What's happened to Colt is a shame. Look at Colt and S&W 20 years ago. Similar companies right on I-91 and S&W embraced the private market and listened to demand and consumer feedback and they've exploded in sales/growth. Colt on the other hand...
Just purchased the new Colt 6920. Regardless of the naysayers out there it still looks like a classic. And, it fits like a glove and shoots perfectly. Best to all.
@Ricky Johnson had a 6920LE and the selector switch was plastic and wobbled in the selected positions. called colt and the rep said that's the way it's supposed to be. Nothing I could do but laugh.
Don’t think anybody is saying the rifle sucks, but for the price, you can get just as good or better rifles at a lower or similar price without the pony on it. The one thing that is special to Colt is that they can mark their rifles that they are missing out on. Even if lots of the parts are sub contracted for now
All I know is they run and shoot great. Zero malfunctions and great accuracy on my CR6920 Carbine. Magpul furniture has made it a delight to carry and shoot
Before Colt was going down I was gonna choose a DD-M4 several years back but chose not to. Went with a LE6920 instead and no regrets. Didn't even know their true LE6920's would be considered a rarity in the future lol.
Heard a lot of “ I don’t know” and “ I’m guessing” both from him and small arm solutions. Have both the LE and the CR marked colt rifles. From what I can see in front of me and by performance, the quality is the same. Only difference is the markings. The rifle in this video ran great and the ejection pattern was strong and consistent.
I had a PSA that ran really well and ejected perfectly. Same with the Aero. Who cares if Colt is just using other peoples products because the AR15 is easy to do these days, am I right? I mean, it's just different production lines and different markings. ...
Lower, upper, barrel, BCG, Bolt, extractor all Colt marked. Those are your major components. Colt has used both FSBs with and without "F". Know what it means. Its the height in reference to a carrying handle. Doesn't have that but an adjustable MagPul BIUS.
@Ricky Johnson MilSpec is out dated, it's 2022 and a lot of new technology has improved ARs. People use talk to say their Colt $800-$1200 rifle is worth $2,000+.
@Foamer McFoamer, it was just the kit but the classic kit is still $500, but you do add $50 for a lower so i guess $550 is a more accurate price. But i get your point. What was only $300 is now $500 if you can catch it in stock. And Biden wont become pres. Because he stole this election, to inaugerate him is a full on coup. Thats war bar none
I own a number of Colt ARs that I've purchased starting in the 1980s. Several have all of the MIL spec stamped parts on all of the components. I purchased a CR6920 about a year ago and carbine seems to feel, look and function like the older fully mil spec'd rifles/carbines. Trigger is a little heavier/grittier than the pre-2000 guns. However, it has not malfunctioned ever and seems to be very accurate though obviously not as accurate as my Colt HBAR Match Target. I've come to expect all AR pattern rifles are made of sub-contracted parts. I like it. I also own an older Armalite M4 style MIL spec AR rifle. Both the Armalite and Colt CR6920 function the same and accuracy is almost identical.
I bought a colt in 2012 was a newbie and bought ase of .223 but on the lower receiver where the magazines go it has a le serial # and says 5.56 mm. I know the barrel is the 16.1 but will it ahoot 5.56MM ammo too?
The unfortunate reality is Colt did it to themselves. They continue to do it to themselves to this day. The QC on their 1911’s has even fallen through the floor. It’s truly sad for such an American icon.
That ejection pattern looks good. I have a pin and welded 14.5” BCM and it runs an H2/H3 buffet perfectly with steel cased ammo, even Tula. It shoots very flat even with with full power M193/M855 ammo
@@bensande1017 Colt should have been wiped out years ago. "Suckers" are the only reason they persists. Gun owners should punish manufacturers who turn their noses up at them by NEVER buying their product. If the formerly unapologetic tax thieves at HK can change course Colt should have followed suit. I'll look forward to Colt's next bankruptcy filing. GOOD RIDDANCE AND NOT SOON ENOUGH!!!
You probably didn’t have money in hand to buy one when there were shit tons on the market anyway. That’s why they paused civilian production. Everything isnt a huge conspiracy.
You guys really need to know the sizes of those gauges he uses. For all you know, they're .010" different from each other and in this era of manufacturing that's a lot. Getting actual dimensions would tell you more, but that would require knowledge of how to use and read precision tools. Gauges are quick and dirty, no offense to sotar but they're idiot tools.
Nothing has changed with these rifles, except the markings. Colt, as do most AR manufacturers, has been using sub contracted parts for a very long time. It's not an M4 because it dosen't say M4 on the lower? Please, how stupid can you get? Even the preceding M4 marked Colts on the civilian market were never M4s because they had a 16 inch barrel, and a different fire control group, and a different style lower which wouldn't allow you to install an M4 trigger group without heavily modifying the lower. These were and simply continue to be civilian copies of the military M4, with their most distinguishing feature being an M4 style barrel.
Thank you, that was well put. From what I can find in stores, this featured Colt and FN simi only 16in mil spec chrome lined barrels properly assembled are in current market on average 1000.00. Ruger and S&W are about 700.00 but are not chrome lined or mill spec. DD, Seekins, LWRC.....ect start at 1500.00. so other than not being a military collectible, what is the problem?
You could say the same thing about "domestic" automotive brands who have the vehicles built in subassemblies overseas. Regardless of who made the parts it's still Colts design and all parts are made to their specifications. As long as they're assembling and handling quality control, I don't think it matters who operates the machinery.
I have the original axe that George Washington used to cut down the cherry tree. The handle broke, so I replaced it. Then the head broke, so I replaced that. But "C'mon man", it occupies the same space.
Same, picked one up last month I love it and have found no issues compared to my issued M4 in the military, besides the burst selector obviously. So much hate for the new colt just because of “codes”
Dude idk what these guys are talking about haha I’ve had the FN m4s hks all that dumb shit and this colt is way better tbh! Amazing I got 4 of them and one is decked out in eotech and an m203 grenader on it with surefire flashlight and green laser and I would love to take any of my colts again a FN or any other brand! Colt is the way to go but I love sig as well
My local shop has them for $1,500 that what my DDM4V7 cost me 2 years ago, $1,500 for a basic rifle is stupid your better off getting a M&P15 sport 2 if you can find one.
I got a California compliant sport 2 and it works great but the buffer tube is completely non standard as in its commercial thickness and longer without the ability to use standard stocks for it lacks the divets for an adjustable stock. I’m assuming it’s just to appease our overlords in our state. Otherwise a great rifle so far
@@joeyfreeman5052 before my DDM4V7 I got a sport 2 the unmolested ones are run of the mill, personal after the mod to my sport 2 I like it as much a my DDM4V7.
@s d I don't doubt the ar556 is a good rifle I just don't like the proprietary parts like the FSB and delta ring, also them going through the effort to hammer forge the barrel but not coat the barrel is backwards imo.
@s d accuracy is important but corrosion is my main corrosion when talking about uncoated barrels and it looks like the new ar556's come Black oxide aka qpq.
Interesting. I bought a 6920 a couple years ago that has a “CR” serial number. Mine does have the proper Colt stamp with the M4 designation. The box is marked M4 Carbine(2013 configuration) LE6920. It also has the cage codes on the barrel and reciever.
I'm getting into AR rifles at an old age! I picked up a JP four days ago. At the time there were two M4s on the shelf plus an LCWR, some Savage arms . Within four days almost every AR on the shelf except the two M4s were sold. I picked one up. Even if its not a real M4, if its reliable and shoots good, Ill be happy with it.
So... it looks like the only thing Colt about it is the price tag. Also, I'm pretty sure the "M4" on the front of the upper receiver is for the feed ramps.
Yep, it’s to note the presence of M4 ramps in the upper, uppers from BCM and some others have the same thing. Actually that might be more evidence of the upper on these new Colts being outsourced. Because originally Colt simply put a “4” there to denote M4 ramps, not “M4”. I have a Colt 733 upper made in 1996 that just has the “4” mark. I have a 2006 made 14.5” Colt M4 upper too but off the top of my head I don’t recall how it’s marked. I’ll have to look later on. But I’ll bet it’s just “4”.
@@chlebowg my 733 upper just has a “4”, but that’s also from a somewhat later production non-M4 that happens to have the extended M4 type feed ramps in it. I’ll have to look at my 14.5” and see how that one is marked.
@@Ship-security I think you meant "Armalite"... In this case the "Original" under discussion is a Colt factory original as produced for the US military, we all know the history of the rifle, not sure what you're trying to communicate, either way it's contextual Were not talking about the historical source of the AR family rather the one sent with our boys to fight the fight, and that was the Colt
@@rhino67 and yes I know I was issued a Colt once or twice. I was making a joke. If they are made to the same quality than I don't see why I matters. Some guys I was with had FN rifles, they worked the same as the Colts.
