  We have finally hit another page of history that includes Colt M4s for sale to consumers. They are truly elegant rifles with the same military markings at the miltary contract guns, as well as an M16 bolt and Mil-Spec parts.
 These are two different versions of the 6920 patrol rifle. The beige one we bought before the review guns came in, so you can see it with the Magpul MOE grip mounted and not mounted. The black one is the SOCOM model and comes with a Knight’s Armament handguard and rail covers.
 Click the chart to see a bigger version of the various Colt models and suggested retail. The actual prices in gun shops are very close to these, as well as on GunsAmerica. There is a link at the top of the article to the Colt catalog and full price list.
 All of the new Colts come with a battle pack with two magazines, a cleaning kit, manual, sling, and the extra parts that may come with that model. This SOCOM comes with steel 30 round magazines and the Knight’s Armament rail covers you see here. The Magpul FDE model comes with plastic P-Mags and a screw on front handle.
 All of the guns come with a forward assist button, and there are other parts inside the gun that are pinned, where many non-defense suppliers don’t include extra security in keeping the gun together.
 The bolt and internals are made by Colt, stamped with a C here as you can see, and the MPC means that the barrel and bolt where magnetic particle inspected by Colt prior to assembly.
 The Magpul MOE handguard may look like simple plastic, but all of the handguards in this Colt series have inner steel heat shields. That means you can mount rail sections to the slots in the top of the MOE, and we mounted this light and laser combo for both tactical work and night hog hunting.
 These rifles are meant to be the highest common denominator for an out of the box patrol rifle. Probably because every part on them was made by a military contractor that does their R&D with good old fashion tax dollars, they ooze quality and durability.
 This is the 6940, with its “monolithic” upper. If you look, you can see that the entire top of the gun is one machined piece of aluminum alloy. This makes it the perfect sniper platform for absolute optica stability. We used this rifle to test the UTG Sniper series scopes from Leapers. That article should be out soon. The 6940 comes with two 20 round steel mags for prone shooting on a bipod like this.
 Unlike the 6920 rifles that have the triangle front sight, the 6940 front sight flips down to get out of the way of optics.
 The 6940 comes with these low profile rail covers that you can cut to fit your needs in the rail system.
 This is our resident US Army Sniper Ben Becker popping away with the 6940 to see how she does on the bench.
 These roughly MOA sized groups with sub-par ammo (ie. not Hornady) are not the best the rifle can do, but we expect all of these guns to return for more work in the future.
 This actual rifle served me well for two nights of hog hunting. The light and laser combo are an inexpensive NCStar, and work great.
 I found that the pressure switch wedges perfectly between the Knight’s Armament rail cover and the middle rail, providing a secure and solid mount and activator for the sight system.
 We have put thousands of rounds through these three rifles including this 62 grain Federal green tip, Lake City, and all of it has worked flawlessly, been very accurate, and not one round has failed. The guns are also very clean and handle the heat fairly well. Overall the 6920 and 6940 Colts are great guns, and most likely great investments.
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https://www.coltsmfg.com/m4
Download the Colt catalog and retail price lists HERE
More than not, the decision to buy a new gun comes from inside your heart. Even if you need a duty gun, or you have to pick from a list of allowable weapons for a specific job, most of us are going to buy the gun that feels right to us. For several generations of American gun owners, there is no gun that feels better or more right to buy than a Colt. Last weekend I was listening to Gun Talk Radio, and sure enough, a geezer gun nut called in to let Tom Gresham know that he had finally broken down and bought an AR-15. Why? Because he was finally able to buy a Colt.
Yes, the time has finally come when you can actually walk into most gun shops and buy a Colt AR-15 M4 Carbine. The models 6920 and 6940 that you see here were actually introduced back in 2009, and some have trickled into the consumer market for the past three years, but for the most part you didn’t see them. And prior to that, despite the fact that Colt is a major supplier of the M4 carbine to US Military, none of us had seen an AR from Colt since the old Colt Sporter days in the 80s before the ban era. Colt was decimated by lawsuits for many years, and through name and ownership reorganizations, Colt just kind of evaporated from the gun shop shelf consumer gun market. Thankfully, Colt is back, and the guns are absolutely top notch. We were able to shoot and test four of the newest M4 models over thousands of rounds of ammo in the course of three weeks or so with several shooters, and everyone was impressed with the new Colts.
The 6920 is a straight up patrol rifle. In fact the whole line is called the LE line, for Law Enforcement, but since the ban era is over for now, there is no law enforcement only restriction. The 6920 is meant to provide a high quality, one size fits all option for the law enforcement officer who just needs a reliable rifle with just the options that are needed for the task at hand. The 6920 carries a 16″ button rifled, chromed barrel with a six groove 1 in 7 inch twist rate, suitable for all combat 5.56 ammo. The bolt assembly is M16 grade, and both the bolt and barrel are magnetic particle inspected for imperfections. We were able to get both the SOCOM version from Colt, that comes equipped with a Knight’s Armament quad-rail handguard and rail covers, as well as the FDE-TALO version with the beige Magpul MOE handguard, forward grip and pistol grip. They also make the latter in an all black instead of beige.
The SOCOM comes with a MaTech Mil-Spec 200-600 yard rear sight, and the FDE comes with a Magpul rear flip up peep sight to match the other beige hardware. Both guns are drop dead gorgeous out of the box, and both guns I think send a message to the consumer market that these patrol rifles are no afterthought by a military defense contractor. Colt could have just fumbled together any kind of parts they wanted, stamp them with a Colt logo, and the guns would sell for hundreds more than a standard AR-15 M4. The guns are in fact hundreds more than a standard M4, but they come with parts that are themselves top of the line, military contractor provided, battle proven weapon system components that by themselves sell for those extra hundreds of dollars alone. Even the shoulder strap and cleaning kit are Mil-Spec, and serviceable. The Magpul guns come with two P-Mags each, and the SOCOM comes with two standard 30 round steel mags.
