I would like a M4 but I’m not sure if I should buy a Colt 6920 M4 LE or build one. I know that I would gain experience by doing the build but would I get a better M4. This rifle would be used for defense purposes . There is just so much information on this forum it’s a little confusing . Thanks to all
Speaking from personal experience, I think it’s better to do some research, find a rifle that has everything you think you want based on that research, then buy it.
Spend the next several weeks/months learning the gun, how it shoots, how to break it down, how to clean it, etc. Once you’ve covered the previous, you’ll have a better understanding of the AR platform and you can decide if you’d like to build another, only this time you’ll know what you like and don’t like and you’ll have the knowledge to put together an AR (nothing is worse then screwing up your first AR by not knowing what you’re doing). You can also sell your first rifle to offset costs if necessary.
Just my .02
Are you hung up on having a Colt? Just asking because you could get the built Daniel Defense lower that G&R Tactical is offering and throw a BCM complete upper (w/BCG and CH) with a nice rail system and a BUIS probably for less than what a new Colt may cost. And when you look at “The Chart”, BCM has the same features as a Colt.
Personally, I enjoy building them as much as I do shooting them. If you choose to build you would gain knowledge about the weapon system. I am not certain you will build one better than the Colt, maybe, but you can build one just as good. The downside is resale value. I believe people will pay more for “Colt” on the side of the receiver.
I’d build it, if time allows it.
You’ll learn so much more building it then buying it.
Downside is that sometimes it takes a while to get all you want in to start the build.
I bought two complete, semi build one(bought lower, LPK, stock, then bought comlete upper), and I just finished complete built, and amount of “love” you have for one you built completely would be over whelmingly higher then others I had
Buy the Colt for defense. (or a few other good brands you can easily learn about here) Then build one for learning, experience, hobby.
Especially as a first purchase, I would recommend a factory Colt 6920. You start off with a weapon that is correctly engineered/assembled and have factory support. You can learn the system and go from there.
This. Might I also add that you can’t go wrong with a Daniel Defense complete rifle or a Noveske (might be slightly out of the price range though). The only problem with those two manufactures is that your average joe gun buyer has never heard of them. So if you are ever going to get rid of it I would go with the colt.
-TS
Just a couple of quick questions, are all Colt 6920’s marked LEO? If so, can a non-LEO buy one, and are there any other implications that I would need to be aware of? I’m contemplating a Colt or possibly a DDM4, or DDM4V3 middy if I can ever find one, although I haven’t ruled out buying a complete lower and upper separately. I’d appreciate any input as this will be my first AR, and I don’t want to be disappointed with it.
Good advice. This is where I am.
I learned alot prior to buying my first and alot more after I had it in my hands, shot it, cleaned it, etc…
My plans are to build a SBR within the next year.
Good luck with what you do.
Scoby
Rent one.
Actually, find a couple of friends with ARs and shoot theirs. Find the make and model you like and that fits your defensive needs. Then buy one of the shelf. That way you have properly assembled and functional rifle to protect your life with. Then go back to your friends with ARs and find the guy who builds his own. Ask him if you can build one with him, which books/videos, and parts to purchase. That should get you going in the right direction.
Guys the main question I’ve is would I get a better rifle than the Colt 6920 by doing the build. If so then its build if not then its the Colt.Do I get a better weapon . Again Thanks to all for input.
It depends on what components you use.
If you use a Noveske or LaRue upper and mate it with say a LMT complete lower and add a Magpul UBR stock, you’ll have a rifle that is at least as good and maybe better than the Colt. You may spend more too.
If you use Oly or DPMS components you’ll get out cheap but have a subpar weapon. IMO
These are the things you’d need to look at.
Price the components for a build that, in your opinion, would be equal too or better than Colt and see where you stand.
Scoby
Ummmmm…With the manufacturer (Colt) building the 6920 to the TDP and quality, building a better M-4 type weapon would be a stretch, unless you are a master gunsmith with sufficient in depth knowledge of the AR, all of the components, the quality of those components, and a copy of the TDP as a guide.
I can understand the satisfaction of building something, especially a fine firearm. But a Colt 6920, with the prices they are now, it doesn’t get any better than that and guarantees that it is built correctly, by the manufacturer. A BCM M4 type, will get you the quality and TDP as a Colt, for a few $ less.