Colt has been using subcontractors for a lot longer than you think. Years ago I was informed that Colt BCG's were being sourced by AO Precision or Toolcraft, and sure enough when I bought a couple AO's they were absolutely 100% identical to the BCGs I have in two Colts from the early 2010s, except for not being marked with a "C". Most gun companies these days rely on subcontractors to some extent, so it's not just Colt doing it. It's simply cheaper to source to a firm that specializes in making barrels, receivers etc in volume, than it is to make them in-house. And one more thing, Colt did not specifically STOP making guns for the civilian market. They said at the time that they were suspending sales, as there was too much unsold inventory in the pipeline plus they received a large foreign government order that they wanted to focus on and complete ASAP. They are back to making ARs for the civilian market now that the contract is finished. Hopefully they'll offer the M4A1 replica again as I missed out on those last time.
I’m looking to buy my first colt but in your honest opinion. You feel the cr is just the same as the le I hear a lot of different answers and the markings and sub contracted parts make me iffy about the cr and make me go towards the le. I’m not that educated with history of colt nor the gun manufacturers using sub contracted parts. Any advice would be helpful.
Bottom line, Colt like ArmaLite, are not the same companies that we knew 12 years ago. It is Truly a shame... not that they are not good guns, just lesser versions of what once was.. IMHO.
To be fair, I bought an Armalite 7.62/.308 Defensive Sporting Rifle in mid 2020 - I have been impressed. Accuracy of mine has been excellent; as has reliability.
I have the same rifle, I’m disappointed it’s a lot of subcontracted parts. However, the quality of the rifle is still there, and it shoots no better or no worse than the colt m4 I had in the army. I put 750-800 rounds of PMC 55 grain the first day I had it, no issues, malfunctions or complaints. I think colt did a good job on hiring quality subcontractors to build a quality rifle. Obviously you’re not getting the same accuracy as you would with a 2000-3000 competition AR, but if you’re looking for a practical rifle that has the Colt name on it, I’d recommend getting this. Especially now that colt sold out to CZ, these “American made” colts are already increasing in value.
Do you think $700 is a good price for one of these new? I put a $700 bid on Gun Broker before I saw this video, and now I'm having second guesses. Bidding ends in 22 hours; if someone outbids me I'll likely just let this one go.
@@Vladpryde i bought mine about a 20 months ago now and it was listed at $1450. i got a discount of 200 bucks for paying in cash. and that was a good price. after biden came into office everything went up, but these rifles were selling for 1000 easily all day before that . if you can get your hands on this rifle for 1000 bucks, even lightly used in december of 2021 , youre doing well.
Sportsman's Wearhouse offered this gun for $1,000 in Sept. 2021. I screwed around and waited, so I paid $1,100. So prices were actually dropping probably due to less expensive overseas manufacturers. Shame, but I'm still happy to have it as I'm sure there are less and less American made products that are in the price range I could justify spending. That said, 1 month after buying it, they recalled certain ones. I don't believe mine in one of them, but will be looking into it .
@@soylentgreen7074 I would have to give my vote to Chad, if I wanted an AR rifle diagnosed. I think Chad has every known gauge made for the AR rifle and the correct specs and knowledge to use them. I would give my vote to Chris, for anything historically referencing or knowledge on the subject of the AR rifle, especially Colt.
I have a colt M4 (semi-Auto only) born on year is 2011. It remains unfired since leaving the factory. For whatever reason Colt was still puting the ban era “For Export, Law Enforcement And Military Use Only” roll stamp on the outside of the mag well in 2011 even though the ban had expired by then. I paid more for it than I should have and kept it pristine/Unfired hoping I would get my money back some day. That day may be coming the way it’s looking?!
@@rifleshooterchannel208 not at all what happened. Nobody except a rouge head of the engineering department who did not like having his bs called out did not like me.
I have a 2021 Colt AR15A4. The bolt carrier is marked "C" on the left side. The bolt is marked "MPC". The barrel is marked "C MP 5.56 NATO 1/7". The bolt came with white paint mark from QC. The barrel came with a yellow paint mark from QC. The lower says "Colt Defense". The rifle shoots better then any other AR Ive fired before. These rifles are Colt whether you like the rifles or not. They still individually inspect bolts, and barrels, whereas most other companies just do shitty batch testing.
Was going to buy one years ago when I turned 18, some dickhead at the gun shop was saving it for his bud when I had the money to buy. Oh well, rip to Colt
Just picked one up yesterday I noticed it was different. Even if it’s not all colt in house I’m still confident with it. the gun it seems just like the old ones and it’s just fine.
@Foamer McFoamer didnt say there's 4D chess, but all the ones being disputed cant decide until the disputes are done. i imagine even if he wins we'll hear about this for years to come
Nope, in Nevada our governor rejected the "give our electoral votes to the popular winner" thing that other states where trying to do since our own states electoral votes are how he got in. Only two counties voted for our governor.
I bought one of these recently, not knowing any of this (except that the markings on the lower are different). I had to send it back for a crooked FSB and charging handle that doesn't latch because it's out of spec. I was following the old train of thought "just get a colt and don't worry about it." I guess that advice may be outdated now.
I'm not sure why you think (or at least are implying) that just because it's not specifically made inside a Colt factory, that means that it's not a "true Cold M4." Almost every manufacturer subcontracts *some* parts, and Colt has subcontracted parts for a LONG time. Just because a part is subcontracted does not mean that it is of a lower quality. I have the newer version of this exact rifle, and it is at least as good, if not better, than the true M4 that I used in the military.
I actually do like Colt. Their stallion was what was printed on my M-16 A2 back in the day and I will always like them. Far as I can tell they are still reliable . DD and BCM are cool but I also think they are often what you might go to the range with. You go to war with a Colt.
The m4 on the front of the pic rail on the upper receiver designates M4 barrel extension feed ramps. Its on all my BCM, Noveske, Aero, ect. nothing to do with a colt marking
So if you can get Pre 2016 Model Colt M4A1 Socoms buy them , regardless how people hate on them the quality will never be again what it once was and those models are crazy in Priced value holding for collectors
@Foamer McFoamer Keep in mind in the 90s there were very few AR15 manufacturers. Colt and Bushmaster were the most one could find on the shelf at the local gun shop. SIG , and SW were not even making them back then. Companies like Daniel defense didn't exist.
I have an old M4 Carbine, a factory FDE anodized 6920, and an older A4 20” rifle got them all under a grand years ago so pleased with my purchases they will never lose value
Years ago I was given a book by a guy that spent his career studying business management practices in order to find out what works and what doesn't. Among other things one of the management failings the author learned was management's inability to identify just what exactly is their product because they've become too myopic. Here you have a gun producer (Colt) with a legendary name people would gladly pay extra for just to have the "Real McCoy" genuine Colt in their hot little hands, but flat out refuses to produce what their customers want and only produce generic products undistinguishable from other manufacturers at a higher price. They ignored the same market siting on their hands when Cowboy Action shooting was the fastest growing sport and people were perfectly happy paying more for a genuine Colt SSA! Colt keeps failing to identify that the guns are not the product they're in the business of selling, but products of the legend! This lack of identifying their product is why they are constantly failing in the consumer market.
I have a 6920 . I’ve poured a lot of money into it, upgrading the stock, trigger, replacing the front sights with a low profile gas block and installing a full rail, and replacing the A2 flash hider with a real muzzle brake. It shoots very, very well. The barrel, receivers, buffer tube, gas tube, and BCG are all original Colt (or subcontracted Colt, whatever the case). The rifle performs very well. I have zero complaints. BUT with all that said, if I could do it all over again, I would just spend the money on a DD or a BCM or even an Aero with everything I wanted right out of the box. The 6920 today should be an $800 rifle at most, not a $1200 rifle. If BCM or Aero could actually keep up their stock this would be a nonissue as no one would be buying these Colts.
Dumb logic. That’s like saying apple sells bootleg iPhones because most of the parts inside an iPhone aren’t actually made by apple they’re subcontracted parts made by other companies.
@@existxtrace19 Na, the point was made and your technical analysis is unnecessary. Colt used to make their rifles in house and now they've outsourced most the parts and thrown a colt logo on it. It has the essence of a bootleg rifle. Simple as that.
I bought one a couple years ago, my 2nd, on the box it said LE6920, but the serial # started with CR. Mine must have been one of the last with all Colt parts, the stamp marks, with the exception of the CR are identical, mine has the M4 marking underneath the etched Colt drawing, as well as the word Colt engraved next to it. Mine is basically the same as the one a bought a decade earlier. Shame they changed this iconic brand. I wouldn't sell either one of mine. My 2 Colts take me back 5 decades ago when I was issued my M16, just like the old muscle cars of those days, the new ones just don't compare, to the old ones.
@@tommagnum6302 they just shipped pythons that didn't revolve occasionally right out of the gate with finish issues I'd expect out of a Taurus for $1300
Ok so it has colts cage code, the colt forge mark and the m4 mark on the upper receiver, the barrel has colts cage code, the bolt has the colt c on it. Understand it’s a new rifle the font will change like it has in the past. Every one says it’s junk but it’s just like the older rifles. I believe it’s more colt than you think, now the colt expanse rifle is not a true colt.
@@rifleshooterchannel208 I think that you're missing the point. Colt is going to charge the same price for their product as when they were producing everything/the majority of it. If they aren't even making the barrels anymore then it's not really a Colt. So yeah, I'll take my BCM over some overpriced wanna be piece of junk that will will cost me the same amount.
