So its finally time for first upgrades 6920- Critique

AR/M4 AR General Discussion
1

Hey guys first post and first AR here!

After tons of reading and research I determined the Colt 6920 rifle was the perfect fit for me. I have since purchased the rifle and I am really enjoying it so far. The next course of action was to buy ammo and take courses with irons only based on the suggestions of many. THEN I was told upon completion you may look at upgrades/steps for your rifle. Well I purchased the ammo needed and took a couple of two day carbine courses with just irons. This was a great learning experience for myself and I will second the notion for beginners buying an AR that they should buy ammo and take a class or two before upgrading.

Well… I now want to do some simple upgrades.

Currently it’s a stock 6920 with the exception of a Vcas padded sling/BCM gunfighter CH/Magpul grip and stock.

Here is my current “wants” and would appreciate any input. I tend to like simpler set ups and I am a fan of tried and trued/proven reliable products. Gold standards if you will. Maybe not top top of the line, but quality. With all of that said here is my list below.

-KAC M4 Ras Blem/ I’d like to add a QD mount and a light in the future
-Troy rear folding buis
-Battlecomp 1.0
-Aimpoint Pro

I’m currently happy right now with my magpul moe grip and stock, but i’m open to suggestions as there is a build in my future. Once again… everyone told me to buy once cry once on a reliable AR, learn the platform and then build one for your next. So spare parts would not be discriminated in this instance. I have not used a vertical grip/fore grip during any of my classes or my own range time. Any input on grips,vertical grips and fore grips?

How does this look for a decent no thrills set up?(((I’m not sure the purpose of this gun yet? Range toy/Class toy/HD))) I’m slowly learning and still plan on taking more classes in the near future but the modding bug finnally got to me! :slight_smile:

Thanks for your time and I look forward to some input as I’m open to suggestions. Feel free to ask any questions as well.

2

Welcome! First off, it’s great that you did a lot of actual shooting before slapping money on it.

As for your list;

  • Handguard; The RAS is great for an inexpensive, proven, drop-in rail. Since you mention wanting to add a QD mount and a light, I would look at something that has the QD from the start… Daniel Defense’s offerings, Centurion Arms C4, LaRue… You could also look at going with something like a KMR7 or MI Gen 2 SS and forgo the quad rail altogether, or an FSP rail to extend past the FSB if you think that would be at all beneficial to you. Lots of good handguard options out there that might suit your needs better. Just some things to look at.
  • Troy rear sight; it’s good to go.
  • BattleComp; Have you shot with one? I would be more inclined to stick with the A2 unless I just really needed something to keep the muzzle down. If you know you want it, then there’s nothing wrong with it, but having used one briefly, I prefer having the BCM Mod 0 or a simple A2 on a general-purpose/HD carbine now.
  • Aimpoint PRO; fantastic red dot.

You said you aren’t sure about the purpose, but if you’re going to use it for HD, a light would be high on my list of priorities. You could go any way with that… A Surefire Scout, G2X/6PX Tactical/Fury, X300, Inforce WML… You would just pick a light setup to work around your final handguard setup.

As for a VFG… Personal preference. I like having a small one, I use it as a handstop more than anything, but it’s a great index point, and it can help make a cramped rail feel more comfortable just because it brings the wrist angle down a little. Best advice is, if you think you want one, just try it, as well as a handstop and an AFG. Hit up a gun shop, and see if they’ll let you try some stuff. If not, Midway has a good return policy.

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Skip the Battle Comp.

4

First of all let me say that you have picked an excellent starting point with the Colt 6920, but you have probably already figured that one out.
The path you choose for upgrades and mods is typically a personal one that will best come via observations made at the range.
Asking everyone here what their opinion on which mods you should make will normally lead to all kinds of biased opinions based what some may have versus actual experiences using different brands.
If you have a extrovert personality and a decent outdoor range near you, I highly recommend that you spend some time getting real world insight by asking your fellow range-shooters about their setups.
You’ll find that many of us are eager to show you what we have and in many cases will even allow you an opportunity to demo it.

