Colt AR magazines

[2nd 41]

Just bought an LE6940. It cost half of what my first car cost(66 Dodge Coronet500). The 2 magazines look unused but are scratched up and look like they came out of a pile of surplus mags. Is this typical for a Colt. I realize the AR is not a show piece but I did not expect the mags to look used. They were package with the cleaning kit, sling and rail guards. The package was sealed. Is the is the way they are sold?

 

[rcmodel]

They are probably just dry and the frosted finish looks like that.

Wipe them down with a oily rag to feed the finish and they should snap right out of it.

rc

 

[2nd 41]

I wrote to Colt and sent these pics. A small scratch would be ok...but this is hopefully a mistake. They look better in the pictures than close. Regardless I'm buying a few aftermarkets mags but I'll see what happens.

 

[W.E.G.]

Those sorts of marks are typical.

I understand that you don't feel that the marks are desirable.

Colt regards their product as utilitarian, and they pack it as such.
They still ship their expensive rifles in a crummy and flimsy cardboard box.
At least if you buy a Bushmaster, you get a functional plastic case that you can actually use to transport the firearm farther than just from the sales counter to your car.

Witness too, the ground and dinged receivers that have appeared on so many Colt rifles in recent years.

Don't sweat the scuffed mags.
The mags have zero collector value.

My 6940 came with ugly mags too.
I'm pretty sure it was a return by an unsatisfied customer from the otherworld.
Note the crop circles on the receiver.

 

[dprice3844444]

those are fine,wipem down with an oily rag and go.they were bouncing around in the box is all.

 

[Jaybird78]

Normal for that finish.

If it bothers you I believe Permasilk makes a spray can with the same finish. I believe if you can't find the info by google then go to Armalites website and they mention the product.

 

[2nd 41]

It just stunned me a little. I enjoy the beauty of Colts and expected a decent finish on the mags. I have GC's and had a stainless Python. I'll use the mags and concentrate on enjoying the 6940. I'm mounting a scope tomorrow and zero-ing Sat morning. If the AR performs as it is suppose to I can overlook the mag finish. The Box.... the salesman said the cheaper the box the better the rifle. I'll buy that. Thanks again for the replies.

 

[W.E.G.]

The first thing you will realize about that 6940 is that it has the same sad trigger you will find in any "parts-kit" AR build.

First order of business is to install a GOOD trigger if you want to find out what that 6940 can do for accuracy. I put the Rock River two-stage trigger in mine. Not the best "match" trigger by a long shot, but still worlds better than the Colt trigger.

Some folks are satisfied with the crappy factory trigger.
Usually the guys who shoot a lot of rifle on the pistol range.

 

[2nd 41]

WEG. The AR is new to me. I'll get it going and then decide what I'm going to do. I will look into a trigger eventually.

 

[W.E.G.]

Enjoy!

Seriously, you need to try somebody else's AR that has a good trigger in it.

You will immediately realize that for accuracy work, the basic AR trigger is the equivalent of wearing your sister's pants inside-out to the junior prom.

 

[2nd 41]

Is a trigger a Smith job or can I DIY? What are we looking at ($$) for decent upgrade?

 

[Hit_Factor]

I have 3 custom triggers in the $250-$300 range. Installation is usually remove two pins, remove parts, insert parts install 2 pins.

Some triggers are a little more involved and a gunsmith might be needed based on your experience, comfort and tools.

 

[W.E.G.]

The Rock River trigger can usually be had for around $100.

There are other better and more-expensive triggers - but which are not proportionally better than the Rock River if you factor for price.

 

[2nd 41]

Ok..I'll do my homework. I do have 2 friends that shoot competitively and can help me out with upgrading.
Hit_Factor... what make are your custom triggers.?

 

[Water-Man]

Before messing with the trigger you should put some rounds downrange. That will smooth it out some.

Keep in mind that the trigger on a Colt, and some other ARs, were designed for RELIABILITY. That should be the most important quality of a combat rifle.

 

[2nd 41]

Water... I'm taking your advice. I will use it as is for a while and work on consistency. I just installed a Nikon P223 & mounts, bought a 5.11, a case of 1000 PMC. I'm in the poor house for a while.

 

[2nd 41]

I sent pics of the Mags to Colt and a short note that I expected a better finish on the Mags. Colt sent me 2 Mags. They are exactly like the ones I complained about. I will use them or simply have them for spares. 4 scratched mags that function properly are better than 2 scratched mags that function properly. Case closed. I move on.

 

[CharlieDeltaJuliet]

Go buy some tactical gray Duracoat, it matches pretty close. I do understand your frustration. I am OCD about new products. If my metal mags start getting too scared and scratched, I use the gray Duracoat and make them look new again.

 

[2nd 41]

Thanks CJ