Could you trick out these guns to do more than they are out of the box? Of course. They are standard, impingement AR-15 M4s with Mil-Spec parts and standard rails. As you can see from the pictures, we added a rail section to the Magpull handguard for a light and laser combo. The modern AR-15 is made to expand and customize, but out of the box, as a patrol rifle, home defense rifle, even basic hunting rifle, the Colt 6920 will serve you wisely.
The 6940 is a rifle unique to Colt. The lower is the same as all the other guns, as is the barrel, the bolt, and the internals, but the upper itself is what is called “monolithic.” Look at the pictures and you will see the difference between it and the uppers of the 6920, as well as most AR-15 rifles you are probably familiar with. There is no break between the front handguard and the flat top rail. It is all one machined piece. This makes it ideal for high powered optics, and with specialty ammo like the frangibles from DRT (which we are hoping to get our hands on soon), the 6940 is perfect as a police sniper rifle, with the ability to operate in a close quarters firefight as well.
The rear sight on the 6940 is that same MaTech that is on the black 6920, but the front sight on the 6940 is not the standard AR-15 triangle. It still adjusts the same way, but it is a flip down, so you can mount an optic on the gun, but retain the ability to shoot with open sights. That solid monolithic upper is the most stable platform you will find on an AR-15 for long range optics, and the gun is extremely accurate. Even with the gun relatively hot on an oppressively hot south Florida afternoon with the sun in his face, our resident US Army Sniper Ben Becker was able to consistently nail 3 shot groups into about an inch at 100 yards. We are probably going to keep these guns and buy them from Colt, and with better ammo on a cooler day and better conditions, the 6940 will probably shoot 5 rounds at least into comfortably o 1 MOA. This is a pure-play police sniper rifle, and it comes with 2 steel 20 round mags, so you can shoot the gun prone with a bipod as you see in the pictures.
Now that most gun shops, including a lot of the GunsAmerica dealers, have these Colts, the smart gun nuts are pulling the trigger on them, both literally and figuratively, and actually just buying them, needed or not. We could find ourselves back into a new war if the President feels he needs it to get re-elected, and Colt could have to tail off consumer production to meet military contract demands yet again. If you have always dreamed of owning a Colt AR-15, even going back to the Sporter days, now would be the time to grab one. I have spoken to the dealers out there and the market has only been able to bear a very small margin for the dealers on these guns. That means they are a good buy right now, and a good investment for a collectible rifle down the road.
As a side note, no, don’t worry I’m not going to wax about my childhood like I was opening a story in one of the print rags lol, GunsAmerica put its money where its mouth is on this one. If you notice in the pictures, there are two of the beige 6920s. That is because, two weeks before Colt send us any review guns, we saw one of these for sale on GunsAmerica from a local Miami dealer who has sold on GA for years. That day it was ours, not figuring that Colt would get around to sending us review guns anytime soon. Then surprise, surprise, surprise, three guns showed up for us from the PR company for Colt that next week, go figure, so we got to shoot four guns for this article. And if they let us buy them, the other three are most likely staying here too. If you are a gun nut, there is no wrong reason to buy a Colt. You don’t really need a reason at all. It’s a Colt for heaven’s sake.
Heya i\’m for the primary time here. I came across this board and I in finding It really
useful & it helped me out much. I am hoping to give one thing again and help
others like you aided me.
Quite simply, it requires control to study and apply, and
more discipline to appropriately accomplish the play of the game.
Here’s one to mull over. Just bought a Colt AR15A4 with the 20″ barrel 1/7. When it arrived the barrel was stamped HBAR 1/9. I called the dealer and after he finally stopped telling me I was wrong he opened up the remaining 5 new AR15A4 he had and 1 out of the 5 was stamped like mine. I guess Colt is using up inventory parts to make money?
I’ve used a Colt M4 through 5 arduous deployments thoughout Iraq/Afghanistan. Battled tested, proven, reliable.
I bought a Colt M4 carbine and picked it up October of 2013.It was the basic 6920 model and it had a generation 2 Magpul rear sight and one 10 round Magpul magazine and a manual.No cleaning kit or sling.I live in the Peoples Democratic state of California.A very socialized mess when it comes to gun ownership.I bought another Magpul magazine and a Lancer Magazine both are the 10/30 round mags so the rifle looks normal as its a thirty round mag that holds only ten rounds.I bought a Magpul sling.I also have a red dot sight but its a TRueGlo 30mm model and my friends say its blasphemy to put such a cheap sight on such a fine carbine.I haven’t fired it yet but I’m going to buy a laser bore sight so if God forbid I have to use it for home defense it will be somewhat sighted in.I know one thing,Of all the Ar15’s I looked at there is only one that can put M4 on its receiver and thats a Colt.It has that M16 bolt so you know if it can handle full auto fire it will handle semi-auto fire with ease.Its also the only M4 that can say its truly mil-spec.Accept no substitute.Colt M4 6920 carbine is the real deal.
The only people that bash colt and say they aren’t the same are the people that wish they would have gotten one. Noone ever dogs spikes or bcm. Everyone dogs colt that doesn’t have one because they are the best… Hands down. I’ve shot 4140 barrels until they are red so stag arms, Smith and others just won’t do for me. I want my m4 to say m4. I want to know that the rifle I am using to protect my family also has the military contract to protect my country. The only other brand of AR I would own is FN. They have the m16 military contract. Get a colt boys… You’ll feel much much better.
