I bought a CR6920 this year. Bought it to shoot, not to inspect marks, not to collect. Runs like a champ on everything I have fed it, and it is accurate. If I wanted one to collect, I'd get the LE6920. Anyone who is looking for a shooter, don't let the collectors or the snobs talk you out of the CR6920. It will do the job just as well...
@@Taser1-1 LE6920 are worth 3k brand new and only going up. Gonna be worth 15k in a few years even used. CR6920 are only depreciating. Gonna be worth 200 dollars in a couple years
In 2014 they were selling "2013 config" M4 marked LE6920's for $750-$799 they still had all the original correct markings and US govt. spec parts. C MP 5.56 1/7 barrel, F marked FSB, C on upper receiver, C marked carrier, MPC bolt with the white dot. It was an amazing deal.
but it does have a few differences from the pre-2011 models. It has the sling mount on the bottom like this new cr and the barrel could have been outsourced. I emailed colt to find out today, it has a date stamp, but the chrome-lined proof mark is a W, so I'm wondering if it's that Wilson proof mark. I will find out when they email back.
@@connorrolen76 I have the 2013 model with the w stamp and bottom sling mount. Everything else is correctly marked. I read that colt purchased the steel blanks from wilson and then made them in house. I'm not sure how true it is but that's what I read on the forums.
Great video, I bought a CR6920 about a month ago, just checked it out , barrel has a R stamped on it , the bolt has MPC, carrier has etched C, and the upper has M4 front near gas tube hole. My gun shoots great no issues 4oclock eject pattern with 556. Very happy with it
I wouldn't worry about it man. At least you know you have a quality built rifle that's reliable and durable. A 6920 built at anytime, you're good to go as far as that's concerned.
Don't worry about this or that... get the best barrel, bcg, gas block, it will run just as good like any other high priced manufacturer. This is what PSA dispelled brand name no longer matters. At the end of the day, a high dollar and low dollar will go BANG.
Picked up a CR6920 a few months ago. Front of the receiver is marked M4 and there is an F marked front sight. The bolt markings are faint, but are present.
I got mine i think right when it transitioned to the cr series. My receivers are rollmarked m4 carbine with an LE serial number. stock, barrel and bolt appear to be subcontracted but the bolt carrier, upper and lower receiver and front sight post appear to be colt manufactured. It's still the most accurate ar15 i've ever shot.
In 2016 I got a Colt for about $900. I got it because the Colt M4 I was issued in the military had many, many thousands of rounds go through it without fail; she was very much used, tossed around, and absolutely abused by me and my predecessors who she was assigned to, and never failed. Through dirt, water, cold, and heat, my issued M4 never failed. I wanted my rifle at home to be just as reliable as the rifle that I was issued in the military, so it wasn't a hard decision to go with what I knew was tried and true. It's been eight years and a few thousand rounds (I don't go to the range as much as I should), and I'm still fully convinced that it was the best and easiest $900 I've ever spent. I'm also glad to know I ended up with a neat piece with all the markings many people desire in a Colt rifle. I had no idea what I had, I guess.
I bought an LE6920 a few years back that came from the factory with a MagPul stock, pistol grip and hand guards. Other than that, it has all the correct Colt M4 Carbine proof marks. 100% Colt except for the furniture. Carried an M16A1 or an A2 for 22 years. Colt has never let me down.
My Magpul edition has Colt M4 carbine with LE then serial number. Does yours have the same? I wish mine had the military & law informing on it. But I'm happy that I got a genuine colt when I did.
I bought my Law Enforcement Carbine back around 2005 just after AWB went away. Came with removable carry handle and restriction marking on right side. Has an LE prefix serial number. I now have an ACOG T31 RCO M4CP with a Larue mount and Matech backup sight on it. Troy rail and rail covers. BCM mod4 charging handle. Great rifle!
Thanks Chris for the comprehensive review! As a collector of military arms, I did buy a Colt M4 LE6920 precisely to get as close to the military version as possible. It is very sad Colt manufacturing has deteriorated. Hope CZ will give it a shot in the arm.
I was quite disappointed with what you said, but that’s the reality. At least I still have plenty of years to find out just how trustworthy this rifle will be in the long run. You really delivered. Most of my parts had the proper markings, so I’m looking forward to see how she holds up.
I’ve been searching TH-cam for over a month tryna understand the exact difference between the CR And the LE. This video sir answered all my questions. Great job 👏🏽
Chris, Great videos on all your Colt rifles. Really Good! A few months ago my wife bought me a Colt LE6920 M-4 carbine from our local gun shop. The gunsmith that works there told me that the Colt M-4 my wife bought apparently belong to an older guy who was an avid Colt firearms collector and passed away awhile back and his wife brought some of his Colt firearms in to sell on consignment. A couple AR-15s and some old Colt pistols and 1911s. My M-4 was in the new rifle section of the store instead of the consignment area. He told me it was new in the box when she brought it and inspecting it said it looked like it had never been fired. So they considered it a new rifle. I checked the manufactured stamp on the barrel and it is 1/14. I email Colt with my serial number and they emailed me back that it was made Jan. 31 2014. So that confirms the date. It has all the inspection marks and stamps on the receiver, bolt carrier, bolt, front sight and barrel. that you go over in your videos which I’m very happy about. Can you tell me what year Colt stopped making the LE6920 with all the inspection stamps and proof marks? It probably wasn’t too long after 2014 they came out with the CR6920 and that’s when you said Colt started subbing the parts out. Cpl. Sev.
@@esorense wow I’ve never seen them over 1350 usually they are around 1150. When something like a Ruger 5.56 or a M&P sport were going for ~900 at a point in time, the Colt was definitely worth considering at that price point. I wouldn’t trade my 2014 LE6920 for the new cr but I wouldn’t hesitate picking one of for under $1000. If/when that happens is yet to be seen haha
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Chris and Heather produce some of the best technical videos on firearms. Chris has great knowledge and honesty. A pure opinion of mine is that I gave up on Colt long ago. Colt had dumb policies where gun stores had to buy junk guns to get the good guns. The wrong trigger pin size, the semi bolt carriers, the dumb screwdriver front pin, and the generic anti-citizen arrogance made me never purchase and never recommend Colt products. Other companies make better products at better prices and have added improvements over time. I do not hate Colt. They just made products that aren't competitive.
I don’t understand all the drama about colt outsourcing some parts to meet the high demand.. colt have been outsourcing like anybody else in the industry.. even the golden age 6920 had Shmidt made FCG and P&S stock for example.. and none of those exploded afaik. Same for the F fsb.. they have been using unmarked fsb for a long time now.. it’s not a CR line thing. Oh and btw FN usgi barrels have always been cage code marked and nobody ever questioned its quality or source... there’s a lot of hate around colt for no reason
I feel lucky to own a Colt with C and MP on the barrel; (F) on the front sight; C on the receiver and C on the Bolt Carrier. Brought the rifle in 2015.
Very educational presentation . I am extremely satisfied to find out my Colt M-4 carbine purchased in 2012 has all the Colt markings you instructed us to look for. Nice to know I have a genuine pony carbine. Thanks for the video.
I have a CR6920 Has 13629 cage code on upper receiver, barrel, charging handle, & stock M4 marked in front of upper receiver Bolt is marked MPC Faint 'C' marking on bolt carrier Shoots phenomenally well, fit and finish are excellent, never had a single malfunction. Thanks for this detailed info! UPDATE: Found a Colt LE6920 lower with the M4 markings on it. Popped it on along with a 14.5' Colt SOCOM barrel, and a KAC RAS - now I have a proper m4 (minus the full auto switch of course). Boom
I also have one. I put a RIS 2 and B5 furniture on it, a light, and an eotech xps2 and it is SWEET!! I love it. It was my first Colt and I’m proud of it.
I think it is clear Colt has been mismanaged for a long time but I also find it hilarious that people who complained about the price of a LE6920 chose instead to build ARs from Anderson and PSA parts for $450.00 are now the ones complaining Colt isn't pure any longer.
Show me specifics of how a modern built colt rifle is better than what PSA is producing. I’m genuinely curious. I’ve owned several of both, and I don’t see a discernible difference.
@@rockerdude8000 the video has some of the last good ones in it albeit not the best of what colt had to offer I’d still take that over a psa but yes when compared to Lwrc and bcm which both guns are built higher than milspec standards so I’d go with those .
I have a Colt Law Enforcement Carbine manufactured in 2012. It has every marking that you showed here in this video. I'm glad I own a true Colt rifle and not something that was farmed out.
@@donaldpedigo296 from research I've done through GunBroker I would say that rifle brings $1200-$1400 all day long. Just due to the fact it's a true Colt rifle it probably will be worth more every year
You know it’s gonna be good when he says “and now for the unpleasantness” lol. I see his point but my brand new Cr6920 is still an absolute beast. Runs in the bitter cold and in the mud, in the snow, and in the rain w the military grade barrier rounds 62gr ammo I feed it with. Only thing I don’t like on it is the trigger but that’s just industry standard at this point and it’s an easy upgrade. The CR6920 needs to be judged on its own merit and in my opinion is the industry standard, despite the lack of the colt roll marks. Good video, this guy knows his stuff.
