I was dissappointed with my Expanse several years ago when I had it. It came with a cracked selector, very sandy trigger, and a stripped grip screw. I was fairly unimpressed, to say the least.
It was a great carbine for the price. Colt tried to give folks a 4150cmv barrel and handguards that don't melt for M&P Sport and Orical price. It was a buget line, never intended to replace anything like the 6920. Mine is more accurate than my 6720, 6721 and 6920. Whomever made their barrels did a fantastic job.
I always find it interesting how people try to justify their overpriced purchases rather tan get pissed at the company that ripped them off. I have a FN cold hammer forged chrome lined barreled PSA upper with a Giessele rail and mil-spec bcg on a PSA lower with a nickel boron coated mil-spec trigger magpul stock and grip that i paid about the same $ for. I'd be furious if I bought one of these "Colt" ar's when I realized what they'd done. But hey, if you're happy with it, then I'm happy for you.
Only a real.6920le tcp colt defense mitlary spc the real.deal.any new colts cr ser number bar code or nit a colt at all cheap range beater s fn same new ones suck just a civilian range beaters not same as pony real tcp made on fillauto line the tcp.all.others try copy org 6920le defense tcp mitlary spc not cheap cr junk is ine only all.others try copy best of best windom weaponry makes better quality then any fn new colts as well fit finish better dd to
My Expanse has the Colt upper, front sight, and carrier, so there was a mix of parts going into these. Also, the trigger is cut away on the left side by the selector. The full heavy barrel makes the rifle front heavy, so it doesn't handle very well compared to other similar rifles. Bought it new in Jan 2013 for $739.
Also added the ejection port cover and forward assist. You can maneuver the cover rod past the forward assist, so you don't have to pull the barrel. My clip broke during install, so I gave it a wrap of .025 SS safety wire in the clip slot. Just another trick I used as an armorer when I couldn't get parts through supply. Coat hangers worked for takedown pin detents when you loose them and don't have a spare.
I received my LE6920 today from ‘ArmsUnlimited’ and was pleasantly surprised what a nice rifle this is. It has a “CR” serial number prefix. Has the “13629” cage code stamped on the barrel, upper receiver, and the plastic butt stock. BCG has the “C” stamp. The butt stock has the “13629” marks also, but it still has that “ring” mark ... There was talk that these were the ‘Expanse’ models but they’re not, in case anyone is wondering. Love Chris and these videos. Hands down the best videos out there.
Very interesting video Chris. It seems to me that all the "Expanse" rifles are not created equally tho. I know that the one you have there is a CE1000. My wife bought a CE2000 a few years ago and it does not at all fit into the things that you pointed out about the CE1000 that you have and it was close to the same price point. She has run her gun and it has ran perfectly up to now, no failures, no jams and it has been very accurate. It has also accepted any ammo that she feeds it too. I agree tho, not all of the parts are marked as typical Colt but, the parts don't quite match what you are showing here either. Her's does have an ejection port dust cover and a forward assist, and the hammer is not a low mass hammer, it is a full profile hammer. Funny thing tho, hers does not have the bar code... Anyway, her rifle runs great and it easily compares to, if not outperforms, the Ruger's and the S&W's in this price range. Could Colt have been throwing these things together with whatever parts were lying around and my wife just got lucky with hers? It is also marked with an LE serial Number.
Informative video I got one as my first rifle, its affordable and still shoots great, definitely a lower end entry level rifle overall but worth the $600 i spent
I never knew until the other day that Hartford has some of the most expensive real estate in the country, and a fair amount of the country’s billionaires. Great video as always!
I build all my ars through palmetto State armory. I just built one, all mil-spec (except the barrel) for 350$ took it to the range yesterday and put 840 rounds through it without a single hiccup.
I just finished a 20" rifle length A2/A3 from PSA using there complete upper and lower but outside them for other parts. I was looking at my rail and it looks like the Colt one. Also my upper is marked M-4 and has the ramps. With the outside parts it came to around $600 but I was able to spread that over two months which was the only way I could afford it. Got to lub it and get some ammo and want to see how it shoots.
@@dylanpaul1212 well... I mean... It's true. Try to find a Colt AR with a bayonet lug, that was made within 2 years of the 1994 federal "assault" weapons ban. Cold had already started it, trying to keep that .gov tittie in its mouth, all you could buy was 10 shot neutered rifles. Then... Fast forward a few years, Colt lost out to FN, suddenly Colt 6920s were in Walmart for 799... Fast forward a few more years, and Colt shit their bed so bad, CZ had to save them from folding completely. Piss on Colt...
Great review dude, appreciate all the knowledge, colt is always my number one choice. I bought the expanse back in 2017. Over the years of taking it out with my friends it has been the GOAT. This gun is definitely a good buy. I have shot it alongside $3000 dollar guns, and it stomps on them. It literally shoots any ammo you slam in it. I honestly can't remember if it has ever jammed, let's just say it doesn't. The more expensive guns that you baby, buy a $300 dollar case for it, clean it every shoot, put another 2 grand of parts on it, will just jam all day and only shoot specific brands of ammo. I will buy a trophy gun someday to guys, but you don't need it lol. New hand guard, a red dot, put a new trigger but the stock one was honestly amazing. Cost me less than $1100 with the basic standard upgrades. The colt expanse "with the knock off parts", embarrasses a lot of these overpriced guns. I'm going to do a video on it very soon.
