15 owners just want the original look. The Colt Retro Carbine has it: a 16.1 inch barrel, a 20-round magazine and the classic profile that echoes early service rifles. It is a semi-automatic rifle in 5.56 NATO.

The retro styling goes with a pencil-weight look and a simple handguard, without the rail systems that dominate modern rifles. It is a light rifle that carries well. For hog hunting, coyotes or a night walk around the farm, a trim AR is easy to handle. Spend an afternoon at the range before the season so you know exactly where it shoots.

Colt is a name with history, and the brand carries weight with collectors and shooters. That is part of why the price is high. If you want an AR with an old-school look and a respected maker's mark, it is a fine piece. If you only want utility, a cheaper rifle will do the job.

Keep it clean and use quality magazines. The semi-auto action fires one shot per trigger pull. It ships to a North Carolina FFL dealer, where the background check is done.