Basically I asked because every time I see an AR newbie ask about certain AR’s, I always see responses like, “you need to make sure this is properly staked”, or " Add H-buffer", or “crane O-ring this” etc.
Are these just preliminary steps to take when buying any AR, or is it different with Colt’s? I hear people say that Colt’s can be left stock and it the perfect fighting rifle etc. Help would be appreciated.
If you’re getting an LE model (6920/6721/6520 etc) it’ll already have a H buffer and it’ll be staked well at the carrier key and castle nut. Adding a Crane O-ring to the extractor is a very good idea especially if you plan to shoot 5.56mm NATO pressure ammo with that rifle.
any and all Colts are ready to go right out of the box, pay no attention to those who suggest changing, altering or modifying a Colt AR-15, to me a Colt AR-15 is not only a fine firearm it is an heirloom for your kids, Grand kids, and all who will follow !!
Yes, there is always something that needs to be changed with any new Colt. You will need to take it out of that flimsy, plain manilla box it comes in, and get a better case to transport it in. I just know that Bushmaster gives you a somewhat nice , lockable, padded case, a $16.95 value for free. That should certainly seal the deal. Bushmaster because of the case. A value, indeed!
unless they have changed in the last year the cases I seen from Bushmaster are just barely better than the cardboard box.
Hey, when I get my new Colt, I’m going to shoot through the box.
The biggest change should be to add more mags (Pmags) and ammo.
Get a “Gapper” plug. That was the best “mod” made to mine. 
Your knuckle will thank you.
Or put in a Magpul Enhanced Trigger Guard instead…
I put KNS Gen 2 Trigger/Hammer Pins, BCM 5-coil extractor spring and insert, and a LaRue BUIS on both of mine right out of the box.
(Did I need to? No- It’s a Colt)
I would change the A2 grip and add a better sling than what comes with it, but that is it.
C4
An option with a Colt is Specialized Armament / Ken Elmore’s reliability package.
Nice!
If you get the Colt it is set and ready to roll. Get a better grip and some good oil. And enjoy it. That is a great rifle and really does not need anything. Nuff said, shoot it and love it.
Other than all the fun accouchements you can add on… Only since it is a carbine to improve extraction reliability the only other thing I would add to the Colt 6920 if you are using 5.56 ammo … would be the crane -O-Ring or the D-Fender.
I thought the Colts came with the crane o-ring.
The 6920 DOES come with a Black extractor spring enhancer. But unless they have been adding the O ring to the extractor just recently (as I purchased my 6920 new 4 months ago) there was no o ring under the extractor. I had an extra D-Fender so I installed it the day I purchased it.
Well I’ve made up my mind. I guess I have a little more saving to do but the 6920 it is. Everyone and there mother swears by it, and I imagine most of you know what you’re talking about so… BTW what kind of gas system does it come with. I hear everyone say that the mid-length gas systems are the best. I imagine one of these can be got if the rifle doesn’t come with one?
Colt doesnt make a middy currently. Carbine only for the 6920.
Middy uppers are VERY popular and can be picked up many places for a modest price depending on how you want it configured
I am in the process of adding a middy 14.5 Sabre Defence upper to my Colt 6920 Lower.
Cut it down to what it is supposed to be, 14(1/2) inches.