@@bensande1017 maybe I'm just skeptical of the company going from producing parts inhouse to outsourcing and then charging the same. For the time being I will continue to go to BCM. If Colt's products are proven to be up to par or exceed expectation then perhaps I'll be persuaded.
I never considered colt top of the line. They make good rifles still to this day. Buddy and I both ran the new 6920 Fsb uppers in a class last week, these were purchased one month ago. The new colt stuff. I’ve already got 2k rounds thru it. Gassing is great for a carbine, accuracy is great. Not a single malfunction. Recoil impulse is more manageable than my SOLGW
This video is unfair . Colt makes some cosmetic changes and maybe used some outsourced parts.Does that make it a bad gun? It work well when he fired it on the video including accuracy. Give the gun a torture test to see how it performs especially after 5- 10 K rounds are put through it. That may not be possible now because of the ammo shortage. However that will be a real test that will prove if the gun is worth it. Right now this video is just bad mouthing the Colt AR 15 without providing any proof that the suspected modifications will affect its function.
@@Sam1628 that's true. It all comes down to specs and QC. But the title of the video asks "is it REALLY a Colt"? (The answer is no). Also, to be fair DD makes everything in house. They're just overpriced and like to backstab us. QC tests are just that; a test. When you produce everything in house under one roof, you have more control over all the variables. There's no disputing that. I still trust BCM after watching their QC video on youtube. Not to mention they built a reputation on having some of the best QC in the industry
@@rifleshooterchannel208 not new info to me. They subbed out stuff even barrels if needed to keep up with demand. The difference is back then all the parts came out of the same bin; regardless of where they were going (military, LE, commercial), so you knew a le6920 came from the same parts bin/assembly line as the military stuff and made to the actual TDP with the correct QC. Companies like FN can't do that (use TDP or the same mil spec parts) without breaking their contract. Now that Colt no longer has any mil contracts, who knows what their QC is or what parts they're using. They are basically making and selling these for the commercial market. So I guess I'm struggling to see what your point is? Just trying to make yourself look smart?
I wonder when people will start thinking the same about Glock... So many "better" manufacturers out there. There's literally thousands of Glock clones.
BCM lol...you mean the company doing exactly what colt does except they shoot 3+ MOA and don’t have the TDP, the experience colt does, and I highly doubt the quality checks colt does. BCM is a brand, not a maker, Daniel defense is good shit though. Not trying to trash BCM, but colts as good or better for the same money, guarantee the colts worth more short term and long as well.
I am happy I bought a Colt m4 le6920 years ago when they were built in house. I love my gun and the build quality/fit and finish is great. I hope CZ gets Colt back on track.
Great video, that M4 marking on the upper receiver near the gas tube hole designates that the upper has M4 feed ramps according to Chris at Small Arms Solutions
Colt has used cage coded barrels and uppers as far back as 2013 on rifles. Also in times past when trying to keep up with demand Colt has used Green Mountain Barrels, to produce barrels for their rifles. Rifles with these barrels come with a G stamped on them. Have one circa 2004ish. Side note id say the removal of the side sling swivel is a cost cutting measure. The Colt stocks are and have been made by P&S Products for years, cage code 4U486. I can go on forever.
Cage codes are a military requirement. It has nothing to do with who made the part, that's indicated in the manufacturers marking, in this case it's the "I" on the barrel.
Let's get real here folks! THere's nothing sacred about any firm making every component part of their product! Every car manufacturer looks to other component sources for various parts of their automobiles and it is no foul on their part. In fact, for economics and quality control purposes, sub-contracted parts make a lot more sense IF these part component supplies are held to a very high acceptance standard.
After the news that Colt has been acquired by CZ-USA, I may be moved to give them another chance now. I love CZ and I'm hoping they'll put Colt in a good place with the civilian market again.
I had the 2019 Colt m4a1socom and compared it to the 2013 m4a1socoms in my collection.The bcg didn't have the c stamped,the bolt had mpc but no white paint on the bottom of the bolt,the upper receiver had a square instead of keyhole and c the roll mark was laser etched instead of stamped.Needless to say I sold the 2019 version of the m4a1socom it wasn't a 100% Colt to me.
I have several Colts Carbines and they all work perfectly. I have a couple of Colt variations from the 90's that already had sub contracted parts (barrel and triggers). The plastic furniture has been outsourced for years. Every large manuf. sub contracts today. Would You call a Honda,BMW , Ferrari or any other production car fakes because they sell vehicles whose components are outsourced? Time marches on.
I have always wanted a Colt ever since I was into guns, but to Colt’s stupidity it seems they don’t want to sell me one. For now I’ll take my money elsewhere
I built an M4 clone with Colt 14.5 socom barrel (F marked), pinned and welded extended birdcage flash hider, Knights Armament drop in 2 piece hand guard, Aero Precision upper and lower receivers, Grip Pod System vertical foregrip/bipod, MaTech rear sight, standard pistol grip, and carbine buttstock. After zeroing with the M4 carbine 25 meter targets, the rear sight was centered in the middle. Build was a success, perfect. Thinking about getting a ACOG but it will cost more than the build itself.
I just screenshotted everything you just said. I am doing my first AR build ever, and I decided to make it an M4 clone. I just started collecting pieces. Bought Aero stripped lower yesterday. Will be buying matching upper next. I was looking at the same Colt barrel. There is supposedly a small company locally that might be able to make me a barrel. Certain things I am definitely doing differently however. Such as a Radian Raptor and a Geissele trigger.
@@Catgat37 my colt socom barrel has the slots to slip in a grenade launcher just like the M4s i've seen in the Army. Its pretty heavy. I wanted it to look just like an M4.
@@toycoma98 well after certain events, mine will end up looking like just a basic AR. I don't have enough experience to mess with a barrel to get it to accept a front sight post. Nor do I want to spend as much money as it looks like it would be for my first build. Maybe I can do it on the next run.
I took my Colt M4 LE6920 and put a FN chf 14.7 in pinned barrel with standard flash suppressor, Knights quad rail, Matech bis, Acog, side swivel and vertical hand grip. Close to real M4. Was going to get LMT flare launcher but too much $.
@@jimbo9357 I talked to a few local smiths. I will be able to do the quad rail that I decided on. I am gonna pass on the A2 sight and flash hider. It will be M4ish lol HOOAH!!!
I am no AR expert , but i own several ranging from $500 Del-Tons to $2400 piston guns . Best i can tell , you pay extra for barrel quality and materials used in the firearm . I have yet to see anything about a Colt that makes me want to pay what they demand , especially now . Lots of great AR rifles still available that far exceed what Colt is producing.
I have one that I bought in 2015 that has M4 Carbine marked on the lower. The upper has a C marked on it. The bolt has a C that is not quite as faint as that one. The front of the rail has the same M4 marking on it, never noticed that before until I saw this video. The barrel is marked different, it's not in two rows. I also have a newer Colt in the safe, maybe from 2019/20. The first thing I noticed was the different rollmark on the lower. They pass it off as a Colt made rifle, and they charge the same or more money for them. I think I gave a grand for the first one at a gunshow in Dallas, new in the box.
I feel better every day about my Windham arms AR pattern rifle. Today's Colt M4 are like modern Winchester model 70, Remington 700, Ruger American rifles or Remington made Marlins. None of which will hold value like a model produced 25 + years ago will.
Why is Colt the only company that catches heat for subcontracted parts? They are still built to TDP. Subcontracted parts only means the machine it’s cut and finished on has changed. It does not mean inferior parts. Why does everyone imply it does. You would think all these firearms channels would spread truth about the quality instead of implying poor quality due to subcontracted parts. BCM, SOLGW and even Hodge outsource all their parts from different sources, assemble them on an assembly line and send them out the door. BCM, SOLGW and Hodge are doing exactly what MAC said Colt is doing at the 7:55 minute mark. I get it. People don’t like the new markings. They wish Colt still manufactured in house. Who cares. It’s been proven subcontracted parts are equal and possibly superior to in house parts.
I think why Colt gets so much crap for subbed out parts is because Colt used to be the gold standard and made everything in house and now they are just kind of a knockoff of what they once were, yet are still charging too much for what is a basic platform based solely on name. Yes, the rifle looks like a smooth shooting, well gassed gun, but If you're going to pay $1200+ for an AR, people want something more proven now like a BCM or Daniel Defense. If a consumer wants a standard AR with great history and military ties, they can just buy and FN for around the same price and get a company that actually does manufacture most of their parts in house and has the utmost quality and some of the best barrels on the market (at least we know they actually make them and know their reputation). It's not 1998 anymore and Colt has also spit in the face of the private market for years I stead of embracing it. That's what pisses people off more than anything. There is a reason the company lost all of their contracts and went bankrupt right in the middle of the biggest gun buying boom ever.