My SP6920 Sporter was very upset when it overheard Chris saying nobody likes them. I had to calm it down and let it know I still love it. Seriously, it's a fantastic shooter and it checks all the boxes regarding government contract markings. It doesn't bother me in the least that it has a family-friendly name on the side.
For the record, I purchased my LE6920 in March of 2014, and it has all of the mil-spec markings as the carbine in this video. The barrel is dated 01/14.
My first rifle and I love my Colt Rifle 6920. All the other AR-15 owners I come across at the range bust a nut every time they notice mine's a Colt. I never knew an AR Colt carried such legendary status. It's like seeing a Texas Ranger, Jedi Night, or something. Lol
I just bought a new CR 6920. It shoots green tips really well which I use shooting demos as I have a ton of it. Not many carbines or rifles shoot them as well. I love it. Thank you for the information on the differences. I will look for a LE 6920 now that I know what to look for.
Good review... With that being said can we just appreciate the fact that colt is making a quality Ar15 for a decent price... We all know that the Le6920 was the peak of Colt but the reality is those days are gone and we can't all afford the Le6920... I just picked up my Cr6920 on the 4th of July sale for 899... My best friend has the Le6920 and they both are of equal quality minus LAW ENFORCEMENT on the lower... Mine has M4 on the upper, C proof mark on the barrel,Proper markings on the bolt carrier group... I appreciate your knowledge and review but we all need to be thankful that Colt is selling to the civilian market again... I love this new Colt Cr6920 and hope Colt does well and continues to make it for years to come... If we all dog Colt out we will only hurt ourselves in the long run... Long story short if you want a well made rifle and don't have deep pockets pick up the Cr6920 its a nice rifle.
This is the most comprehensive analysis I have seen yet. So glad I got my Colt when I did. Everything about my LE6920 is what you discussed except the side swivel. I have a under swivel and though mine is a LE model mine is marked M4 instead of Law enforcement carbine
It literally says M4 and it was branded so by Colt when Colt was making the military M4. At that time Colt used it when naming the first generations of LE6920. I never said it was a military M4 and neither did Colt. You just want to argue semantics because it's not a select fire weapon and for some reason it bothers you Colt decided to use the same branding when they rolled out the civilian version.
@@twich155 I think I have the same one as you. Everything checks out with exception to the sling mount and who knows I'm sure it can be changed out for authenticity purposes. Mine is the 2013 configuration.
@@joescott701 lucky. If you got the painted dot on the bolt and barrel then we realy do have clones. 2013 models with these attributes are really rare. Before 2013 it was more and more common the earlier the year but to find this in a 2013 model is truly lucky. I've been buying a lot of Colts lately and the first thing that seems to be missing is the Colt carry handle, then the white dots, then the genuine C role mark on the bolt, then it's a lower without a QR code, then it's hit or miss if you will get a C mark on anything. The C on the barrel, upper and the F on the FSP seem to be about even in terms of when they stopped using or just ran out. Genuine C stamped bolt carriers with a white painted dot on the bolt sold for almost $400 and are increasingly hard to find. Lower receivers like ours go for $400-1000 at times. I actually have a key hole forge mark on one of my le6920s lowers next to the trigger!
@@twich155 I just went through the whole rifle. My barrel is authentic with the correct markings and date of 09 13 on it. Has white dot and a M on it. The lower is correctly marked w the c. and another mark like a u of sort.Sight post has F on one side then a forging code on another. The extractor has a c on it but no number and the bolt is mpc marked but no white dot on it. The carrier has the C on it. Just forward of the pic rail its stamped M4. The hand guards have epoxy and the buttock did not have the circle mark on it but both have been changed for magpul furniture. I think the bolt n extractor are authentic colt just no white dot and number on extractor but still marked c. and mpc on the bolt. The sling swivel up front is on the bottom. Outside of that I believe I just squeaked by b4 the outsourcing began. Anything that's authentic colt will go up in value simply because there not made anymore and it's a us government rifle. I did have one from 2011 that seemed to have a more solid engaging safety selector on it. Colt might not be the best out there present day but I have no plans on selling mine .
Chris, I stand in awe of the depth & breath of your encyclopedic gun knowledge. Every topic you tackle is always expressed as a compendium of technical knowledge very, very few in the gun world possess. You are indeed the "Oracle" of gun technical knowledge. I religiously view every video you release as I know I will be edified. As an aside, I fortunately had the presence of mind to purchase a pair of LE6920's in 2012. Both had two variations.....a Bayonet LUG (a feature your example lacked) and a "Roger's Super Stock." Does the BAYONET LUG imbue my LE6920 with any special and/or additional validity insofar as authenticity with respect to kinship with its actual military counterpart of that era?
2016 LE6920 Magpul addition with the SL furniture. I got tired of the Magpul and went Knights rail with broom handle, Matec rear sight and Aimpoint Pro. Just converted it to old school spec, Colt carry Handle ($$), colt double heat shield hand guards and colt waffle stock. All the old style parts I put on are from Colt but are the newer “take off” style. The stock has the cage codes but it has the circle with nothing in it. The hand guards do not have the epoxy on the them but they are the double heat shields. After watching this video and looking at the rife striped I thought I’d look at the markings. So it’s a 2013 configuration Magpul edition. The upper had the M4 on top of the gas tube hole, it has the “C” roll mark next to the “square” forging mark (Brass/Aluminum forging Co.). The lower has the M4 carbine roll mark with the LE prefix and numbers. The safety has no notch but the right side has the “Safe-Fire” roll marks. It has the colt defense and state and city roll marks along with the higher up digital marking. The bolt and bolt carrier have all the correct markings according to the video, the front sight post is F marked with a couple other letters or numbers on it. The barrel is a little odd to me. Up by the chamber (with hand guards removed) there is an “E” marking/stamp/roll mark, but I do have a rolled date code by the gas block under the hand guard. The front up the barrel has the cage code on it, an M and a P and 5.56 NATO 1:7. Any help with the barrel. The date code on the barrel is 10/16 and it also has this dot on it (guess the chrome plate mark).
I did the same with a bushmaster back in 04 awesome rifle. Fast foward to 14 went to 4 different shops looking for something other than an m&p finally last shop guy pulled down a few cheap ARs and I noticed one with magpul grips still in the rack "whats that one👆" he said Colt... I'LL TAKE IT!
I got one in 2020 that says LE6920 on the box, but has a CR serial number. Has the m4 cage code upper, the lower says m4 carbine and Colts Defense. The bolt is marked mpc (can't recall the extractor markings). But the barrel is R marked and there's no F on the fsb. Not sure where that puts in in terms of desirability, but for 1k during covid madness, I'm happy. It shoots great groups and functions flawlessly
Foolproof way to tell is if the pony and the lettering is stamped or laser engraved. Regardless, Chris made sure to stress that he's making no judgements on performance or quality. For 1K you have a GREAT rifle. If you ever NEED it, what stampings it has won't mean shit. It will run!
I recently got back into gun buying after a long hiatus due to family and financial reasons. I picked up a "new" le6920 upper that was supposed to be a 2013 production. It did have a C rollmark, but the bolt carrier had that hand engraved C, and the barrel had the 13629. Under the handguards the barrel had a 15 or 16 production stamp. I parted ways with the upper shortly after. I will add I also own a 2013 Magpul edition 6920 and am quite happy with it. It has the C stamped upper, c stamped carrier, C stamped barrel with a 13 production date. The rifle is nice and tight.
Hand engraved always waves a yellow flag, especially on a reputed top quality product. Congrats on getting out of the hiatus status. Been through a couple of those in my life.
It's a shame. A few years ago I bought a LE6920 and when I got it home and started inspecting it I was so disappointed it was basically not a Colt. As you point out in the video it had zero of the markings that made it a Colt. Called them and they gave no real answers as to why. Took away all the pride of ownership for me.
Once again, I am thoroughly impressed with how in-depth and informative this video, among so many other wonderful SAS videos like it, are in comparison to what many of the 2A personalities will come up with elsewhere. Thank you to each and every one who makes it possible!
This is a well produced and narrated video. The problem is that this is a "N" of 1. For any of this to be relevant, many of these newer CR6920s would need to be inspected at this level. Don't misunderstand me, the inspection and comments are well done. Obviously, he has great knowledge and experience. However, the examination conclusion is incomplete because only one unit (N of 1) is inspected. I watched this and compared it to my new CR6920 purchased 8/2021. The markings on the firearm were the same as the LE model. I enjoyed watching how your broke down and inspected the firearm.
Add to the mix that everything is pretty much speculation as far as what it means right now. Yes, we can talk about what used to be, but colt changes their M.O. at the drop of a hat and there usually is no rhyme or reason to their madness.
