I am brand new to the AR world. This disclaimer is here so if this thread comes off as naive, or I come off as naive, it is because I am naive. With that said, here goes my first thread ever about a brand new rifle…
I am getting my new Colt 6720 off of layaway in a few weeks. I purchased the Colt due to outstanding reviews and I have never owned a Colt before so I figured it was as good of time as anything to. I have had years of .223 experience but they have all been bolt action rifles. While most of this stock rifle will suit my needs while I break myself in on the AR, I would like to upgrade the rail system to something that can grow with me. Now for the questions, what are the constraints that I will need to know when looking for a rail system (length, weight, compatibility, etc…)? Also, I have been told I will need to upgrade the gas system (naive moment). How much work does this entail? Is adding a new rail system to the Colt something a novice in this type of rifle can do? Is a gunsmith required or it is as simple as exchanging parts?
Along with responses to this post, please let me know if I in any way did not follow proper thread etiquette. Since I am new all the way around I want to make sure to do things properly so I can gain as much knowledge as possible. Thank you all so much for all of your input ahead of time and I look forward to checking in and reading any/all replies.
Looks like the DD Omega 9" is what I’ll do. It’s in my budget, a good quality rail, and no gun smithing required. That is exactly what I was looking for.
I may be off here, because I didn’t go check, but if memory serves you’ll need a 7" OMEGA rail for your carbine length gas system. Verify before ordering.
The Omega X FSP carbine may be more in line with what you’re looking for.
Ok. I think my goal is to increase rail length. So a new gas system will be needed for that? That sound very gunsmith intensive. I guess I either drop in the 7" or do a re-haul. I’d hate to just start throwing parts off of my Colt so perhaps I should think about this longer
If you want to add additional space your best bet is the Centurion Arms rail with FSB cut out. You simply cut away the delta assy. There are detailed instructions on how to do it.
So it appears I can get away with a larger rail with my current Gas System if I do some mods. That leads me another question; will I gain anything from a larger Gas System? I wanted the Colt to be my base; but, I am excited about making it all it can be (though sometimes things are better left un-tampered with).
You are reading that wrong. There really is no such thing as a “larger” gas system.
Do a search on “shaving FSB”… this will explain cutting down the FSB to allow the use of a free float rail system.
Honestly, this place has little use for folks that won’t invest the time in reading the sticky topics above and using the search function to do research. I literally spent 12 hours reading topics before ordering my last rifle, you need to do so also.
Also, another tip for the thread of yours that got closed. Stay away from EBay unless you really know what you are doing. They make many SHIT copies of DD and LaRue stuff for airsoft guns. It is not good to go for a real rifle.
Honestly, this place has little use for folks that won’t invest the time in reading the sticky topics above and using the search function to do research. I literally spent 12 hours reading topics before ordering my last rifle, you need to do so…
Like I said, I’m a noob. I will gladly look at sticky’s once I know where they are and how to access them. I’m learning as I go fellas, while you have every right not not have patience with me I am thankful for those who do. I kindly ask that everyone remember they were once new too. I’m here looking for information so I can be better informed. That way one day I can be useful to others.
As far as research I have logged in way over 12 hours before getting a login here. After I got my login, I spent so much time reading I forgot my login and had to recreate an account. I’m doing the best I can. I apologize for that.
On another note, thank you so much Iraqguns!!! That is exactly what I was looking for. Now I will go in my corner and research gas systems so I am better informed.
Stickies are posts that have been “stuck” to the top of the thread list in rhe forum.
The FSB is the front sight and gas block part of your rifle. Your rifle has a carbine length gas system so it will allow 7" of full rail. IG suggested a rail with a “notch” that will go around the FSB and allow for a longer rail.
Another option is to cut down the FSB (preferred) or replace it with a low profile model, which will allow for rails longer than 7". If you do this, you will want a new front sighting system.
My advice is to get the centurion rail system with the “cutout” that will fit what you have and keep your front sight.
Also - why are you wanting a rail system? Becoming familiar with what you have may serve you better later when you decide to swap parts out.
I’m on perimeter for an accident scene right now so please excuse typos or grammar issues.
rlodi1911, congrats on your AR6720. I’d also like to buy one of those as my next AR15 Carbine. Let us know how you like it once do pick it up and put it through it’s paces.
What are you wanting a rail for? I would suggest waiting and shooting it for now until you decide if you want a regular 7" rail, carbine cutout rail or if you just want a slick 10-12" rail to place your support hand farther out.
to give you a better idea of the cutout style a couple of people have mentioned that you can use with your front sight/gas length, i’ll post a couple of pictures. starting off with accessories can be tough for the old adage “you don’t know what you don’t know.” you don’t know what things exist yet, and other things you may just not know how to word. as already mentioned, read up here as much as possible. when done with the stickies, read every thread you see, because you never know what kind of information someone may give in what seems like a mundane thread. anyway… here are a couple of pictures i snagged off google.
The first reason I was thinking about adding the rail was I am a big guy 6 foot 5". Even with the stock completely out I found myself always wanting to move my hand farther down the barrel than the 7" provided. I’m guessing some rifle retraining may be in order to properly hold and fire a carbine compared to the hunting rifles I’ve shot.
Honestly I think I got a little over zealous about all the cool configurations with carbines. It’s a big new world and I think excitement got the best of. This will most likely be my only AR for a long time (unless I plan on getting a divorce) so my mind quickly raced to modifying it unto a great all-purpose rifle.
After finding the sticky’s, reading then, and also taking all your advise into considers, I will go ahead and begin small. Enjoy the rifle for what it is and only add when I come across a purpose to do so. I am thankful today for all of you. Sometimes it’s very embarrassing to admit a lack of knowledge in firearms when you have shot for many years. You have all lend me sold, sound, and frank advise. That is the best thing I could have asked for. I will post a pick of my carbine when I get it and instead if buying a rail I will take the money and buy 1000 rounds at Cabelas Doorbuster event. They are having a great sale on Federal .223 55 gr. the store I bought my Colt from stated that’s a great weight for the 1/7" barrel twist.
Sorry for typos, I’m on my phone while getting my toddler in the car.
Have the best Thanksgiving ever folks! Be safe, aware, and Thankful!
This statement probably saved you thousands of dollars. It’s better to admit you may not know as much as you wish/think before you drop tons of money rather than figuring it out after the fact. I stumbled onto this site thinking I was quite knowledgeable about firearms. Nothing could have been farther from the truth. The single biggest lesson I’ve learned here is that I don’t know nearly as much as I thought I did.