Bought an expanse yesterday. Admittedly I did not research the rifle. I have an apprentice level knowledge of the rifle but I have only ever owned 1 that my employer didn’t supply. My first rifle was a genuine 6920. Due to limited funds I bought this rifle for two reasons. It said colt. And it was 699. Since I bought it I have researched it extensively, to conclude that I can live with the 700$ purchase I made. Based on this video and countless articles and blog posts, my Enhance is more colt than many of the rifles that were looked at. It has the LE serial number. It has the c on the ejection port side at the top of the upper receiver. It has the m4 at the front of the rail, and it has the pic rail T marks. The bolt is obviously not colt. Nor is the front sight and barrel but other than that my rifle looks to have been a MAINLY Colt build. Did I just get lucky? Maybe I got an early or late production run that Colt had? Anyhow, I work hard for my money and I could afford this gun. If it goes boom when I pull the trigger my feelings won’t be hurt. IF...Great video.
@@SmallArmsSolutions I have a CR6920 and noticed my bolt does not have a white dot in it whats the reason for that did my bolt not pass testing or was it even tested and also is my bolt within mil spec as goes for my entire rifle
@@beltrik3766yes, your bolt went through inspection. Yes your bolt is milspec. The bolt paint marks have been inconsistent since well before the cr6920 was introduced - the standard quality control inspection processes are still in place, same as they were before. Colt markings have always been rather inconsistent.
I got this rifle the first week it came out. I got it knowing a lot of its components weren’t “Colt” but they are obviously good enough for Colt to put their name on. That said, I was looking at another build and decided I would get this as a base and just build it up with Gucci gear parts. However, after shooting it and putting well over 1000 rounds thru it, all I have changed is the furniture and topped it with a Vortex Sparc II and It is easily up there with my Spike’s, BCM and 6920! Whoever Colt contracted to build these Expanse rifles, are no joke. Purists are gonna hate but like I already said, it was good enough for Colt to put their name on it.
Damn!!!! I feel violated.........both by my LE dealer who sold me a CE2000 Expanse and by Colt! I've had a lot of trouble with it shooting very far right at 25 yds, using three different rear sights and three different people shooting it to rule out shooter error. Been back to Colt once, where it stayed for four months. Came back with completely new upper, to include barrel and BCG, and STILL shoots way right at 25 yds. Sent it back, waiting to see what Colt does to fix it. I was aware of differing Colt M-4 models but figured differences were minor. I was unaware of what "Expanse" meant or that it was an economy, cut-corners, model. I have read for years how Colt's were "quality", great fit and finish, etc. Anyone got a spare tube of Preparation H I can have?
Or sell it and get anything else. "Duh huh, this wun suks, i beder bi dem sayme kine but spent more dis tahm." Mouth-breathing uncle grandpa type advice, right there.
Shayne Mc mine too! I got mine the first week they came out and got the one without the FA and dust cover. But it has been a FANTASTIC rifle! Others didn’t believe mine had them either and had to post pics of them for them to believe.
@@GrumpyGenXGramps I could make pictures. I installed a FA on mine but need a buddy in my area to help with with my dust cover so I don't mess it up. Also plan to at sponge point to upgrade the barrel to a milspec. But not before several thousands of rounds first. Probably do the cover then.
I just bought my first AR. I was going to build an AR-15 and and AR-10 and was inquiring about lowers when I came across this Colt Expanse in my LGS. I had thought that it would be cool to have a lower with the pony on it so it came home with me (for $714+). However, thanks to you, I now understand that what I have is basically an LE6920. Its almost like when Colt runs out of the cheaper parts they start pulling them out of whatever bin is handy. Anyway, here is what I got: A lower marked "M4 Carbine," S/N starts with "CR," bar code; generic stock and grip; no rear sight; and I think it came with one PMag, but I bought at least one more and a Magpul rear sight that day. The front sight base is marked "F" and "B" 2, with a sling swivel underneath. The barrel is step cut and marked 13629 and "M P." It came with a forward assist and dust cover and it has a double heat shield handguard. The upper is marked with Colt's 13629 CAGE code and the Cerro Forge "keyhole" and "M4" on the forward face. The buffer is marked "H." and the bolt is marked "MPC and it is the selective fire bolt carrier. I been shooting going on 40 plus years and now the AR-15 and I are both "curio and relics." I have just now finally gotten an AR and I really lucked out with this one. I did put a Magpul stock and grip on it, but I have kind of fallen in love with this rifle. I just can't get over how light and "handy" it is, even with an inexpensive optic. I have a real appreciation for the history of the AR-15 because of your channel. The history of weapons, the politics, engineering, and experience that shapes their development can inform us not just about the weapons but the people who make and use them. You pretty much check all the boxes. I don't think that it is overstating it to say that your work with the history of the AR-15 and its progeny is a national treasure. Of course, Forgotten Weapons got me started watching TH-cam and C&Rsenal is probably my favorite channel, and according to my lights, and as far as I am concerned it is channels like yours that make the existence of TH-cam worthwhile. Sorry, just meant to post a comment about the Colt Expanse. Glad youre back.
A fake forward assist is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. Why not remove it completely and make it nice and slick, I’m sure people who don’t like the assist will actually be drawn to the rifle, and see it as a positive.
Great article very informative I wish I'd have seen it before I bid on a colt expanse! I couldn't find anything about it on Colt's website. The only upside here is apparently it has a good barrel
Hello, I own a Colt 6921. Going along with your Colt parts video was quite helpful. You did not mention any thing about double heat shields. Maybe this means I don't have Colt foregrips? I got my Colt from Knesk Firearms. They went through the process of deregulation withe ATF. This was achieved by adding a longer muzzle break that was pinned and welded. I would not put it past anyone swapping out some of the Colt items with OEM's for some bucks. I enjoyed the video along with many other of your videos. Thanks for your time. John L.