There’s this family gun shop in California that has been getting the Colt M4 6920 ca compliant in stock and has been selling them for a good sale price.They have been getting the Colt M4 6920 ca compliant with the Magpul furniture in Black and FDE as well.They also had the 6940 as well.I bought the Colt M4 6920 ca compliant rifle which I pick up manana.It doesn’t have the carry handle but is the basic M4.It has the Mbus gen.2 flip up rear sight with 2 apertures.The front triangular A2 sight.It comes with one ten round magazine.Maybe a sling and cleaning kit and manual we will see.I’m like a kid at Christmas Eve.I been buying ammo for it and extra magazines.I have a red dot sight for it thats been in my drawer for 3 years that I never used.
Curious, it has been some time since this comment was made but am curious what shop you are talking about, I am pretty set on getting a cold 6920 (CA compliant since I live here in CA) and will continue to try and find one at a decent price. would love to know where you saw this,might help my search,thanks!
I live in Commiefornia and if the Governor doesn’t veto SB-374 in the next 6 days it goes into law.That is JAN.01,2014 all semi-auto rifles that have a detachable magazine or a fixed magazine that can hold more than ten rounds will be banned.I bought yesterday a Colt M4 LE6920 California compliant rifle.I have to wait 10 days on COmmiefornia before I can pick it up.After Jan.01,2014 people who own semi-auto rifles since 1998 will have to register their rifles as assault weapons.To me that means I can make my M4 fully automatic,add a grenade launcher,bayonet,and hi-capacity magazines.The reason being is that is what a Assault rifle is not a sem-auto rifle with a ten round magazine used for home protection ,target shooting,or varmint hunting.Though I blame the Commiefornia residents for electing these liberal democrats.Especially Diane Feinstein.They did it to themselves.
Ive ben building ar rifles simce 1978,selling over100.
this was long before all the ar queers got into building, back then i hunted down all the vendors
that forged all the colt used parts, im pretty sure there still only 2 companys that
forge the lowers and about 5 that make the uppers,
Biggest thing in
old days wad finish ammnd machine work/ parts fitting corectly.. I hated all
the colt lowers back then , they had shit written all over them/ differant pins etc,
i used all colt parts except the stripped lowers, Every one i ever built shot 5 shot moa at 100 yrds, open sights..
I waited all
these years ta get a real colt lower thad rollmarked m-4 / colt defence . i bought a new one, put on 14.5 barrel the legal way and i love it, i still have 8 versions from nam up but my new M-4 is my joy,,,
Biggest problem now is there like legos toys and i see more shit built stuff
at rangethat stop all the time,,, none of mine has Ever failed , i
only used best parts, i tryed the mag pull furniture and i haheve to admit
its very comfy but i have knoghts
rail if i want it …… i hate the ar s that have billboard sides with snakes and deer heads or little boy zommbi shit.
Stupid!!!!, then there were cast and plastic,, all jokes but could work,
Thank
u colt for a real roll marked M-4 and colt defence on side!!!!!!!!!!!
PS If you cant shoot iron sights then
learn,, then play with a scope Colt all the way !!!
Ive ben building ar rifles simce 1978,selling over100.
this was long before all the ar queers got into building, back then i hunted down all the vendors
that forged all the colt used parts, im pretty sure there still only 2 companys that
forge the lowers and about 5 that make the uppers,
Biggest thing in
old days wad finish ammnd machine work/ parts fitting corectly.. I hated all
the colt lowers back then , they had shit written all over them/ differant pins etc,
i used all colt parts except the stripped lowers, Every one i ever built shot 5 shot moa at 100 yrds, open sights..
I waited all
these years ta get a real colt lower thad rollmarked m-4 / colt defence . i bought a new one, put on 14.5 barrel the legal way and i love it, i still have 8 versions from nam up but my new M-4 is my joy,,,
Biggest problem now is there like legos toys and i see more shit built stuff
at rangethat stop all the time,,, none of mine has Ever failed , i
only used best parts, i tryed the mag pull furniture and i haheve to admit
its very comfy but i have knoghts
rail if i want it …… i hate the ar s that have billboard sides with snakes and deer heads or little boy zommbi shit.
Stupid!!!!, then there were cast and plastic,, all jokes but could work,
Thank
u colt for a real roll marked M-4 and colt defence on side!!!!!!!!!!!
PS If you cant shoot iron sights then
learn,, then play with a scope Colt all the way !!!
My only complaint is the 6940 seems like a magnet for dents, dings, and scratches. Every time you take the push pins out to clean it, remove the bolt, install the bolt, it’s almost impossible to do so without bumping it sometimes a bit too hard into the upper receiver, thus putting a tiny nick on it. Never heard of a Colt ever failing because of dings and scratches but nevertheless my SKS you would be hard pressed to even put one scratch on it, try try as hard as you would like, steel is a lot tougher than aluminum
As a long time vet [retired], past handler of the original M16 from Nam era, and now just getting back into the fray of the AR types available, I’ve researched, read, studied a multitude of articles, blogs, TV shows on Sportsman Channel, Youtube pieces and their arguments, as well as, well just name it I’ve been there. So, what did I purchase [at Wally World – best price anywhere]? The SOCOM! Why? It’s been all laid out here is why. Yeah, some run their mouths about Colt and their past; valid arguments too, but I knew about all that. No different I suppose than been a NASCAR fan, but there to one has to know where most all the “same” engines come from, so, and sure we have the Chevy, Ford, etc fans, but the car label doesn’t matter; it’s the driver that matters….My driver? Kyle Bush; OMG, that’s right, he drives a Toyota! So? I’m just waiting for Subaru to enter the craziness of NASCAR as I’ve owned 6 new ones since 1996; wouldn’t drive anything else.
Yeah, I love my SOCOM M4A1. I’m not here to push Subaru getting in NASCAR, but wanting to know “who” carries original parts for Colt? I’m sure I can call Colt, but their website doesn’t break down a parts/price listing so I’d like to be able to visit a website that does so I can “see” parts, buy some to ‘just have’ available for any future breakdown/wear out if they’re needed for the SHTF moment; if it comes.
Thanks Administrator for a fine article, and others who have contributed [pro & con]!
