The Colt CCU is excellent, though when it comes to lightweight barrels, I prefer BCM’s “Enhanced Lightweight” profile; it’s thicker near the chamber and tapers forward. If I were you I would get a BCM 16" Recce lightweight upper and combine it with an Aero lower (or just buy the entire gun from BCM). I also prefer BCM’s MCMR over the Centurion rail. However, at this point you’re cutting straws- if you want the Colt CCU it will serve you fine; the Colt will work and you’re unlikely to wear it out with normal shooting.
I can’t speak to the 6960, but I picked up a Colt LE6920 as my first AR in 2008. Needless to say it has been more than adequate for my needs. I have followed the “KISS” principle as far as setting it up. I’ve only replaced the stock, handguard, and added a VFG. Still using the iron sights as well because I wanted to at least feel proficient with those before venturing into the land of optics. I’m now comfortable enough with the rifle that I’m planning some major upgrades before the end of this year (quad rail, weapon light, optic, etc.) Nothing more to add to this conversation other than to say that in my meager experience Colt has been an excellent platform and I’ve been well-pleased with mine.
Yea Ive always wondered if the filthy 14 had a chf barrel. Impressive results coming from a button barreled rifle!
Yea ive been reading more forums lately and thats where most ppl seem to be going. Small arms solution channel on YouTube did a review of the 6960, and apparently the rifle was able to achieve sub MOA. I think either choice will be GtG. Thanks!
You’ve given me more confirmation to Colt’s already proven track record. I think the 6960 will be GtG for me. Thanks!
Thanks, I hope you enjoy it! Can’t wait to get mine
Damn all this gear is so expensive =/. Gotta save up even more now
Here’s my recipe for you: 1.) Colt 6960 2.) Aimpoint Comp M4 (or PRO if on a budget) 3.) LMT fixed rear sight 4.) LMT fixed front sight 5.) Blue Force Vicker’s Sling 6.) Qty. of 10 Okay Surefeeds 7.) Qty. of 10 Pmags 8.) A lot of ammo.
Don’t worry about replacing the trigger right away, as stock Colt triggers are quite good once they break in.
My recommendations are simply how I would set that rifle up, but your needs may differ from mine. Also, It’s not like you need to buy everything all at once. Take your time, and save money when you can and make purchases when you are able. You can also save money buying things used, and our equipment exchange is an excellent place to start looking for hand me down kit.
Gotcha, thanks for the help!
Correct.
It took me a long time to come to grips with this.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
And what does this have to do with the 6960??? If you can’t speak to the 6960 which is the question of the post, then why post??? Come on man. If you want to post on the 6920, there are plenty of threads to post about it on. This is on the 6960.
I have a 6960. I am getting 1-2 inch groups. I am using MK318 SOST Mod 1 62gn. And Federal SP1 62gn SP (same as fusion and Gold Dot Bullet. A great platform.
Irons, magnified optic, or RDS? Mk318 is my “grab-and-go” ammo, not bad groups for combat fodder (that’s why I asked about the sighting system).
Too bad they don’t load that Federal SP1 to 5.56 NATO pressures. That would put it right up there with the vaunted “FBI load” TBBC.
I’d really really like Colt to sell an OEM version of the 6960. I am not a big fan of the handguard that comes on it and would like to get a BCM KMR or MLR for it.
The SP1 load is slow but it gives it better penetration while still expanding. Great load. The T3 load(TBBC) is a tougher bullet. It’s made to go through glass and car doors. Both are devastating rounds. I am a SOST Hoe…lol
Colt Defense barrels are made correctly to military tech specs and chrome lined. The CHF barrels cost three times as much and only offer twice the lifespan at best: some aggressive fire rates cause premature wear on CHF and standard military barrels. They are slightly more accurate but if you want long range accuracy you’re best off with a SPR or DMR barrel. So a 6920/6960 barrel is the way to go. Colt Defense does it right buy a 6960 and be confident you have everything you need to do whatever you need to get the job done. If you shoot the barrel out, you can buy a FNH CHF CL replacement. I’ve got a Colt barrel with 8k+ still a good shooter.
