Colt Unveils the Combat Unit AR — SHOT Show 2017

in Authors, Clay Martin, SHOT Show 2017

Visit the Colt website for more information.

Also, shop for Colt firearms on GunsAmerica.

Overview

The AR market seems to be getting more and more crowded, so it only makes sense that the original would have a counter punch up its sleeve to cut through all the noise. This year at SHOT, we got a chance to lay our hands on it. Enter the Colt Combat Unit AR.

The first change on the block is the mid-length gas system. This is the first one Colt has ever produced (for the civilian market). In Colt’s own words, “this is long overdue,” and it’s sure to excite the legion of Colt fanboys out there.  As Mark says in the video, “It’s just right.”

Also new is the Colt Centurion M-LOK hand guard, a great addition to this platform.

Colt Unveils the Combat Unit AR -- SHOT Show 2017

The Colt Combat Unit AR.

Specs

  • Chambering: 5.56 NATO
  • Barrel: 16 inch
  • OA Length: 33-36.5 inches
  • Grips: Magpul MOE
  • Sights: N/A
  • Action: Semi Auto
  • Finish: manganese phosphate
  • MSRP: $1,299

Impression

All of the Colt Combat Unit firearms are produced with input from the professional shooters and trainers under the Colt banner. Colt has gone with a 1:7 twist rate at a time when most choose 1:8, but I think we can chalk this up to military heritage. The standard M-4 carbine uses the same.

Colt Unveils the Combat Unit AR -- SHOT Show 2017

The Colt Combat Unit carbine was developed with the help of legendary trainers Mike Pannone, Ken Hackathorn, and Daryl Holland.

Price and Availability

At $1,299, the Colt Combat UnitAR is at the upper end of the price spectrum for an entry level gun, but it will undoubtably find a following among the Colt purists in the market.

Visit the Colt website for more information.

Also, shop for Colt firearms on GunsAmerica.

About the author: S.H. Blannelberry is the News Editor of GunsAmerica.

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  • DrThunder88 February 1, 2017, 1:02 am

    Wow, I knew the most underwhelming story out of SHOT this year was going to be about ARs, but I would have bet money that it would have been Savage’s ARs that least impressed me. I stand corrected. Congrats, Colt on winning my annual “Who Cares?” award.

  • FirstStateMark January 31, 2017, 7:41 pm

    I just like shooting the AR rifle. I went with the Ruger AR-556. No frills. Put a Giselle G2S trigger in it and a BCM charging handle. Nothing to wright home about. Just a fun gun to put holes in paper with. I bought it in March of 2016 because I thought that Crooked Hillary would be in the White House and ban the freaking things. What a nice surprise!

    • FirstStateMark January 31, 2017, 10:14 pm

      I do know how to spell “write.”

  • Alan January 31, 2017, 4:22 pm

    I think the buying frenzy is just about over.
    And with the HUGE number of AR platform builders and Manufacturers out there, prices will come down quickly.
    I’m already seeing ‘sale’ prices out there that are very attractive.
    I don’t need one, but I’m tempted to build another at these prices.
    I built mine taking my time and buying as suppliers needed to move inventory.
    .223 Wylde chambered and nitride coated barrel, full float Ares handguard, A4 upper and an 80% lower came to $625.00
    Seriously, If you just want an AR, the Colt is pricey.

  • Tommy Barrios January 31, 2017, 12:16 pm

    I have NOT SEEN yet ANY AR-15 with the exception of only one or two that is better than MY AR-15 I built up my self!
    NONE!
    I paid under $900 total it shoots as well or BETTER than ALL of the AR-15 .223/5.6mm rifles that cost two times as much or more!
    If you want a reliable nail driving AR platform at a REASONABLE PRICE, I say do due diligence and take a look at building your own custom rifle like I did!
    HAPPY SHOOTING!
    P.S For those who stupidly say an AR-15 is NOT for HUNTING I say, F you, I have killed three deer with mine with ONE SHOT!
    \End of Line!

  • Scott January 31, 2017, 10:18 am

    I am going to refrain from disparaging remarks on USA manufacturers “new” products and thank GA for bringing us these videos! Sometimes I get so frustrated at the pricing after watching the videos, or articles and forget to show respect for what you are doing for us- the firearm enthusiast!

  • Big John January 31, 2017, 9:57 am

    Great, now their only 20 years behind Mark Westrom of Eagle Arms/Armalite, and 15 years behind Rock River Arms…after the new Colt Cobra fiasco on Media Day, if I worked at Colt the only thing I’d get excited about is if they said they were firing the entire staff from Engineering and R&D.