As a 2A supporter, I am now in the market for an AR-15. With what I have learned watching this video, I will now be able to make an informed decision in my search. Thank you very much.👍
I bought an LE6920 from big daddy unlimited exactly 1 year ago (fall 2020). Certain things on my rifle resemble the original (early?) LE6920, yet certain other things resemble this new CR model. Considering the point he made about it being a gradual shift from colt to more and more subcontractors over time, due to financial strain + lack of gov oversight into the manufacturing specs, this makes sense. While I was initially a bit relieved that I had somehow snagged an LE after they had been discontinued (and in a pandemic no less), the fact that certain markings on my rifle appear to be akin to the CR makes me a bit disappointed. I wish I had it with me so I could crack it open and get a closer look into all the parts, but off the top of my head: my stock has the circle, laser engraved (no roll mark), barrel says "c" yet the M & P are not connected, no F mark on FSP, I'd be curious to know if any of this matters that much, and most importantly if this means my 6920, lacking crucial "original" markings that indicate its authenticity, is any different than the CR. The reason I ask is bc the LE sells for much higher than the CR, due to videos like this, yet it seems that perhaps many LE's made post ~2015~ have quite a bit of subcontracted parts anyways. In making my decision to purchase a second AR, I was going to get the OEM2 which is marked as the basically the bones of an LE6920, but if its a modern one, then no sense in paying the extra just bc it says "LE"?
yeah bro this is a crazy video. I feel for ppl that didnt watch it before purchasing their le, no offense haha. If someone knows what theyre buying your "le" isnt too far off from the cr. Bet you could still sell it right now for $1600. Also if it makes you feel better ive seen us military issued le's that have the same issues as your weapon so dont feel too bad.
I have an sp model with all the colt MP markings and cerial forge markings,and marked colts defense.sp serial numbers were used up prior to going back to production of the law enforcement serial numbers.(2011), yet the barrel has chrome mark and date code of 11/14, MP is one word and Colt mark c. My weapon must have been made in that transitional period,yet has all the markings and the magpul furniture.. guess I got lucky 🤷
I sold my Colt Mforgerie Match Target to put down for the Colt LE 6920 which I found at a pawn shop. I just about had a silly-jizzim when I saw it. You will find many, many AR 15's at a pawn shop but it is extremely rare to find what I call a "Colt Classic." It took me years to finally get the work horse rifle. And I do not like the new Colts AR's-they feel cheap. Good job on conveying the markings of a quality Colt Rifle.
Great video. Got my CR6920 a few months ago but have not had time to shoot it. It's my first gun ever. This video was very informative and well made. So easy that newb could understand. Well like 90% of it. LOL.
@@The11eleven There's a big factor. It made sense to cluster gun makers in an industrial heavy region due to transport ease. Fine 150 years ago but that's all changed. Times have changed dramatically, time to change and roll out to states that still support the principles the original colonies now despise.
@@LuvBorderCollies I agree, but once production moves out of state, it will no longer be considered an original Colt. They may exceed the quality of the original Colt, and the may be able to charge more because of that, but it still wouldn’t be the same. 90% chance Colt is gone forever - 10% chance CZ pulls of the resurrection of a lifetime
Thanks for the info. I'm rewatching this now (saw this a year ago also), since I was able to pick up a very early LE6920, with serial number about LE007XXX. I figured I point out a few differences from the very early compared to most, and as mentioned in the video. It is marked "Colt's MFG CO, Inc" instead of "Colt Defense". The serial number has a "SER." in front of the LE, the upper receiver isn't marked "M4", there isn't a date stamp on the barrel and the bolt carrier is the AR15 style with the shaved off bottom tail.
Very informative video as usual. I have an AR 6920 I purchased a few years ago which is marked 'M4 Carbine', but has a CR*** serial number with a 14.5 inch HBPW barrel. The box it came in says 2013. I'm gonna have to look closer at the components you pointed out to see if they have Colt markings.
Just my 2 cents, loved the video, super informative. I have purchased a FN collector M4, one of the recent runs. (Had both colt and FN m4’s in the army that I used). I bought a colt CR thinking it was the same and it wasn’t, recently sold to fund the FN after checking out the FN in store. Now that I have it at the house I can tell you I’ve looked all the way through it and I’ll be damned if that didn’t grab contract uppers and pin and weld the muzzle device. The barrel is a button broached chrome lined, which per the TDP is correct, I read an article with an interview from the guy that oversees barrel production at FN and he’s quoted as saying the only reason they have a button barrel line is for contract M4’s. FN’s commercial guns are CHF so really they have no reason to use the button barrels except for the gun to be “correct”. ALL of the markings from my contract guns are on the FN from the upper and lower to barrel and BCG (the collector series used to be marked “FN-15” but has since changed to M4 Carbine). The FN I have strikes me as FN has recently moved to using contract uppers with a lower that obviously excuses the giggle switch option, but is marked as such. I know you have a wealth more of knowledge and information on these but I’d like you to take a look at the ones they’ve recently released, I’m head over heels for it.
You sold a Colt socom to buy an FN military collector's edition? You're REALLY not going to want to hear this, but The FN MCE has a 4140 button cut barrel, not 4150 cmv(B-11595-E). It isn't CHF. I'm not quite sure on this part, but I am reading that the FN MCE lower is a 6000 series aluminum forging, not 7075. The FN MCE's barrel isn't the correct shape and length of the actual M4A1 either. The recent models also don't have the M203 cut outs. The Colt socom is still the closest thing you can get to the real thing. If I were you, I'd try to get that Colt socom back.
Well, I do remember when M1 carbines were made. There were several companies that built them to spec .For what I know to this point, everything was successfully interchangable.
Hopefully Colt under CZ will shape up and realize their potential as the only AR maker who can actually make guns to the TDP. It’s their only edge over the others, the ability to do and advertise that. CZ should have Colt make exact non-NFA clones of the M4 Carbine and it’s variants again (and the AR15A4 while they’re at it. I really liked those) that they would produce for a government contract, with the same markings and QC as the TDP dictates. Throw them in a military-style box and everything, really hype up and capitalize on the fact that they are the only ones able to make ARs from actual military blue prints.
My second AR15 that I bought was back in 2006, it was a Colt LE6920. My first was the S&W M&P15 M4. I still own them both with the S&W becoming my duty/patrol rifle and the Colt my wife has adopted for home defense. Get video made me look at all the markings (again).
Thanks for the video I learned a lot. I watched this video before I bought my Colt carbine. I still bought the Carbine I know there not the same I have an early 80s Colt A2 I love. I like the history and tradition of colt. I hope Colt someday can regain their reputation. Thanks
My CR6920 has the m4 marked upper, C marked carrier, mpc marked bolt, no date code on barrel but also no subcontractor letter, white paint on front sight tower, and non ticked safety. Mine does not have a "c" marked extractor and has the same front barrel markings as the cr6920 in the video.
Just went through this video with my LE6920 in hand. Mine is marked M4 CARBINE CAL. 5.56MM LE 17xxxx. Seems all the markings matched ‘Colt’ except the bolt carrier group. I can find no markings on it. I would guess Colt was running out of OEM parts during the build of my rifle.
If you have an LE or SP6920 you have a hell of a good rifle that is good to go and you can trust your life to it in every way. I have a BCM, a 6920, an Aero Precision, and an M&P15. They are all great rifles. But when I have to grab just 1, the Colt is coming with me. The BCM is a bit "smoother" but the Colt is an overgassed monster that just fuckin works, and works every time clean or dirty, wet or dry, full of snow or full of mud. Shoots 1.5MoA with Tul/Wolf, and sub MOA running OTMs, and just never chokes wether it's brass or steel cased. About 12k rounds through my 6920, and it has been awesome. I trust it with my life, and the life of my family. That's all I can say.
The purpose of this video is to point out that purist Colt collectors will need to look for older models that have the ARs made with Colt military marked parts. I have some older Colt revolvers and a 1911 Government model that I assume Colt made all the parts for in-house. The 1911 may have some MIM internal parts. With the modern sporting rifles, I am not concerned if parts are outsourced as long as they meet the specs Colt ordered. I can totally understand the collectors wanting what the military ordered and how they were marked for the military. I just want a good rifle that is quality regardless if it is Colt, Ruger, Springfield or other makers. I said in another post that I paid 800 dollars for a new CR6920 which is a good price for the rifle. All the serious reviews of this new rifle were positive. Of course I would not pay MSRP for any rifle or pistol......lol Those people who say these rifles suck need to quit being ignorant and those who say these rifles use outsourced parts and are not military contract spec might be correct. When MAC did his review, he was negative on the rifle at the start which I thought was too harsh given his assumption that using outsourced parts in the build on a modern Colt sporting rifle was blasphemous. If you are a Colt purist collector, this rifle is not for you. If you want a good quality rifle for whatever you want to use it for, this is a good rifle.
Having never been in the service all I’ve heard is that your weapon is built by the lowest bidder, this video opens your eyes to what the lowest bidder has to do to make a military grade weapon.
Thanks Chris. This has been one of the most enlightening videos I've watched in the long time. I purchased a used "LE6920", (at least that's what they called it). I had no idea about any of the stuff you're talking about. While watching this, I went through my rifle, part by part, and most of it matches up... except for the barrel. It doesn't have the markings you show. I guess the previous owner might have replaced it. The rest is exactly the same. That gives me some comfort. Much respect and thanks to you for your knowledge and your channel!
@@domzworld2818 I'm so glad we have Chris to help us with this stuff. All I know is, mine is darned accurate and has never once malfunctioned. I bet the grey color looks pretty cool!
