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Posted: 8/9/2017 8:34:48 PM EDT
[#1]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Okay, so I ordered the SOCOM rile, and then got an email that the Expanse 14.5" Heavy also came available briefly today. Sorry to be so dense, but what is the attraction with the Expanse Heavy (aka SOCOM) if you can buy the SOCOM? Just that it is cheaper, if you don't want an M4A1 roll-marked lower? |
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Posted: 8/9/2017 9:50:01 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Not a ridiculous question. I should really do my comparison vid on my youtube channel sooner. Anywho, the Expanse HB (SOCOM) is a pretty good deal if you don't care about the rollmark and some of the Colt branded parts. Expanse HB will have a 6 position (unknown material) mil-spec receiver extension. Socom has the Colt 7075 4 position receiver extension. Expanse has an M4 lower, while the SOCOM has the M4A1. The FCG in the expanse appears to be colt, but the mag catch is one piece and not Colt. The SOCOM has the riveted colt mag catch. The SOCOM also has the correct F2 pistol grip (matte dry finish), while the Expanse has the F3 shiney pistol grip. Both have the P&S marked buttstock, but the SOCOM also has the Colt Cage code on it. Upper on the SOCOM is marked C on the Ejection side and M4 on the front, while the expanse doesn't have the C or the M4 markings, but has a serial number on the inside of the upper, where the charging handle lies. The BCG on the Expanse is missing the C, and the bolt is MP marked. The SCOOM has the C on the carrier and MPC on the bolt. Both are staked properly and have the chrome lining. The barrel on the Expanse is a Chrome lined SOCOM 14.5" with the 203 cuts, but has an abortion of a 5/8 flash hider with a bushing to go down to the barrel threading. The SOCOM has a slightly nicer pinned flash hider and also has the side sling swivel. The Expanse has no rear sight, while the SOCOM has the Matech sight. The SOCOM also has the Colt ambi safety, while the Expanse has a regular safety. I bought a bunch of Expanses for $533 shipped, but changed some of the parts (RE, mag catch, safety, side sling and removed the pinned flash hider). That's about it. |
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Posted: 8/10/2017 9:16:56 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Not a ridiculous question. I should really do my comparison vid on my youtube channel sooner. Anywho, the Expanse HB (SOCOM) is a pretty good deal if you don't care about the rollmark and some of the Colt branded parts. |
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Posted: 8/10/2017 1:01:47 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
very thoughtfully done, thanks. Yes, that is an ugly FH on the Expanse. |
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Posted: 8/10/2017 2:01:16 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
My pleasure. Thanks for pointing out about the hand-guard difference to the above poster. SOCOM comes with the KAC RAS, 3 panels and the KAC foregrip. The expanse comes with slim single heatshield plastic handguards. |
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Posted: 8/10/2017 2:06:19 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
My SOCOM came with 4 rail panels and not with the KAC Foregrip. I'll check this evening and report back, Colt Brethren. |
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Posted: 8/10/2017 2:17:38 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Where was it from? Mine from Grabagun came with the grip, but I didn't check in the plastic sleeve for the one I got from Bud's. Now I'm worried. I'll check this evening and report back, Colt Brethren. |
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Posted: 8/10/2017 2:19:16 PM EDT
[#8]
Mine had 3 panels installed, 1 panel in the sealed Colt accessory pack, and a Knights grip wrapped in the vinyl rail pack laying loose in the cardboard box. It came from Buds.
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Posted: 8/10/2017 9:21:42 PM EDT
[#9]
Just double checked my Bud's SOCOM. It had 3 panels installed, one in the bag with the mag and the VFG in the KAC pouch. Thank God!
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Posted: 8/10/2017 9:47:18 PM EDT
[#10]
Well, I guess I got screwed out of the VFG and pouch.
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Posted: 8/11/2017 11:58:01 AM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Well, I guess I got screwed out of the VFG and pouch. |
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Posted: 8/20/2017 8:13:13 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Gentlemen, I do appreciate your responses. Last night I spent a good while cleaning up the weapon and thoroughly inspecting it. Now that the dust has settled, let me just say I apologize for being a crazy bridezila b*tch, bike trailer queen, dramatic Debbie downer....call it what you will. I JUST WANTED IT TO BE PERFECT!! hahahaha  . The rifle is fine. I know most ARs will have some receiver play due to having only two quick release takedown pins, and aluminum anodizing isn't close to the toughest finish money can buy.