Special Operations Command
What does SOCOM stand for?
Love my 6920. With the 1/7 twist I can send heavier bullets down range with great accuracy. I also own an M1A1 with a Leupold 3×9 zeroed in at 1 inch high at 100 yds. Dead on at 300 yds.
I will take the 6920 over anything out there. I also like my all weather Mini-14 580XXXX. Either one will stop a bad guy.
For that price why not get an m1a
I jUst like the like the ruggedness of the m1a and punch of the 7.62×51 I guess lol
But in my full oppinion any rifle can be just as good as another branding doesn’t really matter does it
I’m pretty sure every company has there mistakes in production. Now on the other hand i think colt will replace or repair parts that break from defects. The cheaper part company’s normally wouldnt. That doesn’t nessesarely mean there made any worse than the cults.
Local gun shop is selling the 6920 for 2k here in Shreveport. Crazy but it is a quality rifle that you can be proud of.
Am I the only one who thinks it looks dumb to put a scope like that on that kind of rifle?
This thread is sure filled with a lot of butthurt. Sounds like everyone here who built their own using cheaper products is bothered by the fact that some people can afford to buy a completed gun from the top manufacturer off the shelf. I’m not dissing the DIY mentality, I am that way with a lot of my life…but when you can afford to buy a Colt off the shelf there’s nothing wrong with doing it.
It’s like dissing someone who buys a Ferrari because you bought a Honda and suped it up for much cheaper. Good for you! But you’re still driving a suped up Honda, and they’re still driving a Ferrari.
Per the well written article,
Since Colt is now making their AR-15’s available to the public once more;
Can ANYONE ( Administrator?), possibly share WHERE I might purchase one.
Am in search of an LE 6920.
Thanks
They come and go on GA.
walmart selling colt LE-6920’s i was shocked..im buying one today if its still there..better get all you can of black guns or mags obomba going to take away everything if he can..one in hand beats 30 in the bush thats no longer being sold…..semper fi (nam vet)
he fabricado un par de petardos Atomicos, yo no aparezco en el Potomac.
To Manufacturer : If the quality of the outsourcing and subcontracting is equivalent to your
ability in grammar, then the entire product is suspect.
I’ve always held to the maxim…”if you cannot improve it, then you are unqualified to criticize it”
You really need to do your homework before you embarass yourself.
Some of you guys kill me! Yes controversial. But Admin, lets face it, I can buy a colt, or I (Emphasis added) can build a colt, both will hit something at 300 yards. One will hit 1 MOA at 600 yards, The Colt might hit the target. Now before all of you get your panties in a wad, let me finish. I have done both. However, in the real world, when it was time to trade the colt, I usually got most of my money back. When it was time to trade the homebuilt, it took 6 months to get my money back, because very few knew what they were actually buying. Lesson, want it to hit something, anything buy a colt, learn it. Building your own,,, put it away, slober on it, shoot it a bit, let some at the range drool, but don’t expect to flip it fast, as few know what it is, or what it can do. I too have paid my dues, but the truth is we all hide that itch if the SHTF and if it does, I can promise it will not matter one bit if it holds 1MOA at 300 yards or 900 yards. I just get what I can, try to hit what I shoot!!! and promote the beginner and the industry. We all need each other to operate, but none of us came out of the same oven.
Hi, I was wondering if you shot the 6920 and the 6940 at 100yd groups, and which one was more accurate? Thanks, jeff
Patriot- I was in the same boat as you. Comparing the standard LE and Magpaul vs the SOCOM I really was having a hard time justifying the added expense but ended up with the SOCOM.
On of the reasons is I knew I would want to upgraid the rail and wanted the best barrel and it was cheaper to pay for it now instead of swapping out parts later.
The SOCOM is amazing and while I didn’t think I needed the heavier barrel I took it out to a company outing at the range and we put through a lot more rounds than I ever would in one day and it was flawless.
I looked at so many brands and while I could have gotten a M&P I really wanted the 1/7 twist I could have gotten “mil spec” rifles at almost half the price but didn’t want to compromise.
That being said it was a game day decision between the SOCOM and the Daniels Defense I think DD4 and went with the Colt. What pushed me over the edge was 2 things the DD didn’t have any iron sights so that added more money and a friend who served 2 tours in Afghanistan swears by it and wouldn’t carry anything else.
Did you really put “lol” in the body of your article? Wow. I thought that was reserved for little girls and cell phones.
Well see that I guess you learn something everyday.
I just picked up a LE6920 with the Law Enforcement stamping locally for $999 last week. I took it out to the range today and sighted in the the EOTech holographic sight and the red dot laser. I had two people offer me much more than I paid for it. The groupings were superb. Around here in Indiana there is a waiting list to get one from most all the dealers. My sister had her S&W MP15 damaged when she tried to run several hundred rounds of the higher grain ammo through it. I told her the 1:9 rifling creates much more back pressure than the 1:7. It might be more accurate at closer ranges but I like the 1:7 in my Colt.
What I see mostly online still available are the CA (California) legal versions. I wouldn’t want one of those. I saw a guy on YouTube showing his off and the barrel was installed upside down somehow when looking at the slit positions at the end of the barrel. Obviously a “assembled from parts” gun. It also didn’t have the proper stamps on the barrel showing the testing marks.
If you can find one that still has the Law Enforcement stamping buy it ASAP !
Great Article, I’m in the market for a new Colt Rifle, and am stuck between the le6920 Socom, and the le6920mp. I am a magpul fan but would always prefer something as close to the real deal as possible so the Socom seems really tempting but is it worth the extra money? besides the furniture what all is different with it, I know the barrel is heavier on the Socom and the trigger group is different but besides that are they basically the same rifle? The Socom version will cost me a extra $400-$500 dollars while the M4A1 stamp is cool not sure if its worth the extra money and heavy barrel that isn’t necessary for a semi auto rifle.