I bought 3 Colt CR 6920 uppers and 3 FN hammer forged barrel uppers. The handgaurds are the same. The markings are weird on the Colts. The cage codes look like they're stenciled in with an electric pen by hand on the upper receivers. They work fine but, I prefer the FN uppers for the barrels. I was on a waiting list for almost a year for them. I used to be an armed professional and had a high shooting schedule. I learned to get 2 rifles exactly alike. I'm not sure I would bet my life on Colt today. They also stopped using the extractor donut over the spring. It's sad they cut corners and ended up losing customers that would be their best advertisers in the past even if they cost a bit more.
@@Frens03 i encourage you to do your homework before betting. FN does not do that. They make their own guages/tools for their own metallurgy for parts they design. Then use specialized companies to make parts for them under their watch/guidance that they design. BCM should be "BCA," Bravo Company Assembly" but that branding wouldn't sell. BCM uses existing parts made by others, NDAs, then assembles the gun, calling it their own. They do design good accessories to put on the gun,, Ill give them that, but the gun itself isn't theirs. Dont regurgitate "good QC is all that matters," because thats simply not true.
I recently picked up a Colt LE6920 all original rifle just like the one in your video in 2024 with receiver engraved on both sides, 2008 production date on barrel...who can guess what i payed for it?
I haven't taken mine apart entirely yet, basically just took the upper and lower apart and took my handguard off to get a quick look. So far, it's definitely not the original. It has the fire and safe on the right side, but no indicator. Blank on the right side of the magwell, but still has the Colt M4 Carbine on the left, as well as an LE serial number and a Colt Defense marking. I'm still not sure if it has the chrome barrel marker on it, because it's not a clean circle like the one you showed, but there is a chrome looking mark on it. Has the date (09/12) on the barrel, F on the front sight (though no side swivel mount, just the standard sling mount on the bottom), and the C MP (one character) 5.56 1/7 NATO on the end. Upper has the M4 marking on the front, and the C marker on the side. My dad snagged it for me at his Walmart years and years ago, and it's the special Magpul edition with their handguard, grip, stock, rear MBUS, and magazines. I guess mine is closer to the original, still most of the government parts aside from the furniture, but modified somewhat since the oldest ones. I'm just now really getting into the fine details, so I'm still really inexperienced about this kind of stuff, but she runs great and shoots straight, so it must be doing something right.
This video is outstanding! It's a tax free weekend and I was going for the Saint or Saint Edge - then saw the store says it has the Colt M4 Carbine, for a few hundred more. Outstanding, until I watched this. Guess I won't be getting the whatever parts colt. Thanks.
This is interesting, i appear to have gotten my 6920 inbetween the transition to the cr series purchased in 2016. I have properly marked receivers with an LE serial, m4 carbine rollmark (not laser), but with a subcontracted stock and barrel, the front sight post is marked F on the other side but also has the under mounting sling swivel and non expoxied handguards, the bolt carrier is rollmarked C and pretty clean, definitely not done by hand, the bolt itself however has no markings. I can't tell if it has m4 on the front of the receiver but it does have the extended feed ramp cuts. and the barrel has E stamped on it, it looks like it doesn't any manufacturer stamp on the barrel base but it's hard to tell as it's in a midwest industries handguard now. So to my surprise I have a lot of the mos timportant parts authentic colt with some other important parts subcontracted. That said. most of my friends have ar15's, none as expensive as my colt was and my colt shoots circles around all of them. It's a surprisingly accurate rifle getting nearly moa groups with expensive ammo with the old handguard and non free floated barrel. I just got a midwest industries slim line handguard on it and it will be interesting to see if having the barrel floated pushes those groups into the 1moa territory. Whatever I got, it's a great rifle. It's by far the best ar15 i've encountered out in the wild.
Another data point: 2015 mfg LE6920 Rolled horse and Colt, LE serial, M4 Carbine. Lasered Colt Defense with QR square to the right of it. Notched hammer Bolt carrier=dot matrix C Bolt=MPC, with no white dot M4 on upper front rail Stamped C upper right side Gas block/sight stamped F on the right side (like Nunya) Cage code and separate M P on barrel, indicating outsourced. Further supports the gradual shift in outsourced parts. Not unusual for a production changeover. Build with what’s left, next box of parts might be from subcontractor.
@@travisbennett4091 No, it's original and an 6920. But it was made at the tail end of them making anything but the most important components in house. The hand guards which i don't use and the stock are subcontracted. they work great though.
One of my favorite past times; sitting down with a pot of coffee and bin watching TheSmallArmsSolutions all morning on a day off from work.
Glad you enjoy it!
I bought a CR6920 this year. Bought it to shoot, not to inspect marks, not to collect. Runs like a champ on everything I have fed it, and it is accurate. If I wanted one to collect, I'd get the LE6920. Anyone who is looking for a shooter, don't let the collectors or the snobs talk you out of the CR6920. It will do the job just as well...
Couldn’t have said it better
💯 same
The LE6920 is overall just better. If they weren’t better they would issue the CR6920 to the Military and Law Enforcement
@@pickles94 yes we know
@@Taser1-1 LE6920 are worth 3k brand new and only going up. Gonna be worth 15k in a few years even used. CR6920 are only depreciating. Gonna be worth 200 dollars in a couple years
In 2014 they were selling "2013 config" M4 marked LE6920's for $750-$799 they still had all the original correct markings and US govt. spec parts. C MP 5.56 1/7 barrel, F marked FSB, C on upper receiver, C marked carrier, MPC bolt with the white dot. It was an amazing deal.
I was lucky enough to get one of these with the magpull furniture but I paid roughly 900 at a local gun shop.
but it does have a few differences from the pre-2011 models. It has the sling mount on the bottom like this new cr and the barrel could have been outsourced. I emailed colt to find out today, it has a date stamp, but the chrome-lined proof mark is a W, so I'm wondering if it's that Wilson proof mark. I will find out when they email back.
@@connorrolen76 I have the 2013 model with the w stamp and bottom sling mount. Everything else is correctly marked. I read that colt purchased the steel blanks from wilson and then made them in house. I'm not sure how true it is but that's what I read on the forums.
@@joescott701 that seems plausible. I still havnt heard back from colt I guess there emails are pretty backed up.
@@connorrolen76 keep me updated if u hear anything. I just changed out the magpul stock n hand guard keeping it factory config at the moment.
Great video, I bought a CR6920 about a month ago, just checked it out , barrel has a R stamped on it , the bolt has MPC, carrier has etched C, and the upper has M4 front near gas tube hole. My gun shoots great no issues 4oclock eject pattern with 556. Very happy with it
I wouldn't worry about it man. At least you know you have a quality built rifle that's reliable and durable. A 6920 built at anytime, you're good to go as far as that's concerned.
@blake Burns is that true, Blake??
The barrels are Rosco and gtg
Where did you get it? What's the price? thank you
what does the rollmark say?
I do own a LE6920 and love it.
Served in Viet-nam 1967-101st Airborne.
Slept with an m-16 for a year.
😌 I’ve bet that m-16 kept you warm every night 🫡
😌 I’ve bet that m-16 kept you warm every night 🫡
Thanks for your service!
Don't worry about this or that... get the best barrel, bcg, gas block, it will run just as good like any other high priced manufacturer. This is what PSA dispelled brand name no longer matters. At the end of the day, a high dollar and low dollar will go BANG.
I agree!
Picked up a CR6920 a few months ago. Front of the receiver is marked M4 and there is an F marked front sight. The bolt markings are faint, but are present.
Mix parts man some might be over run from the foreign military aid contract they got a couple of years ago
I got mine i think right when it transitioned to the cr series. My receivers are rollmarked m4 carbine with an LE serial number. stock, barrel and bolt appear to be subcontracted but the bolt carrier, upper and lower receiver and front sight post appear to be colt manufactured.
It's still the most accurate ar15 i've ever shot.
@@rockerdude8000 8
ONE OF THE SMARTEST MEN IN THE 2a COMMUNITY..... THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Why are you yelling?
"2a community" lmfao cringe
Bought a CR6920 in December, tightest grouping I’ve seen so far, and I love it.
Is there any way you can check to see if your barrel is stamped with an R, W, or E? I would appreciate that, if you could let me know
@@The11eleven mine is stamped "R". I got it in November
@@The11eleven I have a new factory sealed 14.5 M4A1 sosom barrel cage coded 13629 that is dated stamped 10/18 and stamped with an R
@@toiletpaper5770 are these "non-Colt" barrels still chrome lined? With no chrome marking, how does one know? My rifle shoots sub MOA with 75gr BTHP.
@@glockparaastra all I know is it's supposed to be
In 2016 I got a Colt for about $900. I got it because the Colt M4 I was issued in the military had many, many thousands of rounds go through it without fail; she was very much used, tossed around, and absolutely abused by me and my predecessors who she was assigned to, and never failed. Through dirt, water, cold, and heat, my issued M4 never failed. I wanted my rifle at home to be just as reliable as the rifle that I was issued in the military, so it wasn't a hard decision to go with what I knew was tried and true. It's been eight years and a few thousand rounds (I don't go to the range as much as I should), and I'm still fully convinced that it was the best and easiest $900 I've ever spent.