Really, I blame NE_Guardsman for setting the bar too high ...kidding, but seriously, this thing is pretty damn cool. This is my first personal AR, and my first Colt. I really wasn't too sure what to expect nor what to accept. Like I said though, after really running through the gun, I think it is just fine. I will call my FFL today to find out if they removed the gun from the bag and ripped the box in the process....not cool.
I understand this thing is a tool, and it will be used as such. I just prefer to be the one to scuff my tools, especially my expensive ones. I will be loading up here shortly and heading out to the range. I will report back later with my range findings. Cheers, Bobby I have no idea how to add pictures to these posts, otherwise I'd be happy to show y'all what I'm whining about I learned my lesson as well on my first online purchase of a Colt LE6920. I was fortunate enough that the dealer allowed me to return the firearm. Th A2 fixed front sight had made it ways out the bag, the Colt box, and the shipping box. Mine was more than just cosmetic, it was canted as well. From then on, I always do a complete inspection for functionality. Enjoy! -Todd |
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Posted: 8/20/2017 8:19:52 PM EDT
[#13]
For those who ordered these, I am glad they came with the KAC rail. I remember this being a big stink when they switched to the Troy rail.
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Posted: 8/24/2017 2:43:16 PM EDT
[#14]
I just picked mine up from my FFL yesterday. Ordered from Buds. Did NOT have the kac pouch with grip in the box. It had the 4th rail cover in the bag with lock, mag etc... Guess I need to call colt and see if they will send me one... Does have some nicks in the anodizing, but' Its a colt. Im okay with the a2ish flash hider, but may change it out?? If I want to put the DD RIS II FSP fail on it I guess I would need to remove the FSP, and FH? Or are you able to put it on another way? Im not familiar with the ris II
This was before I even wiped the factory oil off... 
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Posted: 8/24/2017 2:52:50 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I just picked mine up from my FFL yesterday. Ordered from Buds. Did NOT have the kac pouch with grip in the box. It had the 4th rail cover in the bag with lock, mag etc... Guess I need to call colt and see if they will send me one... Does have some nicks in the anodizing, but' Its a colt. Im okay with the a2ish flash hider, but may change it out?? If I want to put the DD RIS II FSP fail on it I guess I would need to remove the FSP, and FH? Or are you able to put it on another way? Im not familiar with the ris II This was before I even wiped the factory oil off... https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4346/36641283881_92d806cef4_o.jpg |
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Posted: 8/24/2017 7:27:17 PM EDT
[#16]
Im surprised these are still in stock. FN seems to think their version is worth $500 more.
Maybe now we will stop seeing the ridiculous price of $800-$1000 for a M4A1 lower receiver in the equipment exchange. I can't believe guys were paying that for a lower receiver just for the M4A1 roll mark. I bought a 6720 from buds and its the nicest Colt Ive ever owned. All the other Colts Ive had had machine marks somewhere on them but this 6720 is superb. I may have to layaway one of the M4A1s as we all know when Colt stops making them you'll see guys selling them for the FN prices of $1600..maybe even upwards of $1800 for the die hard Colt boys Im either getting one of thee M4A1 or a like new police trade in of the 6520 Gov Carbine...my favorite Colt model of all for only $800 |
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Posted: 8/25/2017 4:24:49 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Im surprised these are still in stock. FN seems to think their version is worth $500 more. Maybe now we will stop seeing the ridiculous price of $800-$1000 for a M4A1 lower receiver in the equipment exchange. I can't believe guys were paying that for a lower receiver just for the M4A1 roll mark. I bought a 6720 from buds and its the nicest Colt Ive ever owned. All the other Colts Ive had had machine marks somewhere on them but this 6720 is superb. I may have to layaway one of the M4A1s as we all know when Colt stops making them you'll see guys selling them for the FN prices of $1600..maybe even upwards of $1800 for the die hard Colt boys Im either getting one of thee M4A1 or a like new police trade in of the 6520 Gov Carbine...my favorite Colt model of all for only $800 |
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Posted: 8/25/2017 10:19:56 PM EDT
[#18]
I had a random question about the ambi-safety that Colt uses.