There's absolutely no point in buying this rifle unless you don't know any better. You can usually find a used 6920 for close to the same price, if not a little more. Hell; it's not unusual to find a new 6920 for a couple hundred dollars more from the right dealer.
Was there ever a follow-up review of the EXPANSE 2000 HB? I bought two of them back around 2017. I think these guns were part of some Davidsons special offer.
Also that 6920le up top here I do not see and lower cero markings means it's bar code not same as real.6920le tcp a diff over few I've seen on higher dollar ars have both upper and lower marked key hole cero on both mine has and all c marked to
It’s really sad to see Colt continuously get egg on their face for their dollar/value ratio. They’re almost like Benchmade…. You pay a tax for that name and you end up not getting the same things you would for a given price with another manufacturer that doesn’t have that serious brand recognition. Sucks when companies rest on their laurels and just sell stuff based on the name they stamp on it.
do they still make them? Ive talked with people at my local ranges and I've heard that they dont make guns for the commercial market bc they've gotten out competed by PSA
Wonder just how many AR producers there are out there? It is the most prolific rifle in service today. Really for the last many decades. If one compares the Machining of the first M-16s used in Vietnam to the current day rifles. Overall I am guessing the machining and metal quality is better today. Anyone recall the complaints from the field when the M-16 replaced the M-14 as the standard rifle? I recall one thing, is they liked plenty of oil. Remember the LSA bottles strapped to the Solider's helmets ? This platform has seen a lot changes over the decades.
Hey Chris, I think u may find this interesting. My expanse has the colt forging marks on the upper. I have a real working forward assist. I have a real working dust cover. Still watching the video, so i may find more. But just thought i would throw this out there.
I recently bought a new in the box old stock 6900. Have you reviewed one of these? I am guessing it was also not a Hartford Colt, although it says on the box it's an M4 and the reciever is marked Hartford.
Colt lost the contract in 2013. Since then, the marked parts are hit or miss. Even many of the marked parts now are subcontracted. But if you want one when parts were still made in house, pre 2013
I would like to hear more about the forward assist. Do we need it. No one else FAL, Grand, AK47 etc dont have one??? Why not mill if off or produce receivers without forward assist. I would be a cleaner design?
The forward assist is just as the name states. If it fails to go into battery (for whatever reason; dust, dirt, carbon, etc), the forward assist will put it into battery. I’ve seen this needed several times, not just in training but in combat. It isn’t needed a lot, but it’s nice to have if ever needed.
Mine has the proper cage code on the barrel 13629 M P and the lower has LE510686? I think it may be more Colt than the one you have there.Flash hider has the prongs as well. Same commercial but stock though it has the Colt cage code on it.Has the forward assist and dust cover. But IDK, No nothing about Colt really.
Does the bcg marked C and bolt marked MPC engraved instead of a stamped roll mark look mean anything and my extractor is marked CE with a copper looking spring but everything looks to be what you described to be a good colt le
Would it be safe to say anyone purchasing a new Colt model LE6920 today in 2020, would not have a chance of getting one of these "Expanse" models? thanks for sharing this info.
Damn just realized I wasn’t subscribed to you anymore when I was one of your first subscribers and the biggest bummer is that the Colt I won in a raffle is just a damn expanse knockoff 6920
I love my 6920. It's a dream to shoot and it shoots anything you want to feed it. But as much as I enjoy shooting the 6920 I enjoy the Ruger SR556 a little more. The 6920 was my first AR15 and I'm glad I didn't settle for something less. It came with a sturdy, heavy duty, wheeled traveling case, which was a real bonus and shortly after I bought it, Colt came out with a special offer for a free soft case with the Colt Pony embroidered on it.
C is for Colt, then there should be an MP, It look like one character which mean Magnetic particle inspected and Proof tested with 70k psi proof cartridge
Yep. My new 2018 m4a1 socom doesn’t have a C marked bolt or bolt carrier. Guess I will email Colt and ask wtf ? Real disappointed In a $1400 rifle My new A4 model has the C marked bolt, but not the carrier.
I'm curious to hear what Colts response is, but you might want to call them. I found their email responses slow to non existent. I. Have the same rifle from 2012 and it's marked properly.
Is it worth getting a Colt LE6920 or an AR-15A4 these days? Are they good quality rifles worth the price? I have been interested in buying a factory rifle at some point but I don’t really no where to start.
Chris L what the fuck are you talking about? Colt gives you shit for your money. No CHF barrels, free float hand guards and a bad finish and they still charge a grand for it.
Seems as though there is variation in these. I have a C marked Cerro forge upper and lower for example. Upper is also marked M4 at front of rail. BCG and barrel are likely not colt but makes no difference to me. Mine is a tack driver, easily 1 to sub moa. $650 out the door.
That $2k inflated price had nothing to do with Colt. That was the gun shops cashing in on a crisis. Colts prices to the distributors never changed. For the most part the distributor to dealer cost did not change either. Same with ammo gouging. This was the dealers!
@@SmallArmsSolutions That was also the days of "the chart" where garbage freedom group and Olympic arms AR-15's were floating around. Colt was the standard back in the day when most companies couldn't meet basic milspec
I would like to know just how sure you are that the waffle stock on that gun is not colt just because it has the circle? Mine is exactly the same but it has the 13629 cage code under the finger adjustment. I am pretty sure that makes it Colt.