Hello gun owners,
I just bought a 6920 Colt rifle. Can’t wait to get it! During my Marine Corps days we touted the M16A4 around fallugah and anywhere you can take a gun. The weapon never let me down, as long as you keep it squeaky clean. Anyways… I was under the impression that armalite sold the rights of the M4 design to Colt. Is this true. Just curious.
Semper Fi
Its not invested emotion, its remembering WHO were friends to the black rifle owners back in the day.
Colt wasn’t, they fell to the political pressure faster than anyone else, because they were on life support from the US military.
Ruger wasn’t, Bill Ruger went on record selling out high cap mags, just for the ability to keep selling his crappy Mini 14’s.
And, lets not forget Ruger had a policy of refusing to sell its high caps to the general public, as well as never bothering to produce a high cap mag for the 10/22 till recently.
Now, in their copy fest, they have knocked off the Kel Tec 380s, the AR 15, and most recently, the Walther P22, seems that all the bad guns they wouldn’t build back in the day, are real popular to sell, after the rest of us have fought the hard fight to make sure the AWB ban sunsetted, and brought Ruger and Colt the ability to be able to sell these guns to the general public again.
As for Colt, I have no emotion concerning the product, its probably the best out there, and I tell my customers that, the Doctors and Lawyers, who don’t balk at paying twice as much for a name, love them, the guys out there doing the actual shooting, have no problems with one for way less, and a few thousand rounds of ammo, instead of a name.
Then, there are the folks, like me, who have owned black rifles, suffered derision for doing so, (Hey, I was in the ‘nam, I know what a machine gun is, and that’s an AR15((you can also substitute AK47 as needed)), NOBODY, needs a gun like that to target shoot. Now, get out of my gunshop, before I throw you out), do you believe I was actually told that by a retail gun shop owner?
No, you can’t forget history, its like the Jewish people I know who driver a Mercedes-Benz, pretty soon, they have you back to sheeple status, with all sins being forgiven, for the all mighty dollar.
I enjoyed your well written article along with the photos. My LE6920 has been perfect for me for about 3 years. I changed the handguards out for one with rails, which in hindsight was a good idea as I have done the usual consumer thing and have added, taken off, added more, taken off again many add-ons.
Thank you for showing the quality gun without using a scope that few of us could afford. I have used a Trijicon knockoff, red-dots, and a variety of scopes. My eyes are now 7 decades used but I still go back to using the irons.
One last point, nothing anyone writes about guns (especially ARs) will satisfy everyone……..too much invested emotion.
So, we are now supposed to flock back to Colt, because they have decreed that now again, “CIVILIANS”, are upstanding enough, to be allowed, to purchase their products?
The first real gun, I ever bought, was a Colt AR 15, SP1, CAR model, because the dealer had two, and one was a CAR, one was a full sized rifle, his buddy had dibs on the full size, I walked out with a Carbine, that ended up worth a pretty penny more than the A1, at least, during the AWB.
Then, as the ban got close, I bought a HBAR, one of the last to have military standard pin holes in the receiver, because, Colt, had bowed to the pressure, removed the bayonet lugs, and was changing the pin sizes, so that no one could insert USGI fire control components into any of their rifles.
You see, this was back in the day when drop in auto sears, and parts sellers, were next to each other at gunshows, and many folks walked out with a machine gun in a small paper bag.
Colt was just protecting us from ourselves I guess……….
I suffered through the ban, all the while watching LEO M4’s, sell for sub 800 bucks.
Day one after the AWB ended, try 1500, and no one had them in stock.
Then, a decade later, after watching those guns REMAIN well above 1200 dollars, when available, and aquiring many more AR’s, most no more than 700 bucks EACH, I have you may see, become somewhat less then happy about being a repeat customer.
We, the gun owners, who kept Colt afloat, after the war in Vietnam, were smacked in the mouth once, then, Colt had absolutely no problems arming our domestic “Police” force with pretty weapons, none of us “Civilians” could own, and, now that the Congress is letting other companies bid, and win military contracts, against Colt, all of a sudden, with the Monopoly selling to the Military coming to an end, they decide that we can prop them up again, by stooping to the level of selling to us, lowly, badgless, Citizens????
Nope, keep your overpriced gun, or at least have the DECENCY to sell it for what it cost during the ban.
Bad enough you pick and choose when to sell to the subhuman gun owners, without badges, or uniforms, but you screw us on top of it?
Not this gun owner.
HooRAH!! -in agreement and see what i I said in my previous comment. The Adminstrator is simply enamored of Colt due to too many cowboy movies. One week of combat jamming in Nam, and I threw it down for an AK. We didn’t have 30rnd mags at that point in time, and the cyclic was too fast anyway for 20’s so that AK worked much better.
Lot of people make excuses for that episode in history. And yeah, its fixed now, and i prefer a suitable AR over anything, even HK and all the high end stuff. But what does that say about a company who didn’t do their R&D enough in the first place to anticipate that problem? The dirty little Colt history secret is that they had a lot of ‘problems’ way back from the civil war…
Colt’s ‘cult’ following is a little like Stradavari Violins. There are no name brands that play and sound just as good. For a lot less. proving, of course, that sometimes ‘less, is more’! But music is one thing. Killing is another. I’d never bet my life on just a ‘legend’.
Well I have an Armalite,Bushmaster & Colt Gov. carbine…..My bushmaster holds a better group than the Colt and Armalite……..But I only get offers to buy the sexy little Colt!! I have to admitt it is my favrite..just somthing about a Colt!
I just bought an LE6920 SOCOM version. It is my first AR type rifle and i’m fairly new to the gun owners community. However I did do some research as well as gather opinions from un-biased sources and I does seem as the extra money spent was well worth it. Compared to the AR I assembled from various vendors, the quiality of the Colt rifle does seem better. Although both rifles are very simular as far as accuracy goes, the Colt quality was worth it.