@@jackbauer4186 if you watch SOTAR’s videos Colt is still the gold standard. Of all the manufacturers that come across his desk Colt puts out the most consistently spec’d parts. They still own and build to TDP. Colts issue is they don’t innovate. They are basic milspec. If you want basic ready to go out of the box AR guaranteed to work. Get a Colt. If you want to buy an AR already Gucci’d out go with others. Colt doesn’t offer a variety of configurations and options. That’s why what they do put out is so consistent. The more options the more room for error. Very few AR makers are actual manufacturers. The majority such as BCM, SOLGW, FCD and Hodge outsource and are nothing more than names and sell based solely on those names. Colt opted to outsource rather than replace old machines. They have parts made by manufacturers to their spec. And according to SOTAR their parts are very consistent. As a matter of fact the suppliers SOLGW uses are the same suppliers Colt uses. And according to Mike at Sons they use those suppliers because of how well made Colts outsourced parts are. Colts rifles are proven. Just because they are machined or finished on a different machine does not mean they are not built to the same spec. Colt, FN, Knights and LMT are the most proven designs. You gonna tell me a basic Colt 6920 Carbine isn’t proven? Seriously. Come on. You can’t be serious. I would say BCM and SOLGW are unproven in a combat zone. They work great on a square range but those guns have never seen combat. I’m pretty sure they would do fine but they have never been carried by our soldiers in combat. And yes Colt does still hold government contracts. That’s why they quit selling to civilians for a short while. It was so they could meet those government contracts. What’s more proven than guns built for the government to actually fight with?
@@jakesoros2376 SOTAR is School of the American rifle. They are an extensive School based on the AR platform. Many say Chad is borderline OCD but his knowledge of the AR platform is extensive. He has a bunch of videos where he does extensive, in-depth reviews of AR parts from various vendors. He has gauges that’s most can’t get their hands on to include old military gauges that are no longer available. His work is definitely informative. Colt is one of the brands he holds in high esteem, even new Colt, for consistency and properly built ARs. Colt knows how to build a rifle.
I have both Federal American Eagle rounds in 223 and 5.56, my 223 rounds say 3240 fps, the 5.56 say 3165 fps, both 55 grain. Same box design, Eagle with a lot of white in the background.
The visible difference between Federal 5.56/M193 and their .223 line is that the 5.56 will show annealing around the neck, a heavy crimp on the bullet and a crimp on the primer. The .223 will not have the characteristics and will have evenly colored brass and no military crimps.
@@Militaryarmschannel Yes, correct, the 5.56 is annealed, I was just mentioning the velocity is higher with the 223 than the 5.56. It seems it would be the other way around.
@@jonathansmith7306 Just making the point that 223 is not always lower pressure than 5.56. The American Eagle 5.56 is lower pressure than their 223. Not by much. Just something I noticed one day.
What's happened to Colt is a shame. Look at Colt and S&W 20 years ago. Similar companies right on I-91 and S&W embraced the private market and listened to demand and consumer feedback and they've exploded in sales/growth. Colt on the other hand...
Yea colt can take a long walk off a short peer for all i care id rather buy a PSA a real american company
If only smith and Wesson removed the killary hole and used nicer grips, I’d buy one in minutes.
This is why Palmetto State Armory and T.Rex Arms and the other Patriot companies are doing amazing things. And we show our appreciation.
Real issue is cancerous deadweight of union workers. Colt must move the fuck out of Connecticut.
@@The_John_Galt exactly
Having owned many Colt rifles they run and hold their value; good enough reason to stay with the brand.
Just purchased the new Colt 6920. Regardless of the naysayers out there it still looks like a classic. And, it fits like a glove and shoots perfectly. Best to all.
@Ricky Johnson had a 6920LE and the selector switch was plastic and wobbled in the selected positions.
called colt and the rep said that's the way it's supposed to be. Nothing I could do but laugh.
Don’t think anybody is saying the rifle sucks, but for the price, you can get just as good or better rifles at a lower or similar price without the pony on it. The one thing that is special to Colt is that they can mark their rifles that they are missing out on. Even if lots of the parts are sub contracted for now
@@benjaminhiggs227 The parts still have to pass through Colts quality control so I dont understand what the problem is
@@riverrat2350
The same problem with all American manufacturing, OUTSOURCING!
All I know is they run and shoot great. Zero malfunctions and great accuracy on my CR6920 Carbine. Magpul furniture has made it a delight to carry and shoot
Colt was once a great manufacturer, but these days I’d rather have a BCM or Daniel Defense.
BCM and Daniel Defense have always been better than Colt.
You spelled LWRCi wrong.
BCM contracts all of their parts out as well.
Before Colt was going down I was gonna choose a DD-M4 several years back but chose not to. Went with a LE6920 instead and no regrets. Didn't even know their true LE6920's would be considered a rarity in the future lol.
Ian over on Forgotten Weapons has a great video on Colt and their history.
Heard a lot of “ I don’t know” and “ I’m guessing” both from him and small arm solutions. Have both the LE and the CR marked colt rifles. From what I can see in front of me and by performance, the quality is the same. Only difference is the markings. The rifle in this video ran great and the ejection pattern was strong and consistent.
Facts
As they say, big facts.
Preach
I had a PSA that ran really well and ejected perfectly. Same with the Aero. Who cares if Colt is just using other peoples products because the AR15 is easy to do these days, am I right? I mean, it's just different production lines and different markings.
...
As long as it has the name...
So, I can stick with Aero, Spikes, and BCM for my AR needs as I've been doing for the last 5 years? Got it.
same here my favorite brands i've BEEN buying from
Lol keeping my BCM
Love me some BCM. Don’t forget Daniel Defense.
Pretty much same here alot of BMC parts and UTG on a Areo frame.
Same. Cant beat 'em for the price!
I'd be surprised if Colt made any of the parts. They aren't a firearms manufacturer anymore; they're just a brand.
Lower, upper, barrel, BCG, Bolt, extractor all Colt marked. Those are your major components. Colt has used both FSBs with and without "F". Know what it means. Its the height in reference to a carrying handle. Doesn't have that but an adjustable MagPul BIUS.
Did you watch the video? Tim explained that. Those parts are made by sub-contractors.
Paying for a brand or label. The current trend of the industry.
However, it seems the subcontractors are making decent parts. It's not a piece of junk. But you're paying extra for the Colt logo on it.
@@RaZeRbLaDeZ Barrel is marked with Colts Cage Code, so what you're saying even Tims SOCOM bbl is subcontracted.
"Colt by Proxy", "Almost Colt", "Colt-Like", "Colt-ish", "Not-Quite-Colt"...
Screw it, I've already put in more effort than Colt did on that rifle.
Cult-ish. Cult-like. Almost Cult. Not quite Cult. Cult by proxy.
Psychotic.
Just bought my self a 6920 last night, fit & finish is grade A quality.
How much did you pay?
@@guillermo5089 $1399
I just bought one too. Yesterday actually. I got it at sportmans warehouse in Altoona, PA for $1200.
@@deltaactual8286 awesome. Picked one up online for $1094.99 lol. 5 bucks off
As mine is. $1000.00 with 4 20rd Dura Mags
So it runs just as well as the older Colt models.. OK. Thanks.
Exactly!!!! He said it!!!!! But the tone was most negative. I have had zero probs with mine. Good Day All.
@Ricky Johnson
MilSpec is out dated, it's 2022 and a lot of new technology has improved ARs. People use talk to say their Colt $800-$1200 rifle is worth $2,000+.
Is that a good thing?
If Colt maintained full manufacturing and priced em at $1000 id bet theyd sell. But i can get a parts bin "m4" from PSA for $500.
@Foamer McFoamer, it was just the kit but the classic kit is still $500, but you do add $50 for a lower so i guess $550 is a more accurate price. But i get your point. What was only $300 is now $500 if you can catch it in stock.
And Biden wont become pres. Because he stole this election, to inaugerate him is a full on coup. Thats war bar none
@Foamer McFoamer Not yet. The Electoral College has not met.
No you cant
@Foamer McFoamer they will control the house not the senate
You can't even get a psa upper for less than 500 now.
I own a number of Colt ARs that I've purchased starting in the 1980s. Several have all of the MIL spec stamped parts on all of the components. I purchased a CR6920 about a year ago and carbine seems to feel, look and function like the older fully mil spec'd rifles/carbines. Trigger is a little heavier/grittier than the pre-2000 guns. However, it has not malfunctioned ever and seems to be very accurate though obviously not as accurate as my Colt HBAR Match Target. I've come to expect all AR pattern rifles are made of sub-contracted parts. I like it. I also own an older Armalite M4 style MIL spec AR rifle. Both the Armalite and Colt CR6920 function the same and accuracy is almost identical.
I bought a colt in 2012 was a newbie and bought ase of .223 but on the lower receiver where the magazines go it has a le serial # and says 5.56 mm. I know the barrel is the 16.1 but will it ahoot 5.56MM ammo too?
Small arms solutions did an outstanding video a few years back explaining the circumstances at colt and it’s a shame on a massive level.
Love that channel. Underrated asf.
@@TheeCambion yeah that guy has forgotten more than what most people will ever know.
The unfortunate reality is Colt did it to themselves. They continue to do it to themselves to this day. The QC on their 1911’s has even fallen through the floor. It’s truly sad for such an American icon.
Seems colt is going the way of remington. Sad.
@@Monz117 th-cam.com/video/gpz8KTqoOhk/w-d-xo.html here cause you have broken fingers i guess?
I’m glad I bought my 6920 before Colt really started changing things. Have had it a long time and it’s my go to rifle.