@@SmallArmsSolutions so like, do you think that even though the parts are made elsewhere, is the quality the same??? I just bought a one of those oem2 with other parts and I don’t know much about colt
@@SmallArmsSolutions so would you say the oem2 is better than the expanse?? I just hope I didn’t make the wrong choice as this is my first ar-15. I got a sons of Liberty hand guard, Magpul stock, ambi charging handle and safety switch, haven’t picked my sights just yet
@@sixgunslingin sir I purchased a brand new colt cr6920 m4 carbine has colt box and owners Manuel came with 30 round p-mag I was wanting to ask a question mine only has the square forging only on the upper receiver no cage code or C marking is it real
Complete agree, how can't you not have dust cover and forward assist? I can add the parts but for $20 bucks they couldn't put this 2 component at manufacturing?! Thank you for the information!
Eugene Stoner was against having the forward assist from the start. If you need to use forward assist, than you are about to have a malfunction, possibly a catastrophic one in case you accidentally put a 300BLK into a 5.56 rifle.
Good day sir. I have an “Expanse” fitted with a contoured barrel and not the heavy barrel (according to Colt it is a chrome lined barrel. I called them with the serial number and asked for info). On it’s box it says 2013 Config. Model CE2000S. My rifle does have a dust cover and also has a forward assist. Any idea why some have heavy barrels and others contoured barrels? Thanks!
mine has the cage code on the barrel so it is a Colt barrel and the stock has the cage code under the finger adjustment so that may be Colt as well it also has a 4 prong flash hider. They must have made different lots of these as there seems to be different configurations. It shoots great.
Thanks @@bobbysmitherjones9920. I did some more research and viewed videos online. Mine more closely resembles an LE6920. The Barrel (chrome lined) and Bolt Carrier are all genuine Colt. The Buffer is an "H" buffer and the trigger is a Mil Spec "SS" trigger. I got lucky. Mine was sold as a Colt "Expanse" but it is not.
![[#2024MAMA] G-DRAGON - 무제(Untitled, 2014)+POWER+HOME SWEET HOME+뱅뱅뱅+FANTASTIC BABY | Mnet 241123 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ox29z5Nf1Uk/mqdefault.jpg)
Colt has shown time and time again that they understand the terms 'budget', but not the term 'value'.
That intro...you really can feel the depression. Colt really has fallen a long way.
This is their budget rifle. It's obviously gonna have some parts that aren't all that 100%
God bless you for taking the time to get into detail about this. You're an authority on ARs. Colt disliked this video. Keep em honest!
If I remember. You could get an expansion colt for under 600$. 499 or something
In a nutshell the Expanse more or less is just a Colt Lower with a Bastardized Upper. Roger that and good video.
Some guys are saying their new m4a1 government property 2018 model doesn’t have c marked bolt carriers either. And it’s a $1400 gun.
@dig duck Bca makes cheap good quality uppers for like 210 or 250
My 14.5 cold upper has cage codes and all the correct markings on the bolt but the carrier does not have the c stamp
I never saw it for $1400. The Colt AR15A4 always sold online retail for $900-$1100.
jzep789
The A4 is not a M4A1.
@@calebclark6739 Ah my bad. Yes the 6920 SOCOM was going for that price then, you are correct.
I was dissappointed with my Expanse several years ago when I had it. It came with a cracked selector, very sandy trigger, and a stripped grip screw.
I was fairly unimpressed, to say the least.
I just bought a 6920 for 899. With Magpul furniture they're 999.
It was a great carbine for the price. Colt tried to give folks a 4150cmv barrel and handguards that don't melt for M&P Sport and Orical price. It was a buget line, never intended to replace anything like the 6920. Mine is more accurate than my 6720, 6721 and 6920. Whomever made their barrels did a fantastic job.
I always find it interesting how people try to justify their overpriced purchases rather tan get pissed at the company that ripped them off. I have a FN cold hammer forged chrome lined barreled PSA upper with a Giessele rail and mil-spec bcg on a PSA lower with a nickel boron coated mil-spec trigger magpul stock and grip that i paid about the same $ for. I'd be furious if I bought one of these "Colt" ar's when I realized what they'd done. But hey, if you're happy with it, then I'm happy for you.
Only a real.6920le tcp colt defense mitlary spc the real.deal.any new colts cr ser number bar code or nit a colt at all cheap range beater s fn same new ones suck just a civilian range beaters not same as pony real tcp made on fillauto line the tcp.all.others try copy org 6920le defense tcp mitlary spc not cheap cr junk is ine only all.others try copy best of best windom weaponry makes better quality then any fn new colts as well fit finish better dd to
My Expanse has the Colt upper, front sight, and carrier, so there was a mix of parts going into these. Also, the trigger is cut away on the left side by the selector. The full heavy barrel makes the rifle front heavy, so it doesn't handle very well compared to other similar rifles. Bought it new in Jan 2013 for $739.
Also added the ejection port cover and forward assist. You can maneuver the cover rod past the forward assist, so you don't have to pull the barrel. My clip broke during install, so I gave it a wrap of .025 SS safety wire in the clip slot. Just another trick I used as an armorer when I couldn't get parts through supply. Coat hangers worked for takedown pin detents when you loose them and don't have a spare.
Colt sells 1911s and Pythons and revolvers all over priced
I have a colt expanse that has passed the marking on the barrel and bolt/bolt carrier group with dust cover and forward assist
I received my LE6920 today from ‘ArmsUnlimited’ and was pleasantly surprised what a nice rifle this is.
It has a “CR” serial number prefix. Has the “13629” cage code stamped on the barrel, upper receiver, and the plastic butt stock. BCG has the “C” stamp.
The butt stock has the “13629” marks also, but it still has that “ring” mark ...
There was talk that these were the ‘Expanse’ models but they’re not, in case anyone is wondering.
Love Chris and these videos. Hands down the best videos out there.