First time I ever saw one of these rifles was as S4,2/11ACR @ Xuan Loc, RVN in late 1966 or early ’67. The designation at the time we got them to test was the XM177. Fit in a tank or APC perfectly, and got a lot of use. Just to make sure the troops had a back up, we never asked them to turn in the old .45 Grease Guns JIC.
I finally found one at a range in 2008, designated as Colt’s LE6920, just prior to the the Current Occupant being elected, and bought it. Paid too much for it, shoots the lights out, would probably never sell or trade it. There are many other fine AR platforms out there now, but this is exactly like the one I was issued. Just wish I could find an M-14 next.
Regards to all.
Re: AR-15 reliability- My issued patrol rifle- a Bushmaster had well over 30,000 rounds through it- Removed from service because the barrel was worn out but otherwise still perking along.
Dusty: I too have runs a lot of rounds through my Bushmaster without any issues (and a Stag M4 as well). Of course, while in the Marines I also never had any problems with my issued M14, nor my subsequent issued M16A1’s and later the A2’s. Just pretty anal about my rifle maintenance and care. However, I have never had ANY issue with my three Colt .45 ACP 1911s, nor my 1943 Remington Rand .45 1911. Did try the Kimbers when they first came out – very disappointed in those and sold them quickly.
Nice article. For the money, I still don’t need any Colt semi-auto firearms since being the disappointed owner of two different Gold Cups that would not even fire a whole magazine without stoppage(s). Colt revolvers a differant story- Trooper Mk. III and Pythons are exceptional.
These ( especially the one with the knight forarm) are almost identical to my m-4 stoner( Knight armory) I bought when Clinton was in office By the way it is a great gun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I had a flash suppressor (threaded barrel) added as it wasn’t available when you know who was in the white house
Precioso, pero mantiene demasiados Alcanos
Colt’s past offerings for the civilian market were a mixed bunch. Sear blocks, large pin uppers, different sized fire control pins, and half circle bolt carriers were some of the hodgepodge mixtures differentiating their Sporter models from the military M-16 contracts. Thankfully with the split (really only a different rollmark) between Colt’s MFG and Colt Defense, they standardized the LE/Mil lineup with the 6920, 6940, 6721 ect. All Colts have a higher standard than most AR manufacturers. Barrels are magnetic particle inspected and high pressure tested as are the bolts. Gas keys are properly staked as are the castle nuts. They’ve been building these rifles for almost 50 years now. Most importantly they hold the technical data packages specified by the US Gov. for manufacture of these rifles. Not to look down on the other cheaper models like RRA, Olympic, DPMS, Bushmaster, S&W, or the dozens of others but they simply do not have the quality or endurance of the new Colts. My 6721 has over 20,000 rounds on it over the last 3 years with a healthy firing schedule. I replace high wear parts at 5000 round intervals. Mainly buffer springs, extractors, and extractor springs. None have ever broken I just believe in keeping the rifle ready at all times. In dozens of classes and competitions I’ve seen just about all other brands quit running due to parts failures. A Colt stopping is a rare event. Pat Rogers (http://www.eagtactical.com) is one of the top instructors in the US. He has a log book from every course he’s held filled with broken AR-15s from other makers. Will your other AR fail from a few hundred rounds a year at the range? Probably not. Run your weapon hard and often and you’ll likely see some shortcomings though. Now an AR from Knight’s Armament or Noveske will keep pace with a Colt but that’s at 2 to 3 times the cost of a Colt. In summary you get the most value for your money and higher resale value with a Colt. Thank you for a great review on an excellent rifle.
Wow Bert thanks.
I carried a M16 A1, other than that I have never thought of buying one. I was no fan of the 5.56. However when I picked up an AK-47, I felt I was putting some harder hitting hurt. So, I have seen the 7.62/39 upper for the AR frame, are all recievers capable of recieving this upper or do I need to buy a heavy duty one? Which is best. I have an AK and a ton of ammo this would be a good addition.
you people are all stupid.
I’m a little puzzled about your inability to find Colt AR’s. Here in MS they have been readily available for years to any FFL who wished to stock them. I own a 6720 that says LE only on it, and when I bought it, I had a choice of which model I wanted. Good luck with that UTG, I had 2 of them selfdestruct mounted on a 10/22. Maybe they have improved them. But, they’re still chinese.
The M-16 I had in the military never failed to operate well. The AR-15 I purchased from Olympic arms is also well made and would function as well as the new Colts. All proven well amde American made weapons manufacterers deserve support from America’s patriots. Colt is a great firearm and there are others that are excellent tools as well. Glad Colt survived litigation. Hats off and much success.
Sure would be nice if Colt came out with a dedicated .308 piston semi. @ Rick, the fit and finish on my Colt 6940 is impeccable.
does Colt make an AR10?
Nope that is only made by Armalite. Colt does have the 901 which is a .308, but hard to get.
What is the news about the civilian Colt .308 ?? I think its called an SP901, Any idea on when it will be produced ??
It is being produced but we don’t have one yet. Hopefully soon.
Administrator, I admire your patience. On topic of the Colt AR’s, how nice to see them back in the game. I especially commend them on the disposition of the “LEO Only” Markings on the lowers – that must have been a political battle we’ll never life to hear about?
And for the skeptics out there, I’ve got AR’s other than Colts too:) But the one I take out the door for serious anticipated “social work” is ALWAYS the Colt. I’m not a strictly a hobbiest , I use them professionally. And yes, there are other a number of other fine manufacturers out there. But in professional circles, the M-4’s almost always exclusively encountered are Colt’s.
As you can see from their catalog, after a lengthy hiatus, Colt seems to be trying to get back into the game. I’ve heard differing opinions about their current lines of 1911’s 9they sure as heck look good though). How did you find the QC on the models you tested Administrator? Were the fit, finish and function all up to par on both samples?