As for my number one personal favorite upgrade: Geissele Trigger

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My 6920 is currently setup just like yours with only a different sling. I’m looking at buying a Daniel Defense Omega X fsp 12" for mine. It allows the use of the original front sight and gives you the extra real estate in front of it. If you think this might be beneficial to you check them out.

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I might also add buying small parts to store in your grip may not be a bad idea. I keep a spare bolt, firing pin, gas rings, and other small parts inside it.

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beastonakron, here is one of my LE6920s with a setup similar to what you are wanting to do. I chose to use the MaTech rear BUIS, but that was my personal choice. As far as a FH is concerned, I would say to stick with the A2.

Additionally, you have many options when it comes to mounting a weaponlight. It will a matter of your personal preference. I use the Surefires on most of my M4 type carbines. Here is my other LE6920 (2008 model) with a Surefire mounted.

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I would also skip the Battlecomp. If you are willing to spend that much look at the AFB Mini and shim set. While your at it look at the ACT trigger.

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Have you used a battlecomp before? I had heard all sorts of good things about it, then I was next to one at a class. It was almost just like a full on comp as far as concussion was concerned. If that is an issue for you, maybe consider either staying with the A2, or maybe give the BCM option a try. In my experience even being right alongside the BCM comp, it felt more like the A2.

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Buy an optic, sling, and ammo and shoot the hell out of it.

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Love the Aimpoint Pro. Another small upgrade to consider is the Magpul trigger guard.

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Imo: on a 556 gun, a comp has the largest diminishing returns. You spend a lot of money, and you don’t get much performance but you do get a lot of negatives. I really think the a2 is the most effective and under rated design on the market.

Aimpoint pro? Absolutely.

For the kac ras. Iv got a lot of time behind one, and if you needed a laser (peq15) than it might not be a bad choice. But if you just want to mount a light and maybe vfg I think the magpul hand guards (~$40) are a better bang for the buck. But if you want a real modern tube the alg tubes ($110) are amazing for the price.

For a home defense rifle, get a GOOD light on the end of the rifle asap. I have a surefire x300 and really like it.

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What? Shooting with the MAMS is night and day. More shots ontarget is always a good thing.

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There are some good handguards available that frankly beat the RAS. The biggest question is what are you willing to spend, what do you want them to do that the MOE doesn’t, and whether or not you are willing/able to either install a more solid rail or have someone do it for you. Getting rid of the front sight tower opens you up for a better selection of rail options. One of my favorite handguards is the KAC URX3.1, but it requires someone with the right tools and knowledge for installation.



Yes, I do work for KAC, and yes, the Mod 1 and ECC were primary drivers in making the decision to come here.

If you don’t want to do much work, and/or don’t want to cut down or replace the standard A-frame, of what I have used, I do like the Centurion Arms options.
The most direct drop-on, with an increase in capability, is the C4 Rail, Carbine Length Cutout Rail Handguard. It puts rails out beside the front sight base, so you can at least push a rail-mounted light out of the critical grip area on the HG. The only work you have to do is cut off the delta-ring and spring, and pull off the handguard end-cap just behind the FSB. It is, of course, much easier if you have the tools and ability to pull the FSB and barrel nut, but not absolutely required. You can see them over at centurionarms.com.

BUIS:
The Troy’s are decent, as are the MagPul Pros and the KAC 200-600 Micros.

Compensator:
If you aren’t trying to be competitive in some fast-paced gun game, I would recommend getting a decent flash-hider that will double as a suppressor mount, because suppressors are cool and everyone should have one. If muzzle movement during shot strings is a concern, I would generally opt for a longer than carbine gas system and an A5 receiver extension with appropriate spring and buffer. If you don’t want to change barrel, just going to an A5 setup will do more for the overall system, and will positively improve recoil characteristics.

