Need help choosing a Colt AR

[.cheese.]

As I mentioned a long time ago, I've decided to purchase 2 identical Colt AR's.

Please don't ask questions like "Why 2?" and "Why Colt?"

Anyhow, it's down to the AR-15A3 Tactical Carbine (model 6721)

and the Law Enforcment Carbine (model 6920)

Aside from some minor differences (hand-rails, strap-mounting point, etc), the big difference I can see is that the 6920 has a 1:7 twist, vs the Tactical with a 1:9.

What's the difference? I know little about this subject.

Which should I choose? (I know it's a request for opinions). Please explain your answer. Thanks.

 

[.cheese.]

I added a poll. Just for simplicity - assume both cost the same because cost is not a concern here for me with this purchase.

 

[Glockfan.45]

The LEO carbine got my vote. It is as close to a M4 as a civilian can get, and since your buying two I suspect you plan to sell one (or give your pal Glockfan a early Christmas present ). The M4 will have more resale value at the present time. Also the 1:7 twist will give greater accuracy with heavy target ammo. Other than that they are the same.

 

[.cheese.]

that's around the same lines as what I've been hearing.

 

[DMK]

Aside from some minor differences (hand-rails, strap-mounting point, etc), the big difference I can see is that the 6920 has a 1:7 twist, vs the Tactical with a 1:9.

The 6920 is a pound lighter with it's M4 barrel. The 6721 has an HBAR (heavy barrel) and will also be front heavy.

 

[10-Ring]

I like the barrels on the Tactical model

 

[.cheese.]

it's looking like 6920 is my best bet - but keep the votes coming.

Also, if you happen to know what new-in-box specimens of these two models go for in your area, let me know.

I was quoted $1,599 for the LE Carbine today and was told that it was an "amazing deal"..... but for some reason my BS meter went off.

 

[Glockfan.45]

I was quoted $1,599 for the LE Carbine today and was told that it was an "amazing deal"..... but for some reason my BS meter went off.

It's not the deal of the century, but it does sound about right. I have seen them NIB at gun shows before for $1,400 (and I didnt have the damn $$$ at the time :banghead: ).

 

[threefeathers]

Go to EE on AR15.com and you will find both for 1350 shipped. Go the M-4 Carbine forums and then to dealers and Grant has them for 1300 shipped. I have 2 of each and 5 other ARs of different configs and my 6920 is my decked out carbine. I put a Surefire handguard, Aimpoint M-2 on a Larue mount. This is a a tough set up.

 

[jetman]

I've owned both rifles, and sold my 6721 since the purchase of my 6920. I like the 1/7 barrel and M4 handguards of the 6920 versus the standard guards and the 1/9 barrel of the 6721 barrel.

 

[Trebor]

Go to EE on AR15.com and you will find both for 1350 shipped. Go the M-4 Carbine forums and then to dealers and Grant has them for 1300 shipped.

Any chance you could post a link or contact info for "Grant." Whenver I go over to ARFcom I have a heck of a time finding anything.

 

[cheygriz]

I voted for LE carbine, but only because you didn't ask the proper third question. "either of the above."

 

[Coronach]

Whenver I go over to ARFcom I have a heck of a time finding anything.

Amen. That site is laid out in a way that makes my eyes bleed. I suppose one gets used to it, but I can't relly be bothered to do so.

It is also a classic example of too much information, at least for the mostly-casual AR shooter. I'm certain that if you are looking for detailed, specific and accurate information on a single product or issue related to the AR, it is an outstanding resource. But for just general 411, or to get an overview of the subject, I find it pretty hard to wade through.

Not slamming them. I just find it easier to search and ask questions here.

Mike

 

[pcf]

www.sportingarms.com

LE6290 $1191
LE6721 $1157

6290 would be my choice, less weight plus m4 handguards.

 

[rbernie]

As an added bonus - Sporting Arms are some fine folks with whom to do business.