I'm also glad to know I ended up with a neat piece with all the markings many people desire in a Colt rifle. I had no idea what I had, I guess.
I bought an LE6920 a few years back that came from the factory with a MagPul stock, pistol grip and hand guards. Other than that, it has all the correct Colt M4 Carbine proof marks. 100% Colt except for the furniture. Carried an M16A1 or an A2 for 22 years. Colt has never let me down.
I bought a le6920 mpe from Walmart in 2013
My Magpul edition has Colt M4 carbine with LE then serial number. Does yours have the same? I wish mine had the military & law informing on it. But I'm happy that I got a genuine colt when I did.
Thanks for your service 💪
I bought my Law Enforcement Carbine back around 2005 just after AWB went away. Came with removable carry handle and restriction marking on right side. Has an LE prefix serial number. I now have an ACOG T31 RCO M4CP with a Larue mount and Matech backup sight on it. Troy rail and rail covers. BCM mod4 charging handle. Great rifle!
Thanks Chris for the comprehensive review! As a collector of military arms, I did buy a Colt M4 LE6920 precisely to get as close to the military version as possible. It is very sad Colt manufacturing has deteriorated. Hope CZ will give it a shot in the arm.
I was quite disappointed with what you said, but that’s the reality. At least I still have plenty of years to find out just how trustworthy this rifle will be in the long run. You really delivered. Most of my parts had the proper markings, so I’m looking forward to see how she holds up.
Don’t worry, the reality is they’re all going to shoot, whether it’s a Colt, Anderson, PSA, BCM, Stag, etc.
Most of what his “complaints” and differences are are simply cosmetic.
I’ve been searching TH-cam for over a month tryna understand the exact difference between the CR And the LE. This video sir answered all my questions. Great job 👏🏽
Exactly
Same. Thank you for doing this
Chris,
Great videos on all your Colt rifles. Really Good! A few months ago my wife bought me a Colt LE6920 M-4 carbine from our local gun shop. The gunsmith that works there told me that the Colt M-4 my wife bought apparently belong to an older guy who was an avid Colt firearms collector and passed away awhile back and his wife brought some of his Colt firearms in to sell on consignment. A couple AR-15s and some old Colt pistols and 1911s. My M-4 was in the new rifle section of the store instead of the consignment area. He told me it was new in the box when she brought it and inspecting it said it looked like it had never been fired. So they considered it a new rifle. I checked the manufactured stamp on the barrel and it is 1/14. I email Colt with my serial number and they emailed me back that it was made Jan. 31 2014. So that confirms the date. It has all the inspection marks and stamps on the receiver, bolt carrier, bolt, front sight and barrel. that you go over in your videos which I’m very happy about. Can you tell me what year Colt stopped making the LE6920 with all the inspection stamps and proof marks? It probably wasn’t too long after 2014 they came out with the CR6920 and that’s when you said Colt started subbing the parts out.
Cpl. Sev.
*Cracks open a cold one* This is gonna be a good one
Yes sir. Laughable how some sellers want $1700+ for these CR6920s just because they happen to say Colt on the lower receiver.
@@esorense wow I’ve never seen them over 1350 usually they are around 1150. When something like a Ruger 5.56 or a M&P sport were going for ~900 at a point in time, the Colt was definitely worth considering at that price point. I wouldn’t trade my 2014 LE6920 for the new cr but I wouldn’t hesitate picking one of for under $1000. If/when that happens is yet to be seen haha
@Don Draper what kind of Scotch? Since I'm hanging around a grill cooking some dead cow I went with a gin and tonic. Scotch is for later tonight.
@Don Draper strip steak. I had a brisket in the smoker.
You keep your bourbon cold?
>now we're going to take a look at the CR6920
*heavy sigh*
Yeah that tells me how this is gonna go
Do you know who is consider a criminal according to Biden opinion...?
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Criminal is police...why...?
Because police protect people's right and the criminal protect dictatorship's right.
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CONGRATULATION TO PRESIDENT RE-ELECT TRUMP FOR 2020...[MAGA]...TRUMP=STROOONG...NO ONE CAN BEAT TRUMP IN THE WORLD...❤💪💪💪👍
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Chris and Heather produce some of the best technical videos on firearms. Chris has great knowledge and honesty.
A pure opinion of mine is that I gave up on Colt long ago. Colt had dumb policies where gun stores had to buy junk guns to get the good guns. The wrong trigger pin size, the semi bolt carriers, the dumb screwdriver front pin, and the generic anti-citizen arrogance made me never purchase and never recommend Colt products. Other companies make better products at better prices and have added improvements over time.
I do not hate Colt. They just made products that aren't competitive.
Any recommendations on a AR out of the box in these times ?
I've often wondered if my LE6920 was "all Colt" and this video seems to have provided all the answers. Thank you.
Same here, I purchased my LE6920 in 2014 and all markings match up. I always wondered what that white paint dot was.
I don’t understand all the drama about colt outsourcing some parts to meet the high demand.. colt have been outsourcing like anybody else in the industry.. even the golden age 6920 had Shmidt made FCG and P&S stock for example.. and none of those exploded afaik.
Same for the F fsb.. they have been using unmarked fsb for a long time now.. it’s not a CR line thing.
Oh and btw FN usgi barrels have always been cage code marked and nobody ever questioned its quality or source... there’s a lot of hate around colt for no reason
I feel lucky to own a Colt with C and MP on the barrel; (F) on the front sight; C on the receiver and C on the Bolt Carrier. Brought the rifle in 2015.
The new ones are just as good. IMO
Very educational presentation . I am extremely satisfied to find out my Colt M-4 carbine purchased in 2012 has all the Colt markings you instructed us to look for. Nice to know I have a genuine pony carbine. Thanks for the video.
I have a CR6920
Has 13629 cage code on upper receiver, barrel, charging handle, & stock
M4 marked in front of upper receiver
Bolt is marked MPC
Faint 'C' marking on bolt carrier
Shoots phenomenally well, fit and finish are excellent, never had a single malfunction.
Thanks for this detailed info!
UPDATE: Found a Colt LE6920 lower with the M4 markings on it. Popped it on along with a 14.5' Colt SOCOM barrel, and a KAC RAS - now I have a proper m4 (minus the full auto switch of course). Boom
It's not an m4 though is it.
@@leighjordine4031 yes it is
I also have one. I put a RIS 2 and B5 furniture on it, a light, and an eotech xps2 and it is SWEET!! I love it. It was my first Colt and I’m proud of it.
@@leighjordine4031 M4A1 socom minus fcg
I think it is clear Colt has been mismanaged for a long time but I also find it hilarious that people who complained about the price of a LE6920 chose instead to build ARs from Anderson and PSA parts for $450.00 are now the ones complaining Colt isn't pure any longer.
Show me specifics of how a modern built colt rifle is better than what PSA is producing. I’m genuinely curious. I’ve owned several of both, and I don’t see a discernible difference.
@@johnhfish79 jUsT aS gOoD cope
@@siemen7n614 more like just as shitty. both guns are crappy when compared to what colt was or other modern manufactures like bcm and lwrc
@@rockerdude8000 the video has some of the last good ones in it albeit not the best of what colt had to offer I’d still take that over a psa but yes when compared to Lwrc and bcm which both guns are built higher than milspec standards so I’d go with those .
@@siemen7n614 just as good, nope
I have a Colt Law Enforcement Carbine manufactured in 2012. It has every marking that you showed here in this video. I'm glad I own a true Colt rifle and not something that was farmed out.
.. Matt .. I also have a 2012 -- LE6920 .. NIB .. Do you have any idea what this would sell for...? ... Thank You ..
@@donaldpedigo296 from research I've done through GunBroker I would say that rifle brings $1200-$1400 all day long. Just due to the fact it's a true Colt rifle it probably will be worth more every year
@@mattlloyd5138 .. Thank You for replying so quickly .. 👍
I have one as well marked law enforcement carbine, mfg in 2012- has all correct markings per tdp
You know it’s gonna be good when he says “and now for the unpleasantness” lol. I see his point but my brand new Cr6920 is still an absolute beast. Runs in the bitter cold and in the mud, in the snow, and in the rain w the military grade barrier rounds 62gr ammo I feed it with. Only thing I don’t like on it is the trigger but that’s just industry standard at this point and it’s an easy upgrade. The CR6920 needs to be judged on its own merit and in my opinion is the industry standard, despite the lack of the colt roll marks. Good video, this guy knows his stuff.
The mil spec trigger is fine.
Thanks for taking the time to point out all the details to indicate a true Colt AR15.
My SP6920 Sporter was very upset when it overheard Chris saying nobody likes them. I had to calm it down and let it know I still love it.
Seriously, it's a fantastic shooter and it checks all the boxes regarding government contract markings. It doesn't bother me in the least that it has a family-friendly name on the side.
It was the name nobody liked!
I own a Colt LE Carbine. Based on your video it's the real deal. Bought it in 2012. Awesome rifle. My go to long gun.