That ejection pattern looks good. I have a pin and welded 14.5” BCM and it runs an H2/H3 buffet perfectly with steel cased ammo, even Tula. It shoots very flat even with with full power M193/M855 ammo
They didn't want my civilian money, so they surely won't get it now!
They'll get sales in this market ............From suckers ............. Which is not sustainable.
This. Fuck them.
@@bensande1017 Colt should have been wiped out years ago. "Suckers" are the only reason they persists. Gun owners should punish manufacturers who turn their noses up at them by NEVER buying their product. If the formerly unapologetic tax thieves at HK can change course Colt should have followed suit. I'll look forward to Colt's next bankruptcy filing. GOOD RIDDANCE AND NOT SOON ENOUGH!!!
Well, this comment backfired
You probably didn’t have money in hand to buy one when there were shit tons on the market anyway. That’s why they paused civilian production. Everything isnt a huge conspiracy.
Send it to Chad at SOTAR and let him gauge it, would be interesting.
YES PLEASE 👍
You guys really need to know the sizes of those gauges he uses. For all you know, they're .010" different from each other and in this era of manufacturing that's a lot. Getting actual dimensions would tell you more, but that would require knowledge of how to use and read precision tools. Gauges are quick and dirty, no offense to sotar but they're idiot tools.
Nothing has changed with these rifles, except the markings. Colt, as do most AR manufacturers, has been using sub contracted parts for a very long time. It's not an M4 because it dosen't say M4 on the lower? Please, how stupid can you get? Even the preceding M4 marked Colts on the civilian market were never M4s because they had a 16 inch barrel, and a different fire control group, and a different style lower which wouldn't allow you to install an M4 trigger group without heavily modifying the lower. These were and simply continue to be civilian copies of the military M4, with their most distinguishing feature being an M4 style barrel.
Thank you, that was well put. From what I can find in stores, this featured Colt and FN simi only 16in mil spec chrome lined barrels properly assembled are in current market on average 1000.00. Ruger and S&W are about 700.00 but are not chrome lined or mill spec. DD, Seekins, LWRC.....ect start at 1500.00. so other than not being a military collectible, what is the problem?
You could say the same thing about "domestic" automotive brands who have the vehicles built in subassemblies overseas. Regardless of who made the parts it's still Colts design and all parts are made to their specifications. As long as they're assembling and handling quality control, I don't think it matters who operates the machinery.
I have the original axe that George Washington used to cut down the cherry tree. The handle broke, so I replaced it. Then the head broke, so I replaced that. But "C'mon man", it occupies the same space.
whatever i love my colt. just got this exact rifle and i can’t stop drooling over it. first rifle
Same, picked one up last month I love it and have found no issues compared to my issued M4 in the military, besides the burst selector obviously. So much hate for the new colt just because of “codes”
There is nothing wrong with these newer colts.
Dude idk what these guys are talking about haha I’ve had the FN m4s hks all that dumb shit and this colt is way better tbh! Amazing I got 4 of them and one is decked out in eotech and an m203 grenader on it with surefire flashlight and green laser and I would love to take any of my colts again a FN or any other brand! Colt is the way to go but I love sig as well
Same, just picked one up today. Looks great with my boyonet
Im still a fan too. Colt and Ruger never let me down.
If you want an "as close design as possible" to an M4 rifle, I think FN is the way to go.
I concur, I have the M4 collector series and it is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.
@Foamer McFoamer , we can debate more than 1 issue. Lighten up Francis...
@bruce lee bushmasters have been made in the same factory as dpms for the last few years and the name just got bought out by PSA. You must be high.
@Florida Man PSA actually makes decent guns, they just need to tighten up their QC.
@Foamer McFoamer I think we can focus on fighting for our rights and enjoy shooting our guns at the same time.
My local shop has them for $1,500 that what my DDM4V7 cost me 2 years ago, $1,500 for a basic rifle is stupid your better off getting a M&P15 sport 2 if you can find one.
I got a California compliant sport 2 and it works great but the buffer tube is completely non standard as in its commercial thickness and longer without the ability to use standard stocks for it lacks the divets for an adjustable stock. I’m assuming it’s just to appease our overlords in our state. Otherwise a great rifle so far
@@joeyfreeman5052 before my DDM4V7 I got a sport 2 the unmolested ones are run of the mill, personal after the mod to my sport 2 I like it as much a my DDM4V7.
My local shop has a sport 2 for $799. Looks just like this Colt, and for a lot less.
@s d I don't doubt the ar556 is a good rifle I just don't like the proprietary parts like the FSB and delta ring, also them going through the effort to hammer forge the barrel but not coat the barrel is backwards imo.
@s d accuracy is important but corrosion is my main corrosion when talking about uncoated barrels and it looks like the new ar556's come Black oxide aka qpq.
Interesting. I bought a 6920 a couple years ago that has a “CR” serial number. Mine does have the proper Colt stamp with the M4 designation. The box is marked M4 Carbine(2013 configuration) LE6920. It also has the cage codes on the barrel and reciever.
I'm getting into AR rifles at an old age! I picked up a JP four days ago. At the time there were two M4s on the shelf plus an LCWR, some Savage arms . Within four days almost every AR on the shelf except the two M4s were sold. I picked one up. Even if its not a real M4, if its reliable and shoots good, Ill be happy with it.
So... it looks like the only thing Colt about it is the price tag. Also, I'm pretty sure the "M4" on the front of the upper receiver is for the feed ramps.
Yep, it’s to note the presence of M4 ramps in the upper, uppers from BCM and some others have the same thing. Actually that might be more evidence of the upper on these new Colts being outsourced. Because originally Colt simply put a “4” there to denote M4 ramps, not “M4”. I have a Colt 733 upper made in 1996 that just has the “4” mark. I have a 2006 made 14.5” Colt M4 upper too but off the top of my head I don’t recall how it’s marked. I’ll have to look later on. But I’ll bet it’s just “4”.
@@kaz6916 All Govt Colt M4/M4A1 uppers have M4 to designate the upper.
@@chlebowg my 733 upper just has a “4”, but that’s also from a somewhat later production non-M4 that happens to have the extended M4 type feed ramps in it. I’ll have to look at my 14.5” and see how that one is marked.
That's all that denotes.
i personally dont care if the parts are sub contracted as long as its the same, or better , quality as before
Part of paying more for an original is actually getting an original made on the same machines that made the rest of them... History, gone...
@@rhino67 the only original is Armor Light.
@@Ship-security I think you meant "Armalite"... In this case the "Original" under discussion is a Colt factory original as produced for the US military, we all know the history of the rifle, not sure what you're trying to communicate, either way it's contextual Were not talking about the historical source of the AR family rather the one sent with our boys to fight the fight, and that was the Colt
@@rhino67 yes that is what I meant. "Armalite".
@@rhino67 and yes I know I was issued a Colt once or twice. I was making a joke. If they are made to the same quality than I don't see why I matters. Some guys I was with had FN rifles, they worked the same as the Colts.
Colt has been using subcontractors for a lot longer than you think. Years ago I was informed that Colt BCG's were being sourced by AO Precision or Toolcraft, and sure enough when I bought a couple AO's they were absolutely 100% identical to the BCGs I have in two Colts from the early 2010s, except for not being marked with a "C". Most gun companies these days rely on subcontractors to some extent, so it's not just Colt doing it. It's simply cheaper to source to a firm that specializes in making barrels, receivers etc in volume, than it is to make them in-house.
And one more thing, Colt did not specifically STOP making guns for the civilian market. They said at the time that they were suspending sales, as there was too much unsold inventory in the pipeline plus they received a large foreign government order that they wanted to focus on and complete ASAP. They are back to making ARs for the civilian market now that the contract is finished. Hopefully they'll offer the M4A1 replica again as I missed out on those last time.
I’m looking to buy my first colt but in your honest opinion. You feel the cr is just the same as the le I hear a lot of different answers and the markings and sub contracted parts make me iffy about the cr and make me go towards the le. I’m not that educated with history of colt nor the gun manufacturers using sub contracted parts. Any advice would be helpful.
@@Baljeet_benchod.007 It's the same gun but one's new and has different markings so people flip out.
I wanna see em make m16a2s and A4s
Bottom line, Colt like ArmaLite, are not the same companies that we knew 12 years ago. It is Truly a shame... not that they are not good guns, just lesser versions of what once was.. IMHO.
@Foamer McFoamer the point was what they have become now... never had a issue with mine...
To be fair, I bought an Armalite 7.62/.308 Defensive Sporting Rifle in mid 2020 - I have been impressed. Accuracy of mine has been excellent; as has reliability.
I have the same rifle, I’m disappointed it’s a lot of subcontracted parts. However, the quality of the rifle is still there, and it shoots no better or no worse than the colt m4 I had in the army. I put 750-800 rounds of PMC 55 grain the first day I had it, no issues, malfunctions or complaints. I think colt did a good job on hiring quality subcontractors to build a quality rifle. Obviously you’re not getting the same accuracy as you would with a 2000-3000 competition AR, but if you’re looking for a practical rifle that has the Colt name on it, I’d recommend getting this. Especially now that colt sold out to CZ, these “American made” colts are already increasing in value.