 

[jacketch]

I recently purchased several 6721's and the primary reason I chose them over the 6920 was the 1:9 twist rate. I primarily shoot 55 and 62gr bullets and occasionally 70gr and all seem to shoot very well from the 1:9 barrels. I wanted these carbines for short to medium ranges (0-500yds) and the 55 and 69 gr bullets work very well for this. If I get an AR for longer ranges (something I have .30cal for right now) I will look at getting a 1:7 twist barrel.

p.s. I paid $1150 for each of mine.

 

[.cheese.]

whoa..... so with Sporting Arms, those prices are for NIB?

Are they trust-worthy?

 

[Chuck R.]

Are they trust-worthy?

Yup, I've bought 3 pistol's from them, one was a Baer with options, took 18 weeks to get. Becky is very good at keeping in touch and keeping you informed about your order.

They're getting $18 for shipping, then what your FFL will get for the transfer. So far, they're the cheapest price I've found for 6920s.

Excellent folks to deal with.

Chuck

 

[.cheese.]

So, how is it they sell them for such a good price?

All other dealers want at least $400 more. Some even as much as $1000 more. (there's a store right near me that wants $2500 for the 6920 and claims it's the best price I'm going to find )

Is this place buying in bulk, or are all the other places just ripping people off?

 

[RecoilRob]

I voted for the 1/9 barrel because I have an old Gov Carbine with the 1/7 and it doesn't shoot M193 very well.....at least not as well as the heavier bullets. And, the very lightweight barrel heats up really fast.

Perhaps your choice in ammo will be a guiding factor in your purchace. Sweet position to be in though, trying to choose between the two rifles. Doubt that you can go wrong with either.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

If you want to shoot heavier bullets the 6920 with its 1:7 twist will be better. It's also a bit lighter, which is important if you'll be carrying it a lot, shooting it in a carbine class, or will be adding a bunch of tacticool accessories.

I have a 6721 and it's great. I want to get an AR-15A2 Gov't Carbine, though. Nice, light, KISS. Saw several of them at the Valley Forge Gun Shot yesterday but didn't want to drop $1100 right now.

 

[Jeff Timm]

A bloke with the moniker TheEconomist asked:
"So, how is it they sell them for such a good price?

All other dealers want at least $400 more. Some even as much as $1000 more. (there's a store right near me that wants $2500 for the 6920 and claims it's the best price I'm going to find )

Is this place buying in bulk, or are all the other places just ripping people off?"

With a moniker like that you should know better. Pricing on firearms is a high variable. It is governed by economics and policies so complex, the only thing a customer can do is shop around. We live in a relatively free economic country where a Ford (TM) Crown Victoria is cheaper than a Ford (TM) Focus when gas prices soar and the factory gives the dealers money.

Geoff
Who notes a 16" Bbl Olympic Arms Plinker MSRP is $595 and they have been reported as low as $495, and some of the S&W AR type rifles have been seen at $899.

 

[.cheese.]

True - but remember that we have perfect competition here. A 6920 at store A is identical to a 6920 at store B..... so you would assume the price would just reach an equilibrium and all stores would charge that. Not so though it seems.

The only real external forces that could allow the current price schemes I see in the gun industry (store A wants $1000 more for the same product as store B) is naivity or strong preferences.

I understand the stores have fixed costs and such to deal with - but the profit margins are HUGE and it's just bizarre.

 

[TexasRifleman]

is naivity or strong preferences.

Some stores cater to the dummy off the street, and the 6920 is prime for that.

"Hey, you can't get these just anywhere. See where it says LE? We got a few but you better get it now, there won't be any more of these"

I heard that exact statement from a gun store here in Ft Worth concerning a 6920, and a used one at that. They wanted $1900 for it, and got it.

Joe off the street whips out the plastic in a hurry and the gun store makes a mint.

 

[.cheese.]

Anybody else have experience with Sporting Arms?

If they're good people and all, it seems I'd be a fool not to buy through them at that price (assuming that's the price for NIB?)

How would that work? I send them a check, they ship to a local FFL, I pay the local FFL a fee, and go on my merry way? Anything else involved?