Aimpoint Pro:
Great red-dot. Plenty of good options out there right now. If I was buying a new dot right now, I’d probably opt for the Aimpoint T-2. Footprint, size, and weight are awesome for an optic that is so robust and simple. I have a preference for 1-n variables, however, the good ones are a sizeable investment and are over-kill for many.

A vertical grip is a good addition, if you know how to use it. Avoid the added expense, weight, and size of the ones that include some kind of pseudo-bipod in them. For may uses, a simple hand-stop will get you the same net gain at a lower weight and protrusion.

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My answers up top in red.

For sling mounts the 2 below are hard to beat.

https://danieldefense.com/mounts/sling/rail-mount-qd-swivel-attachment-point-w-swivel.html

https://www.gearsector.com/browse/category/mounts/picatinny-rail-mounts/rail-mount-inline-qd-swivels/

I’m a Surefire whore. When it comes to weapon lights; I want rugged, bright, clear and good battery life. I feel I get that with the SF lights. I run Scout lights on all of my rifles in a Haley Strategic SBR Thorntail mount. Simple, easy, light weight and it pushes the light out to where it’s comfortable to use/actuate with thumbs.

http://www.haleystrategic.com/store/thorntail_sbr.php

Vertical grips are an end user like/don’t like thing. I like them and use them. I prefer the KAC over many others that I have used. As for the grip on an AR; I’m an A2 grip guy. I’ve tried many different Magpul, Stark, Ergo etc. I always go back to installing the A2. It just works and it’s cheap.

If I were to do it all over again all of my rifles would be setup exactly like this; Colt 6920, KAC RIS/Vertical grip, SF Scout/Thorntail SBR, SOPMOD, DD QD sling mount, Vickers Sling, SD-C trigger, KAC 200-600M BUIS, Aimpoint Micro 4 MOA/LaRue 660, A2 FH.

But that’s just me.

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This guy and his pictures…

I don’t think you actually shoot these things………

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Congratulations on your 6920, and also spending the money where it counts: training and ammo!

Troy BUIS are amazing, and I’ve dealt with Troy’s customer service department to replace a pair that I broke. (Not sure how but I did) they replaced them and had them shipped to me ASAP. You get what you pay for with them in all the good ways.

Muzzle devices: BCM mod 0 is a great device, but figure what you want- flash suppression or compensation of recoil? There are a lot of good devices on the market, it just depends what you are looking for. The A2 is still excellent. Don’t fix what isn’t broken for want of marginal gain.

A Magpul trigger guard (the metal one) will make your fingers happy. I like them a lot.

Recently I’ve been shooting with a B5 systems modified angle grip, and like it much better than other styles that I have tried. It’s also relieved a lot of stress on my wrists. Personal preference though.

Rail systems are largely personal preference, but if you’re going to do it as a drop in option, figure out your mounting system that you want to get on board with first: M-LOK, Keymod, 1913 rails etc. Go and handle rifles with the rail systems and decide for yourself based on your needs and requirements. Good rail systems are easy to come by now from a multitude of reputable companies.

Also, look into a light that fits your requirements- too much power and you will defeat yourself through blinding yourself if you’re inside a building. I like the Surefire Mini Scouts, but am looking at an Arisaka setup for my other upper receiver.

Also, the Grip Stop is my preferred vertical foregrip/angled foregrip option. It’s very durable, doesn’t have a large footprint and won’t snag on kit like a VFG does on occasion. It works great on barriers too.

The bottom line is to identify what you want your 6920 to be, and what the use of the rifle is. Then build out from there.

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Here’s a picture of my current setup

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I’d skip the Battlecomp. Money better invested in a red dot sight. I love my Aimpoint H-1 in a qd ADM mount. Or a better trigger if yours leaves a little to be desired. Those are the first upgrades I did to my 6920.

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Not a huge fan of comps in general especially if your running classes. Stick with the a2 you will appreciate it later

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