For the record, I purchased my LE6920 in March of 2014, and it has all of the mil-spec markings as the carbine in this video. The barrel is dated 01/14.
My first rifle and I love my Colt Rifle 6920. All the other AR-15 owners I come across at the range bust a nut every time they notice mine's a Colt. I never knew an AR Colt carried such legendary status. It's like seeing a Texas Ranger, Jedi Night, or something. Lol
Until an SR15 comes to the table next to you.. talk about bust a nut!
You'd probably get the same reaction if you pulled up with a Colt 1911. They are SO expensive now.
It was interesting following along with my old LE6920. I had to purchase it with a department letterhead during the ban.
I just bought a new CR 6920. It shoots green tips really well which I use shooting demos as I have a ton of it. Not many carbines or rifles shoot them as well. I love it. Thank you for the information on the differences. I will look for a LE 6920 now that I know what to look for.
Good review... With that being said can we just appreciate the fact that colt is making a quality Ar15 for a decent price... We all know that the Le6920 was the peak of Colt but the reality is those days are gone and we can't all afford the Le6920... I just picked up my Cr6920 on the 4th of July sale for 899... My best friend has the Le6920 and they both are of equal quality minus LAW ENFORCEMENT on the lower... Mine has M4 on the upper, C proof mark on the barrel,Proper markings on the bolt carrier group... I appreciate your knowledge and review but we all need to be thankful that Colt is selling to the civilian market again... I love this new Colt Cr6920 and hope Colt does well and continues to make it for years to come... If we all dog Colt out we will only hurt ourselves in the long run... Long story short if you want a well made rifle and don't have deep pockets pick up the Cr6920 its a nice rifle.
I agree
This is the most comprehensive analysis I have seen yet. So glad I got my Colt when I did. Everything about my LE6920 is what you discussed except the side swivel. I have a under swivel and though mine is a LE model mine is marked M4 instead of Law enforcement carbine
It's not an m4
It literally says M4 and it was branded so by Colt when Colt was making the military M4. At that time Colt used it when naming the first generations of LE6920. I never said it was a military M4 and neither did Colt. You just want to argue semantics because it's not a select fire weapon and for some reason it bothers you Colt decided to use the same branding when they rolled out the civilian version.
@@twich155 I think I have the same one as you. Everything checks out with exception to the sling mount and who knows I'm sure it can be changed out for authenticity purposes. Mine is the 2013 configuration.
@@joescott701 lucky. If you got the painted dot on the bolt and barrel then we realy do have clones. 2013 models with these attributes are really rare. Before 2013 it was more and more common the earlier the year but to find this in a 2013 model is truly lucky. I've been buying a lot of Colts lately and the first thing that seems to be missing is the Colt carry handle, then the white dots, then the genuine C role mark on the bolt, then it's a lower without a QR code, then it's hit or miss if you will get a C mark on anything. The C on the barrel, upper and the F on the FSP seem to be about even in terms of when they stopped using or just ran out. Genuine C stamped bolt carriers with a white painted dot on the bolt sold for almost $400 and are increasingly hard to find. Lower receivers like ours go for $400-1000 at times. I actually have a key hole forge mark on one of my le6920s lowers next to the trigger!
@@twich155 I just went through the whole rifle. My barrel is authentic with the correct markings and date of 09 13 on it. Has white dot and a M on it. The lower is correctly marked w the c. and another mark like a u of sort.Sight post has F on one side then a forging code on another. The extractor has a c on it but no number and the bolt is mpc marked but no white dot on it. The carrier has the C on it. Just forward of the pic rail its stamped M4. The hand guards have epoxy and the buttock did not have the circle mark on it but both have been changed for magpul furniture. I think the bolt n extractor are authentic colt just no white dot and number on extractor but still marked c. and mpc on the bolt. The sling swivel up front is on the bottom. Outside of that I believe I just squeaked by b4 the outsourcing began. Anything that's authentic colt will go up in value simply because there not made anymore and it's a us government rifle. I did have one from 2011 that seemed to have a more solid engaging safety selector on it. Colt might not be the best out there present day but I have no plans on selling mine .
Chris,
I stand in awe of the depth & breath of your encyclopedic gun knowledge. Every topic you tackle is always expressed as a compendium of technical knowledge very, very few in the gun world possess. You are indeed the "Oracle" of gun technical knowledge. I religiously view every video you release as I know I will be edified.
As an aside, I fortunately had the presence of mind to purchase a pair of LE6920's in 2012. Both had two variations.....a Bayonet LUG (a feature your example lacked) and a "Roger's Super Stock."
Does the BAYONET LUG imbue my LE6920 with any special and/or additional validity insofar as authenticity with respect to kinship with its actual military counterpart of that era?
Yardwork done. Back deck with a Miller Lite watching CB. Nice.
🍻
I bought the SOCOM flavor with KA rail guards and heavy barrel. That nice M4A1 rollmark to boot 👌
2016 LE6920 Magpul addition with the SL furniture. I got tired of the Magpul and went Knights rail with broom handle, Matec rear sight and Aimpoint Pro. Just converted it to old school spec, Colt carry Handle ($$), colt double heat shield hand guards and colt waffle stock. All the old style parts I put on are from Colt but are the newer “take off” style. The stock has the cage codes but it has the circle with nothing in it. The hand guards do not have the epoxy on the them but they are the double heat shields. After watching this video and looking at the rife striped I thought I’d look at the markings. So it’s a 2013 configuration Magpul edition. The upper had the M4 on top of the gas tube hole, it has the “C” roll mark next to the “square” forging mark (Brass/Aluminum forging Co.). The lower has the M4 carbine roll mark with the LE prefix and numbers. The safety has no notch but the right side has the “Safe-Fire” roll marks. It has the colt defense and state and city roll marks along with the higher up digital marking. The bolt and bolt carrier have all the correct markings according to the video, the front sight post is F marked with a couple other letters or numbers on it. The barrel is a little odd to me. Up by the chamber (with hand guards removed) there is an “E” marking/stamp/roll mark, but I do have a rolled date code by the gas block under the hand guard. The front up the barrel has the cage code on it, an M and a P and 5.56 NATO 1:7. Any help with the barrel. The date code on the barrel is 10/16 and it also has this dot on it (guess the chrome plate mark).
I sold my original LE6920 when I needed money for grad school. I bought a new CR6920. Shoots shell enough, but I do miss my authentic pony.
I did the same with a bushmaster back in 04 awesome rifle. Fast foward to 14 went to 4 different shops looking for something other than an m&p finally last shop guy pulled down a few cheap ARs and I noticed one with magpul grips still in the rack "whats that one👆" he said Colt...
I'LL TAKE IT!
Great video Chris and well executed. This was an Eye opener for me with all those changes with Colt and the CR6920 evolution.
I got one in 2020 that says LE6920 on the box, but has a CR serial number. Has the m4 cage code upper, the lower says m4 carbine and Colts Defense. The bolt is marked mpc (can't recall the extractor markings). But the barrel is R marked and there's no F on the fsb. Not sure where that puts in in terms of desirability, but for 1k during covid madness, I'm happy. It shoots great groups and functions flawlessly
Foolproof way to tell is if the pony and the lettering is stamped or laser engraved. Regardless, Chris made sure to stress that he's making no judgements on performance or quality. For 1K you have a GREAT rifle. If you ever NEED it, what stampings it has won't mean shit. It will run!
Try 17,00 for the LE 6920.just like everything else now days such a rip off.thougt I was buying a colt.
I'm sorry 1,700
I recently got back into gun buying after a long hiatus due to family and financial reasons.
I picked up a "new" le6920 upper that was supposed to be a 2013 production. It did have a C rollmark, but the bolt carrier had that hand engraved C, and the barrel had the 13629. Under the handguards the barrel had a 15 or 16 production stamp. I parted ways with the upper shortly after.
I will add I also own a 2013 Magpul edition 6920 and am quite happy with it. It has the C stamped upper, c stamped carrier, C stamped barrel with a 13 production date. The rifle is nice and tight.
Hand engraved always waves a yellow flag, especially on a reputed top quality product. Congrats on getting out of the hiatus status. Been through a couple of those in my life.
It's a shame. A few years ago I bought a LE6920 and when I got it home and started inspecting it I was so disappointed it was basically not a Colt. As you point out in the video it had zero of the markings that made it a Colt. Called them and they gave no real answers as to why. Took away all the pride of ownership for me.
I fell the same way with mine,guess I'll be buying Colt parts to make I right
This is a fine analysis of the old and new Colts rifles. We are guided
Once again, I am thoroughly impressed with how in-depth and informative this video, among so many other wonderful SAS videos like it, are in comparison to what many of the 2A personalities will come up with elsewhere. Thank you to each and every one who makes it possible!
Awesome! These longer video info explosions are cerebrally orgasmic!
I have a 2003 LE6920. Still flawless after 1 barrel change and a whole big bunch of rounds through it.