Pmc 55 grain 5.56
Do you think $700 is a good price for one of these new? I put a $700 bid on Gun Broker before I saw this video, and now I'm having second guesses. Bidding ends in 22 hours; if someone outbids me I'll likely just let this one go.
@@Vladpryde i bought mine about a 20 months ago now and it was listed at $1450. i got a discount of 200 bucks for paying in cash. and that was a good price. after biden came into office everything went up, but these rifles were selling for 1000 easily all day before that . if you can get your hands on this rifle for 1000 bucks, even lightly used in december of 2021 , youre doing well.
@@FraldinhoBJJ Thanks. I actually let it go and bid $800 on a Windham Weaponry MPC-RF instead. I was the only bidder and won it. I love it.
Sportsman's Wearhouse offered this gun for $1,000 in Sept. 2021. I screwed around and waited, so I paid $1,100.
So prices were actually dropping probably due to less expensive overseas manufacturers. Shame, but I'm still happy to have it as I'm sure there are less and less American made products that are in the price range I could justify spending.
That said, 1 month after buying it, they recalled certain ones. I don't believe mine in one of them, but will be looking into it .
Send the rifle to Chad at the School of the American Rifle. He will know how it is built.
Agree!
Yes! Very informative, awesome channel. He’s taught me a lot about AR’s
I would love to see this!
Or Chris bartocci
@@soylentgreen7074 I would have to give my vote to Chad, if I wanted an AR rifle diagnosed. I think Chad has every known gauge made for the AR rifle and the correct specs and knowledge to use them. I would give my vote to Chris, for anything historically referencing or knowledge on the subject of the AR rifle, especially Colt.
I have a colt M4 (semi-Auto only) born on year is 2011. It remains unfired since leaving the factory. For whatever reason Colt was still puting the ban era “For Export, Law Enforcement And Military Use Only” roll stamp on the outside of the mag well in 2011 even though the ban had expired by then. I paid more for it than I should have and kept it pristine/Unfired hoping I would get my money back some day. That day may be coming the way it’s looking?!
Just bought one, and the fit is perfect
SAS/Chris is the man....particularly Colt.
Forgotten Weapons has a good video on Colt's history, as well.
Rifle Shooter Channel Thank you for sharing Sir. Always two sides to every story.
@Cav Trooper 19D never said that, the M is military designation and all military rifles are select fire. Try watching the video
@@rifleshooterchannel208 not at all what happened. Nobody except a rouge head of the engineering department who did not like having his bs called out did not like me.
@Cav Trooper 19D the M designated rifles are all selective fire
I have a 2021 Colt AR15A4.
The bolt carrier is marked "C" on the left side. The bolt is marked "MPC". The barrel is marked "C MP 5.56 NATO 1/7".
The bolt came with white paint mark from QC. The barrel came with a yellow paint mark from QC. The lower says "Colt Defense". The rifle shoots better then any other AR Ive fired before.
These rifles are Colt whether you like the rifles or not. They still individually inspect bolts, and barrels, whereas most other companies just do shitty batch testing.
I still have my original Colt before they stopped. Now ima frame it on my wall.
Like an extinct animal in a museum.
@@chemistryofquestionablequa6252 haha exactly. Remind me of my first colt in the Army 11 bravo
I got my 6920 in 2013. Is it genuine colt? Or a Franken build?
@@grayrider1865 It's a good one. Pretty much any Colt with the C codes on it before all the cage code and matrix square nonsense are legit Colts
I feel like this is basically a renamed "expanse" line. Too bad. I'm happy I got a proper 6920 when I did before they started playing games.
Bought mine 3 years ago. Still NIB...I’m gonna shoot it tho.🤔😃
Was going to buy one years ago when I turned 18, some dickhead at the gun shop was saving it for his bud when I had the money to buy. Oh well, rip to Colt
Just picked one up yesterday I noticed it was different. Even if it’s not all colt in house I’m still confident with it. the gun it seems just like the old ones and it’s just fine.
How are you liking it so far?
@@TintMasterPete still running good man. Not been shooting a ton cause of the ammo situation
I have one too. It is sweet. Way better than my Saint.
The price, I literally can't even....
This is why I only like odd numbers because I CAN'T EVENnnnn!
@Foamer McFoamer happens every election year, doesnt matter which side.. if biden actually gets in, thats a different story
@Foamer McFoamer except hes not, until every district is decided they havent set who the electoral college is. go do your research
@Foamer McFoamer didnt say there's 4D chess, but all the ones being disputed cant decide until the disputes are done. i imagine even if he wins we'll hear about this for years to come
Nope, in Nevada our governor rejected the "give our electoral votes to the popular winner" thing that other states where trying to do since our own states electoral votes are how he got in. Only two counties voted for our governor.
I bought one of these recently, not knowing any of this (except that the markings on the lower are different). I had to send it back for a crooked FSB and charging handle that doesn't latch because it's out of spec. I was following the old train of thought "just get a colt and don't worry about it." I guess that advice may be outdated now.
I'm not sure why you think (or at least are implying) that just because it's not specifically made inside a Colt factory, that means that it's not a "true Cold M4." Almost every manufacturer subcontracts *some* parts, and Colt has subcontracted parts for a LONG time.
Just because a part is subcontracted does not mean that it is of a lower quality. I have the newer version of this exact rifle, and it is at least as good, if not better, than the true M4 that I used in the military.
I actually do like Colt. Their stallion was what was printed on my M-16 A2 back in the day and I will always like them.
Far as I can tell they are still reliable .
DD and BCM are cool but I also think they are often what you might go to the range with.
You go to war with a Colt.
👏well said
Ur just being a fanboy there’s other way better brands nowadays that are vastly better quality than colt lol
Glad I have mine that have "M4 Carbine " stamped on them. I picked them up a couple of years prior to the civilian market stoppage.
The m4 on the front of the pic rail on the upper receiver designates M4 barrel extension feed ramps. Its on all my BCM, Noveske, Aero, ect. nothing to do with a colt marking
Yes, I know. It was a joke.
So if you can get Pre 2016 Model Colt M4A1 Socoms buy them , regardless how people hate on them the quality will never be again what it once was and those models are crazy in Priced value holding for collectors
I'm glad I bought my A2 rifle back in the early nineties. It cost me a whopping $630 back then.
Is that the HBar that doesn't allow one to separate the upper and lower receiver?
@@lanceblinent7909, No it's an A-2 Sporter.
@Foamer McFoamer Keep in mind in the 90s there were very few AR15 manufacturers. Colt and Bushmaster were the most one could find on the shelf at the local gun shop. SIG , and SW were not even making them back then. Companies like Daniel defense didn't exist.
@@lanceblinent7909 You must be the only person on this thread to not own a screw driver.
I have an old M4 Carbine, a factory FDE anodized 6920, and an older A4 20” rifle got them all under a grand years ago so pleased with my purchases they will never lose value
Colt, Remington, it’s crazy to see so many iconic companies totally shit the bed...
I wouldn't even spend someone else's money on any product with the name "Colt" on it at this point.
"Oh Archie..."
Their 1911's are top tier
Years ago I was given a book by a guy that spent his career studying business management practices in order to find out what works and what doesn't. Among other things one of the management failings the author learned was management's inability to identify just what exactly is their product because they've become too myopic.
Here you have a gun producer (Colt) with a legendary name people would gladly pay extra for just to have the "Real McCoy" genuine Colt in their hot little hands, but flat out refuses to produce what their customers want and only produce generic products undistinguishable from other manufacturers at a higher price. They ignored the same market siting on their hands when Cowboy Action shooting was the fastest growing sport and people were perfectly happy paying more for a genuine Colt SSA! Colt keeps failing to identify that the guns are not the product they're in the business of selling, but products of the legend! This lack of identifying their product is why they are constantly failing in the consumer market.
I have a 6920 . I’ve poured a lot of money into it, upgrading the stock, trigger, replacing the front sights with a low profile gas block and installing a full rail, and replacing the A2 flash hider with a real muzzle brake. It shoots very, very well. The barrel, receivers, buffer tube, gas tube, and BCG are all original Colt (or subcontracted Colt, whatever the case). The rifle performs very well. I have zero complaints.
BUT with all that said, if I could do it all over again, I would just spend the money on a DD or a BCM or even an Aero with everything I wanted right out of the box. The 6920 today should be an $800 rifle at most, not a $1200 rifle.
If BCM or Aero could actually keep up their stock this would be a nonissue as no one would be buying these Colts.
Minimal effort
Minimal results
~Colt
Best title/intro music of any gun channel on TH-cam.
Thanks. Some folks hate it.
So basically Colt is now making bootleg versions of their own rifles.
Haha 😂 Hit the nail on the head.
So it’s ok for BCM, SOLGW and Hodge to subcontract parts and sale a bootleg version of their brand but not Colt?
Dumb logic. That’s like saying apple sells bootleg iPhones because most of the parts inside an iPhone aren’t actually made by apple they’re subcontracted parts made by other companies.
@@existxtrace19 Na, the point was made and your technical analysis is unnecessary. Colt used to make their rifles in house and now they've outsourced most the parts and thrown a colt logo on it. It has the essence of a bootleg rifle. Simple as that.
