Was set on 6920 as my first AR but not sure now

[Yoseff]

First let me say I’m very glad I found this site and am amazed at the info here, it’s costing me sleep…

Here’s my situation, always wanted an AR, my grandmother left me some money which I figured I’d use to purchase my first AR with, figure it’ll have more meaning than a new flat screen tv that’ll get junked in 5 years, thus, I plan to keep this gun forever and pass down to my kids, it will be the last gift from her…

Second, I’m in the police academy now and there is a chance I could use this as a duty weapon depending on if/which agency I go to work for…

I had decided on the colt 6920, this seems like a popular choice for what I want and looks hard to beat for the money ($1200 total). But, then I start reading on this site and see the Danial Defense offerings from G & R tactical which looks like a great customized gun for around the same $$$.

My question now is which gun to choose, from my very limited research, seems the colt would hold it’s value better but that the G & R built is probably a “more useful” weapon. Again, the catch here is that it’s my first AR, that I plan to keep, forever. Any suggestions? If you do suggest the G & R, any must have upgrades?

[Belmont31R]

I would get the Colt. Its probably the most accepted in the LE realm, and you might hit an agency that only allows such and such brands. From reading LEO’s posts here it seems the 6920 is nearly unnivserally accepted as a duty weapon when an agency has a list of what you can use. Some of the more AR specific brands like DD and Noveske, although very good in their own right, are probably not going to be on an agencies list. Or you may luck out and find you just have to run through the qual course with your own gun (no matter what is is)…the 6920 is a safe bet.

Also Colt is the best off the shelf AR you can get. In terms of materials, QC, etc.

You can find new KAC RAS rail sets for $150 if you look around. They are standard issue on mil guns now, and a tried and tested setup.

[Abraxas]

Personally, were I you I would go for the 6920 for the reasons mentioned by Belmont31R. My only suggested up grade would be a set of DD rails

[Reddevil]

You can’t go wrong with either. However as mentioned, if you agency allows POWs, I guarantee the Colt will be on it but I doubt the DD will because they’re fairly new. Were not allowed POW M4 rifles but are issued Colt M4 14.5" select fires and they have run great even when issued to those who are unfamiliar to the AR platform.

[Bimmer]

@Yoseff

… seems the Colt would hold it’s value better but that the G&R built is probably a “more useful” weapon… I plan to keep it forever.

If you’re going to keep it forever, then its only “value” is its usefulness to you.

If it were me, I wouldn’t even consider a carbine-length gas system, which eliminates Colt.

Bimmer

[Chameleox]

@Belmont31R

I would get the Colt. Its probably the most accepted in the LE realm, and you might hit an agency that only allows such and such brands. From reading LEO’s posts here it seems the 6920 is nearly unnivserally accepted as a duty weapon when an agency has a list of what you can use. Some of the more AR specific brands like DD and Noveske, although very good in their own right, are probably not going to be on an agencies list. Or you may luck out and find you just have to run through the qual course with your own gun (no matter what is is)…the 6920 is a safe bet.

Also Colt is the best off the shelf AR you can get. In terms of materials, QC, etc.

You can find new KAC RAS rail sets for $150 if you look around. They are standard issue on mil guns now, and a tried and tested setup.

+1 to this.
Also consider that a lot of agencies that allow personal ARs will mandate that they have to fit in the in-car rack, otherwise ride in the trunk. Depending on what you put on yours (rails, optics, etc), it may or may not fit. Ergo, it rides with the spare tire and the road spikes. Consider this when adding aftermarket parts. I had the option of doing so, but then I’d have to put my gun in the trunk, where I’ll be less likely to go when I get out of my car, and can’t reach when I can’t get to my trunk. For me, less is more in this case.

[tip2oo3]

@Chameleox

+1 to this.
Also consider that a lot of agencies that allow personal ARs will mandate that they have to fit in the in-car rack, otherwise ride in the trunk. Depending on what you put on yours (rails, optics, etc), it may or may not fit. Ergo, it rides with the spare tire and the road spikes. Consider this when adding aftermarket parts. I had the option of doing so, but then I’d have to put my gun in the trunk, where I’ll be less likely to go when I get out of my car, and can’t reach when I can’t get to my trunk. For me, less is more in this case.

I’m not saying you are wrong for your way of thinking, but my AR rides in the trunk. If I need something to grab in a hurry, I’m reaching for an 870 over my ar. I carry my AR in the cruiser primarily when acting as an assisting unit. If I have time to set up I will grab the AR.

Yoseff, Build what you want to build and worry about future departments guidelines later. You never know what kind of policy will be in effect. The DD rifle from G&r would be a great first AR in my own opinion.

[Chameleox]

That works if you
A) have an 870 in your passenger compartment, and
B) have real ammo for it
Both A and B have to be met. I can’t meet A or B, per policy.

[buggsb]

@Belmont31R

I would get the Colt. Its probably the most accepted in the LE realm, and you might hit an agency that only allows such and such brands. From reading LEO’s posts here it seems the 6920 is nearly unnivserally accepted as a duty weapon when an agency has a list of what you can use. Some of the more AR specific brands like DD and Noveske, although very good in their own right, are probably not going to be on an agencies list. Or you may luck out and find you just have to run through the qual course with your own gun (no matter what is is)…the 6920 is a safe bet.

.

+1 …this is sound advice. Most agencies have the Colt on their “approved list”

[tip2oo3]

@Chameleox

That works if you
A) have an 870 in your passenger compartment, and
B) have real ammo for it
Both A and B have to be met. I can’t meet A or B, per policy.

Ouch, policies can be a bitch. Be safe brother.

[NCHornet]

@Belmont31R

I would get the Colt. Its probably the most accepted in the LE realm, and you might hit an agency that only allows such and such brands. From reading LEO’s posts here it seems the 6920 is nearly unnivserally accepted as a duty weapon when an agency has a list of what you can use. Some of the more AR specific brands like DD and Noveske, although very good in their own right, are probably not going to be on an agencies list. Or you may luck out and find you just have to run through the qual course with your own gun (no matter what is is)…the 6920 is a safe bet.

Also Colt is the best off the shelf AR you can get. In terms of materials, QC, etc.

You can find new KAC RAS rail sets for $150 if you look around. They are standard issue on mil guns now, and a tried and tested setup.

+1 Exactly what O would say. My 6920 arrived yesterday and it is a very nice rifle. I too will pass this one down to my son, and his sons son. Colt will more than likely still be around, will Spikes, Stag, RRA? ???

[BufordTJustice]

You can get the same quality at a much lower price from an LMT complete lower and BCM upper. Can’t go wrong with Colt, but you pay more for the name. I’ve got a BCM upper and Spike’s Tactical lower for my patrol carbine. You can afford a nice eotech or aimpoint for the money you save between a BCM setup and a colt 6920. Also, the Colt is not offered in midlength. Every agency is different tho, so get what you can.