Good post but button barrels tend to be more accurate then CHF but don’t usually last as long.
Colt Defense barrels as discussed are chrome lined, and they are not as accurate as Stainless or Moly button rifled barrels: apples/oranges. CHF CL barrels tend to be more accurate than Non CHF CL barrels. Attention to detail. 
Let me explain: chrome lining is not a perfect process per say and often yields slight imperfections. Second: SPR and DMR barrels are typically button rifled Stainless or Moly, because they can be lapped and gauged to a high degree of precision: allowing precision use. However, cold hammer forged barrels yield a nearly perfect bore, if they are chromed it increases lifespan and potentially reduces accuracy ever slightly. Hope this helps.
Not really;
Colt 14.5" gov profile w/ FSB = [b]$260[/b]
Daniel Defense CHF 14.5" gov profile stripped = [b]$290[/b]
FN CHF 14.5" gov profile, stripped = [b]$299[/b]
I don’t own the CCU but when asked by my LEO friend for guidance on picking a rifle I suggested he look at it based on the specs. He ended up getting one and I got to try it out briefly.
It’s feels very light and balanced. I was hoping to feel more of a difference in recoil impulse compared to my 6920 but didn’t really feel that. I’m thinking that is because my older 6920 wearing a DD Omega x 12FSP rail makes a heavier rifle.
This is the rifle Colt should have been making years ago. Again to little to late especially considering the recent issues a Colt.
I don’t agree with this completely. FN SPR bolt action rifles are chromelined and yield 1/2 inch Guarantee. FN has chrome lining down.
-
Regarding durability, you can expect about 6,000 rounds from that Colt barrel before the inherent precision of the rifle begins to erode. If you take care and limit getting the rifle hot off of “mag dumps” you can probably expect closer to 10,000 rounds before you notice unacceptable degradation in precision. It could last a lot longer than that, but I think this is a fair “worst case” expectation.
-
The barrel is only part of the equation when you talk about accuracy and precision. You need to have a capable sighting system, quality ammunition, and skill to get the most out of whatever rifle you’re using.
-
1 case of XM193 is about $300. A replacement barrel (as noted in this thread) is $250 or so. You’ll have spent near $2000 in ammunition before you need to think about the barrel (and it still might be totally fine for another $2,000 or more worth of ammunition). Don’t worry about it until you need to because it’s peanuts in the long run.
-
Cold Hammer Forged is somewhat overrated. It might hold up better to sustained abuse or last longer under regular use, but I don’t know a single competitor in my circuit who uses one. It’s good technology, but I would put way more stake in the fact that Colt is making the rifle rather than what components they are using or how they do it. Colt knows what they are doing and you can trust it’s a quality rifle, especially for what you intend to do with it. Colt is the standard by which all others are measured… better or worse. That should tell you something.
-
I have three Colt M4 variant rifles (one is a 6720 and NOT free floated) and all of them will shoot around 1 MOA with proper optics and their favorite ammunition. I also have an FN M4 variant with a cold hammer forged barrel and it does the same. The FN is not measurably better in my hands. Take that for what it’s worth. All of these rifles will turn into 4-5 MOA rifles with cheap/junk ammo. The ammo you use can and will make a huge difference in precision and accuracy.
-
Try not to get so caught up on specs. This is your first AR and it’s a great starting point. Get decent ammo, Federal is running a $50 rebate until the end of March 2019 and their XM193 is pretty decent for bulk ammo. Learn how to run the gun. Maybe take some appropriate training classes. You can start to nitpick your rifle once you know both it’s capabilities and yours.
-
In spite of what I’ve said… Corroborate and validate EVERYTHING (including what I wrote) you read on the internet and in these forums. There is a lot excellent information out there but there is also a lot misinformation.
You are right. I can find a milspec barrel similar to Colt for $100 on sale versus a FNH made CHF runs about $290 on sale.
Apples and oranges. I have not seen chrome lined Stoner barrels that can produce groups like cut rifling moly and ordinance steels. Not to say it’s impossible just statistically improbable with current production. Maybe alternative coatings or sleeved high chrome moly barrels?