Very interesting video Chris. It seems to me that all the "Expanse" rifles are not created equally tho. I know that the one you have there is a CE1000. My wife bought a CE2000 a few years ago and it does not at all fit into the things that you pointed out about the CE1000 that you have and it was close to the same price point. She has run her gun and it has ran perfectly up to now, no failures, no jams and it has been very accurate. It has also accepted any ammo that she feeds it too. I agree tho, not all of the parts are marked as typical Colt but, the parts don't quite match what you are showing here either. Her's does have an ejection port dust cover and a forward assist, and the hammer is not a low mass hammer, it is a full profile hammer. Funny thing tho, hers does not have the bar code... Anyway, her rifle runs great and it easily compares to, if not outperforms, the Ruger's and the S&W's in this price range. Could Colt have been throwing these things together with whatever parts were lying around and my wife just got lucky with hers? It is also marked with an LE serial Number.
Informative video
I got one as my first rifle, its affordable and still shoots great, definitely a lower end entry level rifle overall but worth the $600 i spent
I never knew until the other day that Hartford has some of the most expensive real estate in the country, and a fair amount of the country’s billionaires. Great video as always!
To see an actual quadrail instead of a Gucci fad mlok or keymod forend, gives me a near insurrection.
I build all my ars through palmetto State armory. I just built one, all mil-spec (except the barrel) for 350$ took it to the range yesterday and put 840 rounds through it without a single hiccup.
Awesome... Come back with an update after 2k. Maybe a video or two.
I just finished a 20" rifle length A2/A3 from PSA using there complete upper and lower but outside them for other parts. I was looking at my rail and it looks like the Colt one. Also my upper is marked M-4 and has the ramps. With the outside parts it came to around $600 but I was able to spread that over two months which was the only way I could afford it. Got to lub it and get some ammo and want to see how it shoots.
Colt... Shitting on the American gun owner since the early 1990's...
🤣🤣🤣
@@dylanpaul1212 well... I mean... It's true.
Try to find a Colt AR with a bayonet lug, that was made within 2 years of the 1994 federal "assault" weapons ban. Cold had already started it, trying to keep that .gov tittie in its mouth, all you could buy was 10 shot neutered rifles.
Then... Fast forward a few years, Colt lost out to FN, suddenly Colt 6920s were in Walmart for 799...
Fast forward a few more years, and Colt shit their bed so bad, CZ had to save them from folding completely.
Piss on Colt...
Much longer than that. They always prized government contracts more than anything.
Great review dude, appreciate all the knowledge, colt is always my number one choice. I bought the expanse back in 2017. Over the years of taking it out with my friends it has been the GOAT. This gun is definitely a good buy. I have shot it alongside $3000 dollar guns, and it stomps on them. It literally shoots any ammo you slam in it. I honestly can't remember if it has ever jammed, let's just say it doesn't. The more expensive guns that you baby, buy a $300 dollar case for it, clean it every shoot, put another 2 grand of parts on it, will just jam all day and only shoot specific brands of ammo. I will buy a trophy gun someday to guys, but you don't need it lol. New hand guard, a red dot, put a new trigger but the stock one was honestly amazing. Cost me less than $1100 with the basic standard upgrades. The colt expanse "with the knock off parts", embarrasses a lot of these overpriced guns. I'm going to do a video on it very soon.
Colt need to get out of Hartford and go South
Or go west to Wyoming or something.
@@RicArmstrong
I have a Stag arms 3t... used to be made in New Britain Connecticut .
They’re in Wyoming now.🤣👍🥃
It’s like Liberals from CT got hired to colt and ruined it…. Fire those bums, come to my great state of Wyoming! Guns everywhere!!!!
This video was how I found your channel. This is the kind of information that I am here for.
I was born and raised just outside of Hartford. Colt had a mythical status here until fairly recently, it’s sad to see what happened to them.
Chris, how about a vid on the Blackhawk Down area, right before the M4, carbines and what it would take to clone one?
Bushmaster XM-15 A2 Patrolman's Carbine. Then order a CAR-15 Gen 2 stock.
Bought an expanse yesterday. Admittedly I did not research the rifle. I have an apprentice level knowledge of the rifle but I have only ever owned 1 that my employer didn’t supply. My first rifle was a genuine 6920. Due to limited funds I bought this rifle for two reasons. It said colt. And it was 699. Since I bought it I have researched it extensively, to conclude that I can live with the 700$ purchase I made. Based on this video and countless articles and blog posts, my Enhance is more colt than many of the rifles that were looked at. It has the LE serial number. It has the c on the ejection port side at the top of the upper receiver. It has the m4 at the front of the rail, and it has the pic rail T marks. The bolt is obviously not colt. Nor is the front sight and barrel but other than that my rifle looks to have been a MAINLY Colt build. Did I just get lucky? Maybe I got an early or late production run that Colt had? Anyhow, I work hard for my money and I could afford this gun. If it goes boom when I pull the trigger my feelings won’t be hurt. IF...Great video.
Jeremy Baldwin never said it was bad, just not a Hartford built rifle.
@@SmallArmsSolutions I have a CR6920 and noticed my bolt does not have a white dot in it whats the reason for that did my bolt not pass testing or was it even tested and also is my bolt within mil spec as goes for my entire rifle
@@beltrik3766yes, your bolt went through inspection. Yes your bolt is milspec. The bolt paint marks have been inconsistent since well before the cr6920 was introduced - the standard quality control inspection processes are still in place, same as they were before. Colt markings have always been rather inconsistent.
I got this rifle the first week it came out. I got it knowing a lot of its components weren’t “Colt” but they are obviously good enough for Colt to put their name on. That said, I was looking at another build and decided I would get this as a base and just build it up with Gucci gear parts. However, after shooting it and putting well over 1000 rounds thru it, all I have changed is the furniture and topped it with a Vortex Sparc II and It is easily up there with my Spike’s, BCM and 6920! Whoever Colt contracted to build these Expanse rifles, are no joke. Purists are gonna hate but like I already said, it was good enough for Colt to put their name on it.