This is a well produced and narrated video. The problem is that this is a "N" of 1. For any of this to be relevant, many of these newer CR6920s would need to be inspected at this level. Don't misunderstand me, the inspection and comments are well done. Obviously, he has great knowledge and experience. However, the examination conclusion is incomplete because only one unit (N of 1) is inspected. I watched this and compared it to my new CR6920 purchased 8/2021. The markings on the firearm were the same as the LE model. I enjoyed watching how your broke down and inspected the firearm.
Add to the mix that everything is pretty much speculation as far as what it means right now. Yes, we can talk about what used to be, but colt changes their M.O. at the drop of a hat and there usually is no rhyme or reason to their madness.
As a 2A supporter, I am now in the market for an AR-15. With what I have learned watching this video, I will now be able to make an informed decision in my search.
Thank you very much.👍
Awesome video. Equal parts disdain and disappointment. Your videos should be mandatory viewing for all AR owners.
In the market and was ready to go buy that well known Colt.
Am I glad you made this video to give us all the great insight!👍🏼
I freaking LOVE Small Arms Solutions ,every time Chris makes a Colt video the value of my estate goes up and up and up!
Chris - I found this video both very informative and interesting. Thank you for the attention to detail. How will CZ continue the story? Stay tuned.
I bought an LE6920 from big daddy unlimited exactly 1 year ago (fall 2020). Certain things on my rifle resemble the original (early?) LE6920, yet certain other things resemble this new CR model. Considering the point he made about it being a gradual shift from colt to more and more subcontractors over time, due to financial strain + lack of gov oversight into the manufacturing specs, this makes sense. While I was initially a bit relieved that I had somehow snagged an LE after they had been discontinued (and in a pandemic no less), the fact that certain markings on my rifle appear to be akin to the CR makes me a bit disappointed. I wish I had it with me so I could crack it open and get a closer look into all the parts, but off the top of my head: my stock has the circle, laser engraved (no roll mark), barrel says "c" yet the M & P are not connected, no F mark on FSP, I'd be curious to know if any of this matters that much, and most importantly if this means my 6920, lacking crucial "original" markings that indicate its authenticity, is any different than the CR. The reason I ask is bc the LE sells for much higher than the CR, due to videos like this, yet it seems that perhaps many LE's made post ~2015~ have quite a bit of subcontracted parts anyways. In making my decision to purchase a second AR, I was going to get the OEM2 which is marked as the basically the bones of an LE6920, but if its a modern one, then no sense in paying the extra just bc it says "LE"?
yeah bro this is a crazy video. I feel for ppl that didnt watch it before purchasing their le, no offense haha. If someone knows what theyre buying your "le" isnt too far off from the cr. Bet you could still sell it right now for $1600. Also if it makes you feel better ive seen us military issued le's that have the same issues as your weapon so dont feel too bad.
The LE and CR on most configurstions are currently the same price...
I have an sp model with all the colt MP markings and cerial forge markings,and marked colts defense.sp serial numbers were used up prior to going back to production of the law enforcement serial numbers.(2011), yet the barrel has chrome mark and date code of 11/14, MP is one word and Colt mark c. My weapon must have been made in that transitional period,yet has all the markings and the magpul furniture.. guess I got lucky 🤷
I sold my Colt Mforgerie Match Target to put down for the Colt LE 6920 which I found at a pawn shop. I just about had a silly-jizzim when I saw it. You will find many, many AR 15's at a pawn shop but it is extremely rare to find what I call a "Colt Classic." It took me years to finally get the work horse rifle. And I do not like the new Colts AR's-they feel cheap. Good job on conveying the markings of a quality Colt Rifle.
Rosco bought Colts barrel machines, and even hired Colts quality control director, it's the exact barrel....
When did this happen?
@@DontTreadOnPeewee after their last bankruptcy, 3 - 4 years ago..
No, that’s the point; may be as good, may not, may be better... no way to know. Probably comparable. No guarantees.
@@johnchristopher20 Some people miss the point, intentionally.
Rosco barrels are quality barrels.Ive seen one that had 27 000rds all full auto and the it was worn but not quite wore out.
This guys takes Forgotten Weapons into a whole different category
Always appreciate the detail & background.
I bought a LE6920 Hbpw back in 2016, I don’t know to much about it but it has been a great rifle.
Great video. Got my CR6920 a few months ago but have not had time to shoot it. It's my first gun ever. This video was very informative and well made. So easy that newb could understand. Well like 90% of it. LOL.
I believe you mixed the BCG parts. Please check.
Great video explaining the difference's. CZ should make colt go back to making things in house.
Doubt it will happen. Too expensive. They want to make colt profitable. If anything they will kick up more QA for supplied parts.
It would be difficult in the shithole state of CT because of cost of operations
@@The11eleven There's a big factor. It made sense to cluster gun makers in an industrial heavy region due to transport ease. Fine 150 years ago but that's all changed. Times have changed dramatically, time to change and roll out to states that still support the principles the original colonies now despise.
@@LuvBorderCollies I agree, but once production moves out of state, it will no longer be considered an original Colt. They may exceed the quality of the original Colt, and the may be able to charge more because of that, but it still wouldn’t be the same. 90% chance Colt is gone forever - 10% chance CZ pulls of the resurrection of a lifetime
@@LuvBorderCollies Hey, Georgia & South Carolina are both 2nd A friendly states!
Thanks for the info. I'm rewatching this now (saw this a year ago also), since I was able to pick up a very early LE6920, with serial number about LE007XXX. I figured I point out a few differences from the very early compared to most, and as mentioned in the video. It is marked "Colt's MFG CO, Inc" instead of "Colt Defense". The serial number has a "SER." in front of the LE, the upper receiver isn't marked "M4", there isn't a date stamp on the barrel and the bolt carrier is the AR15 style with the shaved off bottom tail.
Very informative video as usual. I have an AR 6920 I purchased a few years ago which is marked 'M4 Carbine', but has a CR*** serial number with a 14.5 inch HBPW barrel. The box it came in says 2013. I'm gonna have to look closer at the components you pointed out to see if they have Colt markings.
Just my 2 cents, loved the video, super informative. I have purchased a FN collector M4, one of the recent runs. (Had both colt and FN m4’s in the army that I used). I bought a colt CR thinking it was the same and it wasn’t, recently sold to fund the FN after checking out the FN in store. Now that I have it at the house I can tell you I’ve looked all the way through it and I’ll be damned if that didn’t grab contract uppers and pin and weld the muzzle device. The barrel is a button broached chrome lined, which per the TDP is correct, I read an article with an interview from the guy that oversees barrel production at FN and he’s quoted as saying the only reason they have a button barrel line is for contract M4’s. FN’s commercial guns are CHF so really they have no reason to use the button barrels except for the gun to be “correct”. ALL of the markings from my contract guns are on the FN from the upper and lower to barrel and BCG (the collector series used to be marked “FN-15” but has since changed to M4 Carbine). The FN I have strikes me as FN has recently moved to using contract uppers with a lower that obviously excuses the giggle switch option, but is marked as such. I know you have a wealth more of knowledge and information on these but I’d like you to take a look at the ones they’ve recently released, I’m head over heels for it.
You sold a Colt socom to buy an FN military collector's edition? You're REALLY not going to want to hear this, but The FN MCE has a 4140 button cut barrel, not 4150 cmv(B-11595-E). It isn't CHF. I'm not quite sure on this part, but I am reading that the FN MCE lower is a 6000 series aluminum forging, not 7075. The FN MCE's barrel isn't the correct shape and length of the actual M4A1 either. The recent models also don't have the M203 cut outs. The Colt socom is still the closest thing you can get to the real thing. If I were you, I'd try to get that Colt socom back.
Great explanation of the history of these guns.
This is EXACTLY the information I was looking for, Thank You Very Much!
Incredible content. Thanks for your knowledge and experience. I guess this is why all Colt lowers are marked carbine, even if on a 20 inch A2 style.
One of the best videos on youtube, hands down. Thank you.
So much detail. Great vid.
Well, I do remember when M1 carbines were made. There were several companies that built them to spec .For what I know to this point, everything was successfully interchangable.
Hopefully Colt under CZ will shape up and realize their potential as the only AR maker who can actually make guns to the TDP. It’s their only edge over the others, the ability to do and advertise that. CZ should have Colt make exact non-NFA clones of the M4 Carbine and it’s variants again (and the AR15A4 while they’re at it. I really liked those) that they would produce for a government contract, with the same markings and QC as the TDP dictates. Throw them in a military-style box and everything, really hype up and capitalize on the fact that they are the only ones able to make ARs from actual military blue prints.
My second AR15 that I bought was back in 2006, it was a Colt LE6920. My first was the S&W M&P15 M4. I still own them both with the S&W becoming my duty/patrol rifle and the Colt my wife has adopted for home defense. Get video made me look at all the markings (again).
@Sigkim AKs are outdated. AR15 is a better rifle.
@Sigkim okay boomer
@Sigkim I LOVE PSA!! my duty AK would be the PSAK103!
@@danielboydcooper6850 AK is terrible. AR15 is better.
Wow I've always wondered what the hell that white dot on my bolt was about thanks
Thanks for the video I learned a lot. I watched this video before I bought my Colt carbine. I still bought the Carbine I know there not the same I have an early 80s Colt A2 I love. I like the history and tradition of colt. I hope Colt someday can regain their reputation. Thanks
I wish I would have purchased the LE6940 when I had the chance. Then again I love my LE6920.