    Aside from that thanks for keeping us up to speed on the new products Guns America. Some of us appreciate your efforts.

    • matthew martinez January 31, 2017, 1:08 pm

      why them?? why not the marketing staff and upper management that wants to release an ok parts bin ar and the cobra instead of the python?

      • Big John January 31, 2017, 7:44 pm

        “why not the marketing staff and upper management” Matt Martinez, your right the toilet should be flushed on all of them. This is what happens when you get your V.P.’s from places like SONY and hire a bunch of college chuckleheads for Marketing. This all started going bad when they named the budget Series 80 the 1991A1 (already sounded stupid in 1992) instead of the 1911A2, dumped all that money into the Double Eagle and All American 2000, went with oversized action pins in the “Sporter” AR line to keep the Feds happy (how’d that work out), ignored the AR10, etc., etc. I’d hoped it would get better when Dennis Veilleux took the helm, instead Sam Colt is spinning in his grave like a gyroscope!

  • Patrick January 31, 2017, 9:39 am

    I am just disappointed to see Clay using that stupid, over reach, grip.

    • Paul Helinski January 31, 2017, 9:44 am

      Yea that silly US Marine Scout Sniper and Army Green Beret.

  • 2Bornot2B2A January 31, 2017, 3:52 am

    And let’s not forget the new AR Saint by Springfield Mr BillyBob (by the way, great info on your post) . Flashes on every page of GA but this kind of advertising I like.

  • Steve Day January 29, 2017, 2:53 am

    I examined a Colt LE6920 once. While there was dimensionally nothing wrong, the BCG was the shiftiest hunk of steel I’d ever seen …. it was entirely covered in surface defects. Not kidding – it looked like the surface of a foam cup but colored black.

  • BillyBob January 27, 2017, 7:44 pm

    Ruger® SR-556™ Semiautomatic Rifles
    Reliable two-stage, piston-driven performance Four-position, chrome-plated gas regulator Cold hammer-forged mil-spec 41V45 barrel Six-position, telescoping M4-style buttstock
    —————————————————————————————————————————————————–PSA 16\” Classic SS Keymod Lightweight Rifle – 7779588
    In stock
    $ 749.99
    SKU: 7779588
    UPC: 7779588
    MFR#: 7779588Barrel Length: 16\”
    Gas System: Mid-length
    Barrel Profile: Pencil
    Barrel Steel: 416R
    Barrel Finish: Stainless Steel
    Chrome Lining: None
    Muzzle Thread: 1/2-28
    Chamber: 5.56 NATO
    Twist Rate: 1 in 7\”
    Barrel Extension: M4
    Diameter at Gas Block: .625\”
    Gas Block Type: Low-profile
    Muzzle Device: A2 Flash Hider
    Receiver Material: Forged 7075 T6
    Receiver Type: M4
    Hand guard Type: PSA 13.5\” Lightweight Keymod rail
    Bolt Carrier Group Included: Yes
    Bolt Steel: Carpenter 158
    Bolt Carrier Profile: Full-auto
    Charging Handle included: Yes
    Overall Length: 32\”
    Weight as Configured: 6.1 lbs
    —————————————————————————————————————————————
    PSA 16\” 300AAC Blackout MOE M-Lok Rifle – 516444735
    In stock
    $ 899.99
    SKU: 516444735
    UPC: 516444735
    MFR#: 516444725
    Barrel Length: 16”
    Barrel Material: 4140 Nitride Treated Steel
    Barrel Profile: Heavy
    Chamber: 300 AAC Blackout
    Twist Rate: 1 in 8”
    Extension: M4
    Gas System: Pistol length
    Gas Block Type: Low profile .750”
    Upper Receiver: Forged 7075 T6 Aluminum
    Receiver Style: M4 Flat top with feedramps
    Receiver Finish: Hardcoat Anodized
    Forward Assist: Yes
    Dust Cover: Yes
    Hand Guard Type: Free Float
    Hand Guard Style: PSA Lightweight M-Lok Free Float Rail
    Hand Guard length: 13.5”
    Bolt Steel: Carpenter 158, Mag Phosphate coated
    Bolt Carrier Steel: 8620, Chrome lined
    Staked gas key: Yes
    Lower Receiver: Forged 7075 T6 Aluminum
    Receiver Finish: Hardcoat Anodized
    Fire Control Group: Single-Stage, Mil-spec style
    Buffer Tube: 7075 T6 Aluminum
    Adjustment: 6-position
    Stock: Mapul® Carbine Stock
    Magazine:30 Round Polymer Magpul®
    Weight: 6.75 Lbs
    Length: 32\”

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