Damn, dude. Makes me want to keep my LE6920 completely factory.
👍🏻
Colt is no longer a High Tier Quality Company.
I learned some interesting stuff today ~ Thank You for your Knowledge & Information!
I have the Phony Pony. Shoots great, love it. I got a great deal. Bought new for less than $700.00
I almost fell for one of these when they came out.
Damn!!!! I feel violated.........both by my LE dealer who sold me a CE2000 Expanse and by Colt! I've had a lot of trouble with it shooting very far right at 25 yds, using three different rear sights and three different people shooting it to rule out shooter error. Been back to Colt once, where it stayed for four months. Came back with completely new upper, to include barrel and BCG, and STILL shoots way right at 25 yds. Sent it back, waiting to see what Colt does to fix it.
I was aware of differing Colt M-4 models but figured differences were minor. I was unaware of what "Expanse" meant or that it was an economy, cut-corners, model. I have read for years how Colt's were "quality", great fit and finish, etc.
Anyone got a spare tube of Preparation H I can have?
Sell it. Get a 6920
Or sell it and get anything else.
"Duh huh, this wun suks, i beder bi dem sayme kine but spent more dis tahm."
Mouth-breathing uncle grandpa type advice, right there.
Just build your own. If you want a colt just do what i do. Get a 80% lower and get colt logo engraved lol
@A-a-ron A Holt?
Love my colt m4 carbine. So thankful i got a real pony.
My expanse seems to be a older build. It has the m4 mark and all of the proper profe marks on everything but barrel
Shayne Mc mine too! I got mine the first week they came out and got the one without the FA and dust cover. But it has been a FANTASTIC rifle! Others didn’t believe mine had them either and had to post pics of them for them to believe.
@@GrumpyGenXGramps I could make pictures. I installed a FA on mine but need a buddy in my area to help with with my dust cover so I don't mess it up. Also plan to at sponge point to upgrade the barrel to a milspec. But not before several thousands of rounds first. Probably do the cover then.
My Expanse ce2000 came with a chrome lined barrel:-)
I just bought my first AR. I was going to build an AR-15 and and AR-10 and was inquiring about lowers when I came across this Colt Expanse in my LGS. I had thought that it would be cool to have a lower with the pony on it so it came home with me (for $714+). However, thanks to you, I now understand that what I have is basically an LE6920. Its almost like when Colt runs out of the cheaper parts they start pulling them out of whatever bin is handy. Anyway, here is what I got:
A lower marked "M4 Carbine," S/N starts with "CR," bar code; generic stock and grip; no rear sight; and I think it came with one PMag, but I bought at least one more and a Magpul rear sight that day. The front sight base is marked "F" and "B" 2, with a sling swivel underneath.
The barrel is step cut and marked 13629 and "M P." It came with a forward assist and dust cover and it has a double heat shield handguard. The upper is marked with Colt's 13629 CAGE code and the Cerro Forge "keyhole" and "M4" on the forward face. The buffer is marked "H." and the bolt is marked "MPC and it is the selective fire bolt carrier.
I been shooting going on 40 plus years and now the AR-15 and I are both "curio and relics." I have just now finally gotten an AR and I really lucked out with this one. I did put a Magpul stock and grip on it, but I have kind of fallen in love with this rifle. I just can't get over how light and "handy" it is, even with an inexpensive optic.
I have a real appreciation for the history of the AR-15 because of your channel. The history of weapons, the politics, engineering, and experience that shapes their development can inform us not just about the weapons but the people who make and use them. You pretty much check all the boxes. I don't think that it is overstating it to say that your work with the history of the AR-15 and its progeny is a national treasure. Of course, Forgotten Weapons got me started watching TH-cam and C&Rsenal is probably my favorite channel, and according to my lights, and as far as I am concerned it is channels like yours that make the existence of TH-cam worthwhile.
Sorry, just meant to post a comment about the Colt Expanse. Glad youre back.
if you watched the video you would see its NOT basically a 6920. its NOT a colt. its a licensed logo on a defunct company
No M4 relief for the grenade launcher or a forward assist on a Colt. Insane.
Glad to see you’re uploading your old videos, Chris!
A fake forward assist is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. Why not remove it completely and make it nice and slick, I’m sure people who don’t like the assist will actually be drawn to the rifle, and see it as a positive.
Great article very informative I wish I'd have seen it before I bid on a colt expanse! I couldn't find anything about it on Colt's website. The only upside here is apparently it has a good barrel
Hello,
I own a Colt 6921. Going along with your Colt parts video was quite helpful. You did not mention any thing about double heat shields.
Maybe this means I don't have Colt
foregrips? I got my Colt from Knesk
Firearms. They went through the process of deregulation withe ATF.
This was achieved by adding a longer muzzle break that was pinned
and welded. I would not put it past anyone swapping out some of the Colt items with OEM's for some bucks. I enjoyed the video along with
many other of your videos. Thanks for your time.
John L.
Oooo nice, is that a Colt? Neigh......
“Is that a Colt?” Sucker! You could of had a Wilson.
@@willhaus8203 Come back Wilson.
It makes me sad that Colt management is doing whatever it takes to bleed every last ounce of goodwill from the brand.
Shawn Byron Beckett I’m pretty sure Colt saw your comment and said “hold my beer”
There's absolutely no point in buying this rifle unless you don't know any better. You can usually find a used 6920 for close to the same price, if not a little more. Hell; it's not unusual to find a new 6920 for a couple hundred dollars more from the right dealer.
