I’m new to this forum and I must say that I’ve been kinda overwhelmed with all the knowledge I’ve learned so far. After discovering the AR-15 chart, I made the decision to purchase a Colt 6920(16-inch barrel with carb gas system) in December. So far I love the rifle, but have only put about 500 rounds through it.
Recently I’ve been reading some threads about how the carbine length gas system had been beating up rifles with 16-inch barrels and that a midlength gas system was the way to go for 16-inch barrels. So my question is, was buying the Colt 6920 a bad decision versus trying to build a midlength BCM? I wouldn’t say that I’ll put a whole lot of rounds downrange with this rifle; probably between 1000-2000 a year.
Do you guys think I should address the issue with a midlength upper, get a shorter barrel, or is there a muzzle device that can reduce some of the back pressure? Am I just making a mountain out of a mole hill and I shouldn’t be getting all worked up about this? I’m not a guy with endless finances, and I’d rather not go the SBR route. Thanks.
If you are going to have a carbine length gas system, Colt is the one to have.
Don’t overthink it or worry about it. While middies are great, a good CAR gas gun will be wholly acceptable.
The 6920 is the standard that other carbines are judged by. You made a good choice with your purchase and I think you might be overthinking a little bit.
There are definite benefits to the midlength over the carbine on a 16" barrel but the 6920 is still a solid weapon.
Just build up the BCM midlength for your next rifle.
IMO when the middy is the same price as a carbine, I’d always get the middy. Theres a nice sale on Daniel Defense XV M4 at AIM Surplus for $999 if you wanted another option, very high quality as well.
I encountered the same phobia when I joined the forum. I worried if I made a bad investment, but then I realized. The 6920 is the standard by which all other carbines are judged. It is a SOLID weapon, tested, proven, and trusted by law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Sure, the 16" bbl creates more pressure than the 14 1/2 bbl, but the most important thing in the world is that you trust your weapon, no matter what. Mine hasn’t failed me yet, and yours won’t either as long as you maintain it properly (which I’m sure you will).
Quit worrying about it and enjoy that fine rifle you purchased.
I have 2 6920s and 2 middies. I have no problems with the reliability of either. You have an outstanding weapon, so don’t every worry about buyers remorse with a 6920. Get a carbine class or two under your belt and drive on.
I won’t worry about the 6920 then. I’ll have to build a middy BCM though. Thanks for all of the advice:)
BTW, has anyone actually experienced problems with the 6920 beating up on parts more than a middy? I’m just curious how much mil spec ammo you have to put downrange before you notice any abnormal wear. If I have to wear out a barrel before there are any noticible problems, I’d probably just replace the upper anyhow.
I think putting a heavy buffer in it will help mitigate issues you may see with it being over gassed. Someone with more experience than me can expand on that if they want. Not that it would help with wear and tear, but it would help limit recoil (carbine recoil > mid recoil). I hear the Spikes buffer is great for that. I have one but haven’t shot it yet.
No. Step away from the computer. You’ll be making mountains out of mole hills in no time if you spend too much time surfing and not enough shooting. As much as I like this forum, time spent here can be a double edged sword.
I’ve gone back to 14.5 carbine length systems. Because the US government uses the carbine system, it’s really a carbine world. Carbines are lighter and more flexible.
