Local 01 has 4 x Colt LE6940 carbines on sale NIB for $1200 (previously $1400).
Reading archived posts and motivated by Pappabear/Iraqgunz reports’ of uber-accuracy I read there, I’d like to get one.
Question: what to do when, 6-7K+ or so or cartridges later, wavering accuracy suggests it’s time to replace the barrel?
Is the owner’s only option @end of barrel life to replace the entire upper?
TIA for any input …
You can either re-barrel or replace the upper.
Seems like you should be able to squeeze more than 7k out of the barrel.
The wrench MorphCross linked to should certainly allow a user to remove the factory barrel. Putting the barrel nut onto a new barrel should allow the replacement to be installed without much of a challenge.
If you want a 6940, then go for it. Selling the upper (if you lack the desire/skill/tools to tear an upper apart) and buying a new complete upper is certainly a viable option.
http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/rifle-tools/wrenches/armorer-wrench-sku100005370-32517-62711.aspx and this http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/barrel-parts/rifle-barrels/le6940-barrel-barrel-extension-sku160308314-82215-171603.aspx
Accurate yes, but I don’t think most people would use a 6940 as opposed to a precision build.
If at 6-7k it isn’t accurate enough, it’s time to clean the barrel properly. If you are buying a 6940 to be a great all around carbine that is also accurate you should end up pretty happy. If you are buying it with an expectation that it replaces precision guns, you may be disappointed.
Apples to apples, and all that.
6940 is great for accuracy. Be prepared for massive headaches when it comes time to try and remove the barrel. Also, don’t be surprised if there are issues with that wrench. Make sure to locate a few proprietary gas tubes for it as well.
Excellent info and much to consider. I will reevaluate.
My sincere thanks for the detailed - and very helpful - replies.
Thank you, Gentlemen.
With the number of AR’s most of us have, its hard to shoot out a barrel these days with 10K rounds. Its a great option and there are many other great options. If you want a Colt, and maybe you do, go for it. If precision is your number one goal, other 16-18 SS barrels will get it done for you as well. The 6940 is not touted as a SPR, it just has happened to do very well based on that unique barrel lock up… As you have seen, there are options to replace the barrel.
Good luck and keep us posted.
PB