I own a Colt 6940 and it is so accurate, it actually makes target shooting boring. It is pure quality and will most likely be the most valuable of the current runs of M4’s for civilians for future investment. There are many great AR’s out there to get but Colt is Colt and nothing will command the collector market following and raise value like Colt.
As for the optics choice, I own a UTG Leapers red/green dot site and love it. It cost me $62. I have it mounted on my 6940. I just have a hell of a time spending thousands of $$$ on an optic. Leapers started in the airgun market but they are fast developing some good optics for firearms. This whole big money optic craze is mostly driven by a “hey look at me” mentality. You spend $1400 on a rifle and then put on a $1900 scope???? Hell, if you are going to splurge, get something you can really use – a thermal scope. You first need to master your weapon with open sights and then use an optic. I have no problem with investing in quality but seriously, $1800-$2K for an optic is overkill unless you have very deep pockets because I think the money could be better spent on other things like more ammo for practice, etc.. If we do need to use our weapons in combat, it will surely be an urban or semi-urban environment and a 1000 yd glass will be a waste of money when you have not enough money left over for ammo.
Very well said, and I agree completely. There is a prevalent adolescent, “Hey, look what I got !” mentality among some shooters, that has followed them from the school yard. As you have cited, it’s in the $1,500 scope braggart, and it really stinks up the show when you run into the “Oh, my AK is better than your AR, na, na, na !” thumbsuckers. It is so tiring to have every single topic spattered with such pubescent drivel. What dull bores.
As an M14 and AK guy I have never understood the attraction of the AR15. I am however glad to see Colt getting back into the civilian market. Lets hope that they start making their double action revolvers again!
“Administrator May 31, 2012 at 8:50 am
Nope. They are a military contractor and make it all themselves, except of course for the Magpul, Knight’s Armament, etc. parts.”
As being part of the industry I may have just a little more knowledge than you on this matter. Colt, subcontracts out the manufacturing of various parts to different machine shops. I.E. (Continental machine and tool)
While you written a fine article, you’re above statement takes away from it. You really need to do your homework before you assert as fiction as fact.
Nice article otherwise
As one who has assembeled a nice CAR from Eagle Arms parts (with a Colt lower) I find that aftermarket parts for the most part work well if you understand what you’re getting yourself into. Like my EA CAR15 had a 10 inch barrel with a six inch screw on flash supressor, but the gas assembly/front sight had to be re-positioned an torqued down after every 300 rounds or it would slide back and cover the gas ports, other than that, it was a perfect rfle for my purposes. That’s when Philippine surplus .223 could be purchased for $20.00 a bandolier. Ah, memories…
Any chance you will comment Colt’s 308 in the LE Line? Or much of the same as in this article?
They are quite nice, I’m a little sad they did not have the magpul furniture a year ago when I bought my le6920 and fitted it with magpul hardware lol. I love that rifle!
Very nice review/article. This may convince me to buy a Colt AR rather than build my own from the ground up.
I love my M&P 15, just as nice as the Colt but without the Colt price tag.
I take it the 6920 SOCOM is a semi-auto/16-inch barrel version of the M4A1?
They are all M4A1 receivers. It is just what flavor you want them in.
Alot of people like to buy the latest “name brand”, but like a previous writer wrote, there are many companies producing quality AR’s now with great success. I’m sure the colt is a fine firearm but probably no better than say Smith and Wessons M&P-15, Armalite, etc. Enjoyed the article. Keep up the great work!
Quality and Mil-Spec are two completely different things. Properly staked gas keys, USGI Nato chambers, tool steel extractors, double chrome lined barrels ect.
Smiths are commericial rifles and will not hold up to the abuse that milspec rifles will. Granted the quality of most all manufacturers has gotten better due to the popularity of the platform and the large number of competitors in the market right now.
What kind of bench rest is being used in these photos? anyone.
caldwell
Best place to buy the laser and light accessories, clean set up
Thanks
As an FYI, the 6940 barrel is NOT the same as a 6920; they will not interchange as they come from the factory. Also the barrel nut and gas tube are different.
“do you want a gun that has been assembled from purchased parts, or do you want a Colt, made by Colt?” Don’t you think that is pretty narrow minded. Having spent years testing the products out there that are not Colt, I think they have been outperformed right out of the market. But if you want a Colt then by all means go for it.
Ah, Mitch, don’t be so hard on the guy. I once owned a 1987 Jaguar XJ-S that was 99.99% original. It was an unreliable piece of *%^! but it was all original and, therefore, more valuable. Sure, I coulda pulled the V-12 out and stuffed a Big Block Chevy in there and had a great running car with good performance but I couldn’t have sold it if my life depended on it and it would have had the market value of a Yugo. I think that’s what the Administrator was saying…………and I agree.
a bb gun scope on a professional rifle. You sir, are a moron. The fact that this site posted your rag writing indicates they have NO professional value. unsubscribed.
Its not a bb gun scope bumblehead. I’d put these Leapers scopes against any Nikon, Leupold, or any of the other usual suspects, at twice the price! Don’t condemn without investigation. UTG/Leapers products are great affordable tools for police officers who have to buy their own equipment and can’t afford a Trijicon, Eotech, Aimpoint, Surefire, etc. Take your nose out of the air and investigate for a change. We are intentionally featuring a bunch of stuff from Leapers because it is just that good.
I would agree that they make good equipment for the money, but as a former Army sniper I can also tell you unequivocally that I would NOT take anything from Leapers into combat. Comparing them to Leupold may be a bit of a stretch. If we’re talking range duty tjhough, I would happily top a rifle off with a Leapers product.
How much is it?
Hey Daniel,
By chance, were You stationed at Ft. Ord, CA In the early 70’s?
P
What are these ARs sellling for?
Street price under $1300 for the Talo is what we paid retail on GA.