I bought one a couple years ago, my 2nd, on the box it said LE6920, but the serial # started with CR. Mine must have been one of the last with all Colt parts, the stamp marks, with the exception of the CR are identical, mine has the M4 marking underneath the etched Colt drawing, as well as the word Colt engraved next to it. Mine is basically the same as the one a bought a decade earlier. Shame they changed this iconic brand. I wouldn't sell either one of mine. My 2 Colts take me back 5 decades ago when I was issued my M16, just like the old muscle cars of those days, the new ones just don't compare, to the old ones.
Between this and the Python, the wheels are off the bus at Colt commercial.
What got up your ass? What ever it is you are foaming at the mouth. Disgusting.
@@tommagnum6302 they just shipped pythons that didn't revolve occasionally right out of the gate with finish issues I'd expect out of a Taurus for $1300
@@JohnDoe-nf7up I just bought a python and it works flawlessly.
@@tommagnum6302 well yeah they revised the action shortly after release when they sent guns that occasionally wouldn't revolve to TH-camrs
@Random Pickle and attached his soul to a meme gun
I got a Colt LE6920 M4 Carbine Magpul Edition. It has a forward grip and I also use the Aim Point Pro. My Colt has the M4 stamp on mine.
Ok so it has colts cage code, the colt forge mark and the m4 mark on the upper receiver, the barrel has colts cage code, the bolt has the colt c on it. Understand it’s a new rifle the font will change like it has in the past. Every one says it’s junk but it’s just like the older rifles. I believe it’s more colt than you think, now the colt expanse rifle is not a true colt.
So basically, Colt is no longer Colt. I'll stick to BCM.
I’d recommend not Googling BCM’s manufacturing practices...😂
Colt has been using aftermarket parts for a long time. They have the ability to make every part, but that doesn't mean that they do.
@@rifleshooterchannel208 I think that you're missing the point. Colt is going to charge the same price for their product as when they were producing everything/the majority of it. If they aren't even making the barrels anymore then it's not really a Colt. So yeah, I'll take my BCM over some overpriced wanna be piece of junk that will will cost me the same amount.
@@bensande1017 maybe I'm just skeptical of the company going from producing parts inhouse to outsourcing and then charging the same. For the time being I will continue to go to BCM. If Colt's products are proven to be up to par or exceed expectation then perhaps I'll be persuaded.
@@rifleshooterchannel208 I’ve had two complete BCM BFH uppers and both were 4+ MOA. So, you ain’t kidding.
I never considered colt top of the line. They make good rifles still to this day. Buddy and I both ran the new 6920 Fsb uppers in a class last week, these were purchased one month ago. The new colt stuff. I’ve already got 2k rounds thru it. Gassing is great for a carbine, accuracy is great. Not a single malfunction. Recoil impulse is more manageable than my SOLGW
I love this you tube channel. He never bad mouths the weapons he tests. He is good in my opinion.
This video is unfair . Colt makes some cosmetic changes and maybe used some outsourced parts.Does that make it a bad gun? It work well when he fired it on the video including accuracy.
Give the gun a torture test to see how it performs especially after 5- 10 K rounds are put through it. That may not be possible now because of the ammo shortage. However that will be a real test that will prove if the gun is worth it. Right now this video is just bad mouthing the Colt AR 15 without providing any proof that the suspected modifications will affect its function.
I bought my SP-1 and CAR-15 back in '86. Glad I did when I did.
Let me answer this without watching: NO!
Even if they do the QC, they're not made in house anymore
@@Sam1628 that's true. It all comes down to specs and QC. But the title of the video asks "is it REALLY a Colt"? (The answer is no).
Also, to be fair DD makes everything in house. They're just overpriced and like to backstab us.
QC tests are just that; a test. When you produce everything in house under one roof, you have more control over all the variables. There's no disputing that. I still trust BCM after watching their QC video on youtube. Not to mention they built a reputation on having some of the best QC in the industry
@@Sam1628 yeah definitely. 2014 is one of the last good ones, hang on to it! I have an older Colt (around '99) and its a work of art
@@rifleshooterchannel208 not new info to me. They subbed out stuff even barrels if needed to keep up with demand. The difference is back then all the parts came out of the same bin; regardless of where they were going (military, LE, commercial), so you knew a le6920 came from the same parts bin/assembly line as the military stuff and made to the actual TDP with the correct QC. Companies like FN can't do that (use TDP or the same mil spec parts) without breaking their contract.
Now that Colt no longer has any mil contracts, who knows what their QC is or what parts they're using. They are basically making and selling these for the commercial market. So I guess I'm struggling to see what your point is? Just trying to make yourself look smart?
@@rifleshooterchannel208 no not at all. And as far as I'm concerned they probably do still pass the same QA/QC they did before (hopefully).
Ohhhh man, say it isn’t SO!....Glad I got my Colts a WHILE BACK then!
I’m 48 seconds in, and for the title, I have to say no, I don’t even care. BCM/DD/SlGW and many others are putting out fantastic rifles. Sorry Colt.
don't forget Aero, I heard they were nice rifles as well
@@komomando Aero is great. Cheaper inprice but great quality
I wonder when people will start thinking the same about Glock... So many "better" manufacturers out there. There's literally thousands of Glock clones.
The quality went down and the prices went up.
Basically describes everything nowadays.
Went down? Why? Cage marked parts are still made by colt.. 🙄
@@Frens03 and Colt makes hot garbage these days...
Colt is the BlackBerry (phone) of ARs, relied too much on govt contracts and it bit them in the butt. I’d take a DD or a BCM over a colt any day.
I got a Sig M400 with the Lothar Walther barrel. It is going nowhere even though I am a bigger fan of the AK74 platform.
There’s a reason why the US buys M4s from FN now.
@@RetailZoomerThe bid was so low that Fn isn't making any money because they have to pay Colt to use their TDP.The gov is trying to save money.
@@RetailZoomer The gov doesn't buy M4s at all anymore M4a1socoms are issued weapons for the U.S.army.
BCM lol...you mean the company doing exactly what colt does except they shoot 3+ MOA and don’t have the TDP, the experience colt does, and I highly doubt the quality checks colt does. BCM is a brand, not a maker, Daniel defense is good shit though. Not trying to trash BCM, but colts as good or better for the same money, guarantee the colts worth more short term and long as well.
I am happy I bought a Colt m4 le6920 years ago when they were built in house. I love my gun and the build quality/fit and finish is great. I hope CZ gets Colt back on track.
The M4 you bought had subcontracted parts from other guys too. Nothing change just Bart being angry that his contract wasn't renewed.
Great video, that M4 marking on the upper receiver near the gas tube hole designates that the upper has M4 feed ramps according to Chris at Small Arms Solutions
Glad i got my le6920 that was made in 2012. All the markings are correct.
Over stamped Delton rifles for 3 times the cost !! Sweet
I literally bought a DTI-15 for $420 NIB last year.
Is it really Delton ? I have one 🤔
It's not a Delton. The reviewer literally does not know what he's talking about, to my surprise.
@@rifleshooterchannel208 MAC didnt say anything about Delton in this video. The OP was just cracking a joke. A joke that flew right over your head
@@rifleshooterchannel208 I question anyone's "reality" who has grossly inept comprehension skills.
Colt has used cage coded barrels and uppers as far back as 2013 on rifles. Also in times past when trying to keep up with demand Colt has used Green Mountain Barrels, to produce barrels for their rifles. Rifles with these barrels come with a G stamped on them. Have one circa 2004ish. Side note id say the removal of the side sling swivel is a cost cutting measure. The Colt stocks are and have been made by P&S Products for years, cage code 4U486. I can go on forever.
Cage codes are a military requirement. It has nothing to do with who made the part, that's indicated in the manufacturers marking, in this case it's the "I" on the barrel.
@@Militaryarmschannel so FN barrels, uppers and lowers must be outsourced as well since they are all marked with the cage code
Damn shame at least I got a le6920 when it was the old colt.
I know I got my colt socom when it was still colt made
The “S” stamped on the trigger and hammer stands for Schmidt. Schmidt Tool makes triggers for Various manufacturers
Do you know what the Letter I means on the barrel?
So it’s a parts gun with a brand name price. A lot like windham weaponry.
I’m glad I have a classic Colt made LE6920! Thanks for the insight, Tim!
Fn vs colt for a future m4 range showdown 😁 please and thanks
FN curbstomps Colt no contest.
I'll get a fn m4 then ♥️😀💕😁 thanks
I wont miss Colt. I've got my beloved BCM security blankets. All I need
It’s a shame. Colt used to be the gold standard.
I have to agree. I spite of the flaws of a Colt AR, they just feel the best in hand or on the range...
Let's get real here folks! THere's nothing sacred about any firm making every component part of their product! Every car manufacturer looks to other component sources for various parts of their automobiles and it is no foul on their part. In fact, for economics and quality control purposes, sub-contracted parts make a lot more sense IF these part component supplies are held to a very high acceptance standard.
After the news that Colt has been acquired by CZ-USA, I may be moved to give them another chance now. I love CZ and I'm hoping they'll put Colt in a good place with the civilian market again.