Are they reversible so the short lever can be on the left side of the gun? I shoot left handed, so having the shorter lever on that side would be more comfortable. I think I have a lead on a SOCOM, and when I was looking at some photos, it made me wonder. |
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Posted: 8/25/2017 11:44:47 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I had a random question about the ambi-safety that Colt uses. Are they reversible so the short lever can be on the left side of the gun? I shoot left handed, so having the shorter lever on that side would be more comfortable. I think I have a lead on a SOCOM, and when I was looking at some photos, it made me wonder. |
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Posted: 8/27/2017 12:57:15 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Yep! I'm a southpaw, and I swapped mine around. FYI...unlike the single side reversible Colt safety, I had to pull the the hammer out first before it would slide out. |
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Posted: 8/27/2017 1:09:12 AM EDT
[#21]
Drive out hammer retaining pin (uncocked of course). There will still be some spring tension so be careful if you haven't done it before. Should let enough pressure off the trigger/disconnector...IIRC I didn't have to do anything there. Unscrew grip enough to get the spring/detent out. Swap you selector around. Put back in reverse order.
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Posted: 8/27/2017 1:45:29 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Drive out hammer retaining pin (uncocked of course). There will still be some spring tension so be careful if you haven't done it before. Should let enough pressure off the trigger/disconnector...IIRC I didn't have to do anything there. Unscrew grip enough to get the spring/detent out. Swap you selector around. Put back in reverse order. |
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Posted: 8/27/2017 2:28:11 AM EDT
[#23]
The Colt two-sided ambi on my SOCOM was the first time I've had any hang ups at all. Doesn't make sense to me, but maybe it's hit and miss. Pretty sure I've read instances where guys had problems with even the single sided. Beats me, but that's what I had to do.
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Posted: 8/27/2017 7:37:31 AM EDT
[#24]
Not everything goes as planned that's for sure
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Posted: 8/31/2017 7:25:59 AM EDT
[#25]
Messed around with the shopping cart on Buds site last night out of curiosity. Tried adding 35 SOCOM's to my cart and it said out of stock. I got down to 31 before the message went away and would allow a checkout.
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Posted: 9/9/2017 6:12:43 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Expanse HB will have a 6 position (unknown material) mil-spec receiver extension. Socom has the Colt 7075 4 position receiver extension. It also seems you may be a little confused, your post clearly leads to that assumption.........You are stating that the receiver extension on the Expanse model is "mil-spec", but then go on to say the receiver extension is made from an "unknown material", that's interesting. If the receiver extension is not made from, and correctly treated 7075 aluminum, it's not really mil-spec. Since the receiver extension is not made from the correct material, it's not mil-spec, plain and simple. If you actually want mil-spec, the SOCOM carbine is your only option between the two. |
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Posted: 9/12/2017 11:26:22 PM EDT
[#27]
I got the impression he was referring more to the diameter than the materials when referring to "milspec", but I might be wrong.
I can't even remember the last time I saw a commercial diameter receiver extension. Seems like everyone went "milspec" on those. |
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Posted: 9/13/2017 8:28:06 AM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
This post is a little confusing and may actually confuse others when it comes to "mil-spec". That term is used incorrectly throughout the firearms world, especially by manufacturers trying to push their products. It also seems you may be a little confused, your post clearly leads to that assumption.........You are stating that the receiver extension on the Expanse model is "mil-spec", but then go on to say the receiver extension is made from an "unknown material", that's interesting. If the receiver extension is not made from, and correctly treated 7075 aluminum, it's not really mil-spec. Since the receiver extension is not made from the correct material, it's not mil-spec, plain and simple. If you actually want mil-spec, the SOCOM carbine is your only option between the two. Expanse has a mil-spec diameter receiver extension (unknown type of aluminum) Socom has a Mil-spec diameter made of 7075 (true mil-spec) |
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Posted: 9/21/2017 3:56:25 PM EDT
[#29]
Theyre all gone. They lasted quite a bit longer than I thought they would. Guess that might be attributed to the fact that Buds description was way off.
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Posted: 9/21/2017 5:08:27 PM EDT
[#30]
Lets get a pic on this thread...