Why would Colt…….and so many other AR-15 manufacturers…….machine the barrel for acceptance of the M-203 when this carbine will never have one attached in its intended role? I would much rather have a barrel of a constant diameter for its increased rigidity and improved accuracy. But, hey, that’s just me.
Cuz they look cool and you just never know when you might need it!
I’m not sure rigidity and improved accuracy are actually noticeable between the two barrels, and for most shooters if there were an actual difference they would never be able to tell anyway. Plus, what Administrator said is accurate on both counts. I guess the beauty of the AR market is that there are so many options you can get just what you want.
Get the 6721, it has a full-length heavy barrel, it’s on the price list.
The monolithic rail on the 6940 is very nice and I love the magpul furniture on those 6920’s. Are these rifles worth more $$$ than say an Armalite?
A Colt is going to hold its value more than any other brand of firearm. As for the actual construction, do you want a gun that has been assembled from purchased parts, or do you want a Colt, made by Colt?
Colt doesn’t purchase and assemble parts?
Nope. They are a military contractor and make it all themselves, except of course for the Magpul, Knight’s Armament, etc. parts.
except for the parts they have a marking letter of variance from the ATF , having intimate knowledge from one of their sub contractors in Grand Junction Colorado that manufactures their bolt carriers and bolts, my upper receiver is also marked with the same foundry mark as my RRA.
hey if they make it for the military you know it has to be a good piece of machinery
Yeah, Administrator, you just stuck a .223 round in your .308 chamber with that comment. lol! Firearms parts are too specialized for the entire gun to be made in most factories… I’m beginning to think that like religion and politics, firearms are entering the realm of ‘more BS than truth’ category because of the mind altering emotional content involved with these categories. I realize Colt would like to boast otherwise, and their proprietorship will not be revealed for obvious business competition ‘trade secreets’, so until we take a complete factory tour and bet money on component percentage….tsk tsk on you…
It’s the same illogical thought process that perpetuates the 1911 .45 debate v. the hi-cap 9.mm debate of old and ongoging intransigent nonsense. (i used to win a lot of money on that specious argument).
The hot barreled reality is that since a Colt is also a military contract weapon, it has to be Mil Spec which means certain other things like alloy and hardness requirements besides machine tolerances allowing interchangable parts. Any other AR-15/M-16 platform must also meet these requirements. So what this means to those who imagine otherwise, is that all AR-15’s are ‘basically’ the same. Because of this ‘basic’ reality, most parts are subcontracted to CNC and specialty shops. Colt doesn’t make its own springs, for instance. Its pins, or plastic or other parts. We doubt Colt even makes the barrels. Saying ‘made for Colt’ is not the same as ‘made BY Colt. And, of course, these machine shops sell the same part to some other military or civilian ‘manufacturor’. If they had to build every single piece and componant in house, the cost would mean that most of us would still be shooting AK’s instead of AR’s
It is much less expensive to subcontract out to mass producers of such item and bid for better prices on the same items by volume purchase, and pass the savings down. We suspect that Colt probably made a good deal with some subcontractors or bought a tool and machine company and want a bigger share of the next world war market and thats why they are back.
Many of you die hard Americano gun afficiados would be shocked to learn how many AR parts now come in from China! They do make their own version of an AR-15, in case you forgot?
The only difference in ‘assembly’ of component rifles might be the extra ‘care’ in precision assembly, and the manufacturing quality control insisting upon the best batch of parts from the better parts makers.
Then it’s the button or broached barrels with extras like chrome and cryo, or extra machining, etc, and add on ‘trickery’ that adds to the expense. U-know, like dressing up an ugly duckling to take to the prom. course some fancy ‘extras’ can make her dance better… and a good hair-do and make up creates some serious attractiveness…but when it all comes down to it,
They are all pink on the inside, or should I say black. So sorry guys and gals, Colt is no better than any other ‘well made’ clone or copy. And some are definately better in all areas, than a Colt, even for the cost.
And thats the only ‘qualifier’. Well made. Some assemblies are products of a drunken orgy of power drills and vice grips, and these of course would be better used as a cricket wicket. And then you have the ‘opportunists’ who bought the supplier mil spec parts that were ‘rejected’ by quality control, and sell them to the public at cheaper prices. Amazingly, a good AR gunsmith can still ‘rework’ some of these and get them to run, if not ‘look’ just as good as a COLT.
Sorry to bust your cap, Mr. Administrator, but if you believe otherwise, I’ve got some artifacts that will really ‘hold their value’ even more than a Colt? How about a sworn affidavit of a politician not lying, and a tape recording of Jesus saying ‘honest, guys, I really did willingly get crucified for all you morons!’
hahaha now here is a guy who really has done some homework, i myself work within the firearms manufacturing buisness and you are correct sir, plus all this mil spec (military specification) crap really drives consumers crazy. some people dont realzie that mil spec means good enough, i served six years in the untied states army, and when i took the m16 or m4s to the qualification range, if you could hit a target thats about two foot tall by one foot wide or so at 300 meters thats good enough for the army. theres no real moa or anything like 2 or 3 inch groups for the standard grunt. even if your bullit hit rocks at the bottom of the target and rock fragments knocked it over it counted as a hit
Chief, I “HAVE” taken an extended business tour of the factory in Hartford and Colt DOES make those parts–such as the barrels, for one–that you say they don’t. While I agree with some of your statements, Colt is unique among AR-15 manufacturers. Other AR-15’s may in fact be just as good, but Colt is unique in that they DO make their components. Any furniture accouterments are just so and are generally so labeled. Colt packs a huge technology center into that “little” square building in Hartford.
I would like to purchase the SOCUM DESCRIBED IN THIS ARTICLE. I AM A POLICE OFFICER AND WOULD LIKE TO HAVE AS A 1ST RESPONDER. COULD YOU TELL ME WHERE I MAY BE ABLE TO PURCHASE ONE