Please do a video on your experience at Colt. Thank you
he did. long ago
If my colt is mark m4 carbine and my serial number starts with LE? Is it a le6920?
$800 for an "introductory" AR-15? Doesn't make sense.
The one you got is different than the one I got kinda weird
Was there ever a follow-up review of the EXPANSE 2000 HB? I bought two of them back around 2017. I think these guns were part of some Davidsons special offer.
Also that 6920le up top here I do not see and lower cero markings means it's bar code not same as real.6920le tcp a diff over few I've seen on higher dollar ars have both upper and lower marked key hole cero on both mine has and all c marked to
It’s really sad to see Colt continuously get egg on their face for their dollar/value ratio. They’re almost like Benchmade…. You pay a tax for that name and you end up not getting the same things you would for a given price with another manufacturer that doesn’t have that serious brand recognition. Sucks when companies rest on their laurels and just sell stuff based on the name they stamp on it.
Shame shame Colt😠
You already looked so defeated at the beginning of the video 🤣
I'll stick with the le6920
do they still make them? Ive talked with people at my local ranges and I've heard that they dont make guns for the commercial market bc they've gotten out competed by PSA
@@Burrito69killer I have 2 of the 6920 over the years . PSA makes a good rifle I have one setup for coyote hunting.
Wonder just how many AR producers there are out there? It is the most prolific rifle in service today. Really for the last many decades.
If one compares the Machining of the first M-16s used in Vietnam to the current day rifles. Overall I am guessing the machining and metal quality is better today.
Anyone recall the complaints from the field when the M-16 replaced the M-14 as the standard rifle? I recall one thing, is they liked plenty of oil.
Remember the LSA bottles strapped to the Solider's helmets ? This platform has seen a lot changes over the decades.
There are comparable (complete) rifles that you don't have to spend $800.00+ on (unless you just want the Colt name).
It's like strapping a cone on a horse's head and calling it a unicorn.
Lol that opening was funny
Hey Chris,
I think u may find this interesting. My expanse has the colt forging marks on the upper. I have a real working forward assist. I have a real working dust cover. Still watching the video, so i may find more. But just thought i would throw this out there.
I can send pictures if you care that much.
Thank you.
I recently bought a new in the box old stock 6900. Have you reviewed one of these? I am guessing it was also not a Hartford Colt, although it says on the box it's an M4 and the reciever is marked Hartford.
"CDNN" was my first thought.
I’m so glad that I got a real 6920
I saw a Colt Expanse on GB for buy it now price of $600. After watching your video I would not buy a Bold Innovation colt at any price.
For a gun imma just put a 300blk upper on it’ll do just fine.
Why not just buy a lower?
I have an Expanse with around 2k rounds through it. No problems? Just my experience. I love the rifle.
Yes the whole point of the video is that the expanse just says colt on it but far cry from the real deal still a decent entry level rifle however
@@austingloin2076 : No shit.
@@just82much72 the point is you're paying too much for the rifle just because it says colt on the side.
Never said there was anything wrong with the Expanse just it was not made by Colt
What’s the last year the colt M4A1 was made with all colt parts? Is there an indicator or serial number series to identify?
Colt lost the contract in 2013. Since then, the marked parts are hit or miss. Even many of the marked parts now are subcontracted. But if you want one when parts were still made in house, pre 2013
I would like to hear more about the forward assist.
Do we need it.
No one else FAL, Grand, AK47 etc dont have one???
Why not mill if off or produce receivers without forward assist. I would be a cleaner design?
The forward assist is just as the name states. If it fails to go into battery (for whatever reason; dust, dirt, carbon, etc), the forward assist will put it into battery. I’ve seen this needed several times, not just in training but in combat. It isn’t needed a lot, but it’s nice to have if ever needed.
Mine has the proper cage code on the barrel 13629 M P and the lower has LE510686?
I think it may be more Colt than the one you have there.Flash hider has the prongs as well. Same commercial but stock though it has the Colt cage code on it.Has the forward assist and dust cover.
But IDK, No nothing about Colt really.
Does anyone have an educated guess on what value a Still in Box Colt AR15 A4 in 20 years ?
Does the bcg marked C and bolt marked MPC engraved instead of a stamped roll mark look mean anything and my extractor is marked CE with a copper looking spring but everything looks to be what you described to be a good colt le
Would it be safe to say anyone purchasing a new Colt model LE6920 today in 2020, would not have a chance of getting one of these "Expanse" models? thanks for sharing this info.
Damn just realized I wasn’t subscribed to you anymore when I was one of your first subscribers and the biggest bummer is that the Colt I won in a raffle is just a damn expanse knockoff 6920
Thanks
What about the forward assist on the expanse I didn't hear you say anything about that
Is is not a forward assist but a cap for the upper
I love my 6920. It's a dream to shoot and it shoots anything you want to feed it. But as much as I enjoy shooting the 6920 I enjoy the Ruger SR556 a little more. The 6920 was my first AR15 and I'm glad I didn't settle for something less. It came with a sturdy, heavy duty, wheeled traveling case, which was a real bonus and shortly after I bought it, Colt came out with a special offer for a free soft case with the Colt Pony embroidered on it.
Sticking with Windham Weaponry. Their rifle quality is impressive and the prices are fantastic.
Windham are overpriced. Try building ur own it's easy and I get wayyy more for ur money
@@sethlance8009 individual built AR15s have shit resale value.
Very good information sir.
What’s the CP means on the barrel markings?