I had the 2019 Colt m4a1socom and compared it to the 2013 m4a1socoms in my collection.The bcg didn't have the c stamped,the bolt had mpc but no white paint on the bottom of the bolt,the upper receiver had a square instead of keyhole and c the roll mark was laser etched instead of stamped.Needless to say I sold the 2019 version of the m4a1socom it wasn't a 100% Colt to me.
I'll go with FN now a days 👍
I have several Colts Carbines and they all work perfectly. I have a couple of Colt variations from the 90's that already had sub contracted parts (barrel and triggers). The plastic furniture has been outsourced for years. Every large manuf. sub contracts today. Would You call a Honda,BMW , Ferrari or any other production car fakes because they sell vehicles whose components are outsourced? Time marches on.
I have always wanted a Colt ever since I was into guns, but to Colt’s stupidity it seems they don’t want to sell me one. For now I’ll take my money elsewhere
I built an M4 clone with Colt 14.5 socom barrel (F marked), pinned and welded extended birdcage flash hider, Knights Armament drop in 2 piece hand guard, Aero Precision upper and lower receivers, Grip Pod System vertical foregrip/bipod, MaTech rear sight, standard pistol grip, and carbine buttstock. After zeroing with the M4 carbine 25 meter targets, the rear sight was centered in the middle. Build was a success, perfect. Thinking about getting a ACOG but it will cost more than the build itself.
I just screenshotted everything you just said. I am doing my first AR build ever, and I decided to make it an M4 clone. I just started collecting pieces. Bought Aero stripped lower yesterday. Will be buying matching upper next. I was looking at the same Colt barrel. There is supposedly a small company locally that might be able to make me a barrel. Certain things I am definitely doing differently however. Such as a Radian Raptor and a Geissele trigger.
@@Catgat37 my colt socom barrel has the slots to slip in a grenade launcher just like the M4s i've seen in the Army. Its pretty heavy. I wanted it to look just like an M4.
@@toycoma98 well after certain events, mine will end up looking like just a basic AR. I don't have enough experience to mess with a barrel to get it to accept a front sight post. Nor do I want to spend as much money as it looks like it would be for my first build. Maybe I can do it on the next run.
I took my Colt M4 LE6920 and put a FN chf 14.7 in pinned barrel with standard flash suppressor, Knights quad rail, Matech bis, Acog, side swivel and vertical hand grip. Close to real M4. Was going to get LMT flare launcher but too much $.
@@jimbo9357 I talked to a few local smiths. I will be able to do the quad rail that I decided on. I am gonna pass on the A2 sight and flash hider.
It will be M4ish lol
HOOAH!!!
Is this how kids feel when they find out Santa isn’t real?
I am no AR expert , but i own several ranging from $500 Del-Tons to $2400 piston guns . Best i can tell , you pay extra for barrel quality and materials used in the firearm . I have yet to see anything about a Colt that makes me want to pay what they demand , especially now . Lots of great AR rifles still available that far exceed what Colt is producing.
Hopefully, CZ will have everything made under one roof again.
I have one that I bought in 2015 that has M4 Carbine marked on the lower. The upper has a C marked on it. The bolt has a C that is not quite as faint as that one. The front of the rail has the same M4 marking on it, never noticed that before until I saw this video. The barrel is marked different, it's not in two rows. I also have a newer Colt in the safe, maybe from 2019/20. The first thing I noticed was the different rollmark on the lower. They pass it off as a Colt made rifle, and they charge the same or more money for them. I think I gave a grand for the first one at a gunshow in Dallas, new in the box.
Colt should have reviewed the lessons learned in the case study of New Coke.
I feel better every day about my Windham arms AR pattern rifle.
Today's Colt M4 are like modern Winchester model 70, Remington 700, Ruger American rifles or Remington made Marlins. None of which will hold value like a model produced 25 + years ago will.
So they decided to put out a parts bin AR after they chose to leave the civilian market until a pandemic where they could gouge us.
Not to mention how anti-2A Colt has been. You'd have to me mentally ill to give then any money.
Rather spend my money on a psa or aero precision ar. Psa ar15 and a AP M5. Love them both and run flawless brass or steel
They come crawling back into a market that is 10 years ahead and half as expensive.
@@bensande1017 Oh a pedantic one are ya? Okay I can buy someones used Aero build for 500 there ya go. GFY.
@@bensande1017 None of this rifle is made by Colt. Did you watch the video?
@@bensande1017 MAC sells AR's? Didn't know that I will have to get one.
@@bensande1017 Colts been selling AR's to only the gov. for the past years. How is that any better?
I really appreciate your laid back presentation style. I like the facts and observations without the drama.
Thanks man... but the drama plays out in the comments section and on the forums after the video goes live. 😂
Why is Colt the only company that catches heat for subcontracted parts? They are still built to TDP. Subcontracted parts only means the machine it’s cut and finished on has changed. It does not mean inferior parts. Why does everyone imply it does. You would think all these firearms channels would spread truth about the quality instead of implying poor quality due to subcontracted parts. BCM, SOLGW and even Hodge outsource all their parts from different sources, assemble them on an assembly line and send them out the door. BCM, SOLGW and Hodge are doing exactly what MAC said Colt is doing at the 7:55 minute mark. I get it. People don’t like the new markings. They wish Colt still manufactured in house. Who cares. It’s been proven subcontracted parts are equal and possibly superior to in house parts.
I think why Colt gets so much crap for subbed out parts is because Colt used to be the gold standard and made everything in house and now they are just kind of a knockoff of what they once were, yet are still charging too much for what is a basic platform based solely on name. Yes, the rifle looks like a smooth shooting, well gassed gun, but If you're going to pay $1200+ for an AR, people want something more proven now like a BCM or Daniel Defense. If a consumer wants a standard AR with great history and military ties, they can just buy and FN for around the same price and get a company that actually does manufacture most of their parts in house and has the utmost quality and some of the best barrels on the market (at least we know they actually make them and know their reputation).
It's not 1998 anymore and Colt has also spit in the face of the private market for years I stead of embracing it. That's what pisses people off more than anything. There is a reason the company lost all of their contracts and went bankrupt right in the middle of the biggest gun buying boom ever.
@@jackbauer4186 if you watch SOTAR’s videos Colt is still the gold standard. Of all the manufacturers that come across his desk Colt puts out the most consistently spec’d parts. They still own and build to TDP. Colts issue is they don’t innovate. They are basic milspec. If you want basic ready to go out of the box AR guaranteed to work. Get a Colt. If you want to buy an AR already Gucci’d out go with others. Colt doesn’t offer a variety of configurations and options. That’s why what they do put out is so consistent. The more options the more room for error. Very few AR makers are actual manufacturers. The majority such as BCM, SOLGW, FCD and Hodge outsource and are nothing more than names and sell based solely on those names. Colt opted to outsource rather than replace old machines. They have parts made by manufacturers to their spec. And according to SOTAR their parts are very consistent. As a matter of fact the suppliers SOLGW uses are the same suppliers Colt uses. And according to Mike at Sons they use those suppliers because of how well made Colts outsourced parts are. Colts rifles are proven. Just because they are machined or finished on a different machine does not mean they are not built to the same spec. Colt, FN, Knights and LMT are the most proven designs. You gonna tell me a basic Colt 6920 Carbine isn’t proven? Seriously. Come on. You can’t be serious. I would say BCM and SOLGW are unproven in a combat zone. They work great on a square range but those guns have never seen combat. I’m pretty sure they would do fine but they have never been carried by our soldiers in combat. And yes Colt does still hold government contracts. That’s why they quit selling to civilians for a short while. It was so they could meet those government contracts. What’s more proven than guns built for the government to actually fight with?
@@anthonywood4894 Pardon me for asking, but who's SOTAR?
@@jakesoros2376 SOTAR is School of the American rifle. They are an extensive School based on the AR platform. Many say Chad is borderline OCD but his knowledge of the AR platform is extensive. He has a bunch of videos where he does extensive, in-depth reviews of AR parts from various vendors. He has gauges that’s most can’t get their hands on to include old military gauges that are no longer available. His work is definitely informative. Colt is one of the brands he holds in high esteem, even new Colt, for consistency and properly built ARs. Colt knows how to build a rifle.
@@anthonywood4894 Awesome man. Thank you. I'll definitely check him out.
I have both Federal American Eagle rounds in 223 and 5.56, my 223 rounds say 3240 fps, the 5.56 say 3165 fps, both 55 grain. Same box design, Eagle with a lot of white in the background.
The visible difference between Federal 5.56/M193 and their .223 line is that the 5.56 will show annealing around the neck, a heavy crimp on the bullet and a crimp on the primer. The .223 will not have the characteristics and will have evenly colored brass and no military crimps.
@@Militaryarmschannel Yes, correct, the 5.56 is annealed, I was just mentioning the velocity is higher with the 223 than the 5.56. It seems it would be the other way around.
@@chuckmiller5763 .223 remington can be loaded to the same pressure as 5.56 nato. The only .223 that is guaranteed to be lower pressure is steel case
@@jonathansmith7306 Just making the point that 223 is not always lower pressure than 5.56. The American Eagle 5.56 is lower pressure than their 223. Not by much. Just something I noticed one day.