The Le6940P is the model thats coveted.
@@realisrealite5554 ?? The 6940 is a true free floated monolithic upper, the LE6940P is the piston version.
The information in your videos is astounding.
My CR6920 has the m4 marked upper, C marked carrier, mpc marked bolt, no date code on barrel but also no subcontractor letter, white paint on front sight tower, and non ticked safety. Mine does not have a "c" marked extractor and has the same front barrel markings as the cr6920 in the video.
My friend bought a post-contract 6920. It is like the CR model you are showing.
Excellent vid. It's very difficult to get solid info on what makes one gun better than another. You laid it out. Steve
After watching this video I feel as though I could run Colt Manufacturing.... Very informative sir.
Just went through this video with my LE6920 in hand. Mine is marked M4 CARBINE CAL. 5.56MM LE 17xxxx. Seems all the markings matched ‘Colt’ except the bolt carrier group. I can find no markings on it. I would guess Colt was running out of OEM parts during the build of my rifle.
My serial number is L E 161 and I found all the cult markings bolt carrier group barrel everything
If you have an LE or SP6920 you have a hell of a good rifle that is good to go and you can trust your life to it in every way.
I have a BCM, a 6920, an Aero Precision, and an M&P15.
They are all great rifles. But when I have to grab just 1, the Colt is coming with me.
The BCM is a bit "smoother" but the Colt is an overgassed monster that just fuckin works, and works every time clean or dirty, wet or dry, full of snow or full of mud.
Shoots 1.5MoA with Tul/Wolf, and sub MOA running OTMs, and just never chokes wether it's brass or steel cased.
About 12k rounds through my 6920, and it has been awesome. I trust it with my life, and the life of my family. That's all I can say.
@SmallArmsSolutions
Awesome video. Thanks you.
Small heads up. You mixed LE bolt into the CR carrier.
The change from the side sling swivel to the bottom took place at least with the "2013 version", possibly before.
Got an M4 stamped LE6920 8-9 years ago. Probably the most accurate reliable firearm I own and I have worked it HARD.
Bought a new one recently for 800 bucks. No regrets.
The purpose of this video is to point out that purist Colt collectors will need to look for older models that have the ARs made with Colt military marked parts. I have some older Colt revolvers and a 1911 Government model that I assume Colt made all the parts for in-house. The 1911 may have some MIM internal parts. With the modern sporting rifles, I am not concerned if parts are outsourced as long as they meet the specs Colt ordered. I can totally understand the collectors wanting what the military ordered and how they were marked for the military. I just want a good rifle that is quality regardless if it is Colt, Ruger, Springfield or other makers. I said in another post that I paid 800 dollars for a new CR6920 which is a good price for the rifle. All the serious reviews of this new rifle were positive. Of course I would not pay MSRP for any rifle or pistol......lol Those people who say these rifles suck need to quit being ignorant and those who say these rifles use outsourced parts and are not military contract spec might be correct. When MAC did his review, he was negative on the rifle at the start which I thought was too harsh given his assumption that using outsourced parts in the build on a modern Colt sporting rifle was blasphemous. If you are a Colt purist collector, this rifle is not for you. If you want a good quality rifle for whatever you want to use it for, this is a good rifle.
Having never been in the service all I’ve heard is that your weapon is built by the lowest bidder, this video opens your eyes to what the lowest bidder has to do to make a military grade weapon.
Thanks Chris. This has been one of the most enlightening videos I've watched in the long time. I purchased a used "LE6920", (at least that's what they called it). I had no idea about any of the stuff you're talking about. While watching this, I went through my rifle, part by part, and most of it matches up... except for the barrel. It doesn't have the markings you show. I guess the previous owner might have replaced it. The rest is exactly the same. That gives me some comfort. Much respect and thanks to you for your knowledge and your channel!
That’s how my lE6920 is as well. Mine has pretty much everything the same except the barrel. Also mine is a grey magpul model purchased in 2016
@@domzworld2818 I'm so glad we have Chris to help us with this stuff. All I know is, mine is darned accurate and has never once malfunctioned. I bet the grey color looks pretty cool!
I bought 3 Colt CR 6920 uppers and 3 FN hammer forged barrel uppers. The handgaurds are the same. The markings are weird on the Colts. The cage codes look like they're stenciled in with an electric pen by hand on the upper receivers. They work fine but, I prefer the FN uppers for the barrels. I was on a waiting list for almost a year for them. I used to be an armed professional and had a high shooting schedule. I learned to get 2 rifles exactly alike. I'm not sure I would bet my life on Colt today. They also stopped using the extractor donut over the spring. It's sad they cut corners and ended up losing customers that would be their best advertisers in the past even if they cost a bit more.
BCM is also basically an assembly plant. The entire gun is made by someone else then branded in their name.
Like 95% of the gun industry. QC is what really matter.
I bet FN does the same but nobody complains about that.
@@Frens03 i encourage you to do your homework before betting. FN does not do that. They make their own guages/tools for their own metallurgy for parts they design. Then use specialized companies to make parts for them under their watch/guidance that they design. BCM should be "BCA," Bravo Company Assembly" but that branding wouldn't sell. BCM uses existing parts made by others, NDAs, then assembles the gun, calling it their own. They do design good accessories to put on the gun,, Ill give them that, but the gun itself isn't theirs. Dont regurgitate "good QC is all that matters," because thats simply not true.
Yeah I've heard a lot of issues with BCM the past couple years.
@@bryy2053 they can't be BCA, that's taken by bear creek arsenal. Lol
@@sbranham86 yup thats right. Point being that "manufacturing" is used loosely.
I recently picked up a Colt LE6920 all original rifle just like the one in your video in 2024 with receiver engraved on both sides, 2008 production date on barrel...who can guess what i payed for it?
I still have the carry handle for mine lol
I haven't taken mine apart entirely yet, basically just took the upper and lower apart and took my handguard off to get a quick look. So far, it's definitely not the original. It has the fire and safe on the right side, but no indicator. Blank on the right side of the magwell, but still has the Colt M4 Carbine on the left, as well as an LE serial number and a Colt Defense marking. I'm still not sure if it has the chrome barrel marker on it, because it's not a clean circle like the one you showed, but there is a chrome looking mark on it. Has the date (09/12) on the barrel, F on the front sight (though no side swivel mount, just the standard sling mount on the bottom), and the C MP (one character) 5.56 1/7 NATO on the end. Upper has the M4 marking on the front, and the C marker on the side.
My dad snagged it for me at his Walmart years and years ago, and it's the special Magpul edition with their handguard, grip, stock, rear MBUS, and magazines.
I guess mine is closer to the original, still most of the government parts aside from the furniture, but modified somewhat since the oldest ones. I'm just now really getting into the fine details, so I'm still really inexperienced about this kind of stuff, but she runs great and shoots straight, so it must be doing something right.
Thanks
You know you have done a great job when you have Mrgunsngear over here thanking you
This video is outstanding! It's a tax free weekend and I was going for the Saint or Saint Edge - then saw the store says it has the Colt M4 Carbine, for a few hundred more. Outstanding, until I watched this. Guess I won't be getting the whatever parts colt. Thanks.
This is interesting, i appear to have gotten my 6920 inbetween the transition to the cr series purchased in 2016. I have properly marked receivers with an LE serial, m4 carbine rollmark (not laser), but with a subcontracted stock and barrel, the front sight post is marked F on the other side but also has the under mounting sling swivel and non expoxied handguards, the bolt carrier is rollmarked C and pretty clean, definitely not done by hand, the bolt itself however has no markings.
I can't tell if it has m4 on the front of the receiver but it does have the extended feed ramp cuts. and the barrel has E stamped on it, it looks like it doesn't any manufacturer stamp on the barrel base but it's hard to tell as it's in a midwest industries handguard now.
So to my surprise I have a lot of the mos timportant parts authentic colt with some other important parts subcontracted.
That said. most of my friends have ar15's, none as expensive as my colt was and my colt shoots circles around all of them. It's a surprisingly accurate rifle getting nearly moa groups with expensive ammo with the old handguard and non free floated barrel. I just got a midwest industries slim line handguard on it and it will be interesting to see if having the barrel floated pushes those groups into the 1moa territory.
Whatever I got, it's a great rifle. It's by far the best ar15 i've encountered out in the wild.
Another data point: 2015 mfg LE6920
Rolled horse and Colt, LE serial, M4 Carbine. Lasered Colt Defense with QR square to the right of it.
Notched hammer
Bolt carrier=dot matrix C
Bolt=MPC, with no white dot
M4 on upper front rail
Stamped C upper right side
Gas block/sight stamped F on the right side (like Nunya)
Cage code and separate M P on barrel, indicating outsourced.
Further supports the gradual shift in outsourced parts. Not unusual for a production changeover. Build with what’s left, next box of parts might be from subcontractor.
Sounds like an expanse
@@travisbennett4091 No, it's original and an 6920. But it was made at the tail end of them making anything but the most important components in house. The hand guards which i don't use and the stock are subcontracted. they work great though.