C is for Colt, then there should be an MP, It look like one character which mean Magnetic particle inspected and Proof tested with 70k psi proof cartridge
Yep. My new 2018 m4a1 socom doesn’t have a C marked bolt or bolt carrier. Guess I will email Colt and ask wtf ? Real disappointed In a $1400 rifle
My new A4 model has the C marked bolt, but not the carrier.
I'm curious to hear what Colts response is, but you might want to call them. I found their email responses slow to non existent. I. Have the same rifle from 2012 and it's marked properly.
That clamshell puts mine to shame hope your doing good
I like the scalloped edges on the rail, I have a "RGuns" upper with that feature. One less sharp edge.
Is it worth getting a Colt LE6920 or an AR-15A4 these days? Are they good quality rifles worth the price? I have been interested in buying a factory rifle at some point but I don’t really no where to start.
Simon Stevin the 6920 is a great model. Also check out BCM, LMT, and Daniel Defense offerings.
Get a Daniel Defense. In 2019 teh price of DD's now run what most of us were paying for Colt M4's a couple years ago.
Chris L what the fuck are you talking about?
Colt gives you shit for your money. No CHF barrels, free float hand guards and a bad finish and they still charge a grand for it.
Why wouldn’t one pick a DPMS Oracle over this? Seems like you’re paying a couple hundred more for 4 letter
An Oracle is probably better
Seems as though there is variation in these. I have a C marked Cerro forge upper and lower for example. Upper is also marked M4 at front of rail. BCG and barrel are likely not colt but makes no difference to me. Mine is a tack driver, easily 1 to sub moa. $650 out the door.
Same reason People buy Nikes Over newbalance.
Four letters and a horse.
Agree
le 6920 there nice.. I dont have one
I remember buying a Colt AR for 2000 bucks in a post Sandy Hook world. Sad to see how far the company has fallen
That $2k inflated price had nothing to do with Colt. That was the gun shops cashing in on a crisis. Colts prices to the distributors never changed. For the most part the distributor to dealer cost did not change either. Same with ammo gouging. This was the dealers!
@@SmallArmsSolutions That was also the days of "the chart" where garbage freedom group and Olympic arms AR-15's were floating around. Colt was the standard back in the day when most companies couldn't meet basic milspec
We would love to have Colt come on down to South Carolina.
I would like to know just how sure you are that the waffle stock on that gun is not colt just because it has the circle? Mine is exactly the same but it has the 13629 cage code under the finger adjustment. I am pretty sure that makes it Colt.
Could you upload your P227 suppressed video again?
Menum Lor it’s up
@@SmallArmsSolutions
Thank you so much!!!!!!!!
Chris, is it true that Colt has been outsourcing their LE6920's for over 25 years?
Absolutely not. Most parts over last 5 or so years.
Hey chris, can you reupload the scar video
You realize this is their budget rifle right?
It has their name on it but it’s not theirs. That’s the point
@@SmallArmsSolutions so like, do you think that even though the parts are made elsewhere, is the quality the same??? I just bought a one of those oem2 with other parts and I don’t know much about colt
@@ILikeCheeseOnBees not the same quality of the Expanse. Your OEM 2 is Colt parts but subcontracted. The Expanse is different all around
@@SmallArmsSolutions so would you say the oem2 is better than the expanse?? I just hope I didn’t make the wrong choice as this is my first ar-15. I got a sons of Liberty hand guard, Magpul stock, ambi charging handle and safety switch, haven’t picked my sights just yet
I just got my colt m4 few months ago. Some of the parts you mentions are not on my rifle. Did I receive the fake one?
Does yours say CR6920 instead of LE6920? If so the markings are now different. I have both
@@sixgunslingin mine says CR but not CR6920. I was informed that CR stands for Commercial Rifle on 6920 but in my case it stands for Colt Receiver.
@@sixgunslingin sir I purchased a brand new colt cr6920 m4 carbine has colt box and owners Manuel came with 30 round p-mag I was wanting to ask a question mine only has the square forging only on the upper receiver no cage code or C marking is it real
It does have the cage code marking on the barrel and it has the m4 stamp over the gas tube
@@sixgunslingin it does have the cage code on the end of the barrel and also a M4 stamp over the gas tube
Complete agree, how can't you not have dust cover and forward assist? I can add the parts but for $20 bucks they couldn't put this 2 component at manufacturing?! Thank you for the information!
Eugene Stoner was against having the forward assist from the start. If you need to use forward assist, than you are about to have a malfunction, possibly a catastrophic one in case you accidentally put a 300BLK into a 5.56 rifle.
Good day sir. I have an “Expanse” fitted with a contoured barrel and not the heavy barrel (according to Colt it is a chrome lined barrel. I called them with the serial number and asked for info). On it’s box it says 2013 Config. Model CE2000S. My rifle does have a dust cover and also has a forward assist. Any idea why some have heavy barrels and others contoured barrels? Thanks!
mine has the cage code on the barrel so it is a Colt barrel and the stock has the cage code under the finger adjustment so that may be Colt as well it also has a 4 prong flash hider. They must have made different lots of these as there seems to be different configurations. It shoots great.
Thanks @@bobbysmitherjones9920. I did some more research and viewed videos online. Mine more closely resembles an LE6920. The Barrel (chrome lined) and Bolt Carrier are all genuine Colt. The Buffer is an "H" buffer and the trigger is a Mil Spec "SS" trigger. I got lucky. Mine was sold as a Colt "Expanse" but it is not.
As a le6920 owner, this is an abomination lol....
My Colt has the C mark on the receiver and an square mark , is that original? Yours has a different mark than the square
Just the fauxward assist makes me want to puke.. can't even make it past that..
VERY informative video! Glad to see ya back on TH-cam!
Hey, what's with the vest?
It is a back brace. I broke my back at this time a few years back.