Here is mine that I got from Buds. You can see a nik in the anodizing on the lower if you look by the top of the trigger guard towards the rear. There is one on the other side by the bottom of the magwel. I wonder if the person earlier that thought these may have been blems due to the SN ranges varying was correct. 
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Posted: 9/21/2017 6:15:02 PM EDT
[#31]
I got mine the other day. It's a Bud's gun as well.
I am very happy with this rifle. It has the typical Colt blemishes - in this case, the lower is pretty good to go, but it the upper has a lot of marks - scratches on the case deflector and forward assist that look like the upper was drug across a bench or something. A scuff on the opposite side, which also looks like the upper was drug or tossed on a bench. Nothing major, and nothing that just about every other Colt has in some for another (excluding my 6720, which was flawless). I did not get the Knight's vertical grip - no grip, no plastic "envelope" that the RAS covers come in. Seems like this is not uncommon with these. Rifle came drenched in machine oil, inside and out. Box was tight, no dents, dings, etc. Rifle cleaned up well, and is tight - tight enough I used a plastic punch to separate the upper and lower the first time I field stripped it. All I have done so far is flip the safety levers, the side sling swivel, add a Norgon ambi-catch, "gapper" and put on a Grip-Pod. This is my first 14.5 inch gun, and my first SOCOM profile barrel. My 6720 is set up almost identical - RAS, safeties, etc, and in the "tactical house clear" the SOCOM felt a bit faster around corners, etc I am going to head to the range as soon as I can, and will end up putting the rifle through its proper break-in during an instructor development course before I carry it every day, |
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Posted: 9/22/2017 5:17:28 PM EDT
[#32]
Picked mine up from the FFL (Bud's gun) about a week ago. It has usual Colt nicks in the aluminum on the upper and lower, but nothing egregious. I noticed that the lower does not have the engraved UID label on the side, which makes me assume this is a leftover older receiver. Upper and bolt carrier both have the "C" marking and bolt is "MP C" marked as to be expected. Barrel looks great and the extended flash hider isn't too much of an eyesore to me personally. Upper/lower fit is very tight and the gun ran flawlessly through the first couple hundred rounds.
The MaTech sight was adjusted almost perfectly for a 50yds zero out of the box. Not sure if that was on purpose or if I just got lucky. But I only had to make a slight change to elevation. Windage was perfect. Overall, very pleased with the gun and prefer it much over the FN collector series M4. *Edit: Mine did come with the KAC pouch that included extra rail covers and the vertical grip. |
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Posted: 9/25/2017 10:45:53 AM EDT
[#33]
FYI, Just saw a guy posting a used 6920 SOCOM on GB this morning, if someone is still looking. I want to be careful here. I am new to AR15.com, and I know there are rules, so don't want to step on any of those and post to another site, but a simple query of something like M4A1 Colt might get you to where you want to go.
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Posted: 9/26/2017 7:39:19 PM EDT
[#34]
I just got one in from Buds. It was Troy rails. A friend got P&S. Oh well, whatever Colt had in the basement ?
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Posted: 9/29/2017 11:17:02 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I just got one in from Buds. It was Troy rails. A friend got P&S. Oh well, whatever Colt had in the basement ? Only time will tell (Colt inside info is welcome), but for now, I'm ecstatic with my purchase! 
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Posted: 9/29/2017 11:19:48 PM EDT
[#36]
My rifle arrived at my FFL on Thursday (bought it from Buds through layaway) and he states it has a KAC rail system. Of course P&S looks the same.
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Posted: 9/30/2017 9:20:17 AM EDT
[#37]
Here's how mine currently stands. Still haven't shot it, dough.
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Posted: 9/30/2017 10:52:46 AM EDT
[#38]
Great looking rifle purevl.
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Posted: 10/5/2017 10:48:20 PM EDT
[#39]
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Posted: 10/6/2017 4:20:19 PM EDT
[#40]
I like the serial number tags. What is that on the SOPMOD, your toothbrush?
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Posted: 10/6/2017 4:33:52 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I like the serial number tags. What is that on the SOPMOD, your toothbrush? |
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Posted: 10/20/2017 5:30:43 AM EDT
[#42]
sigh...mine showed up at my dealer yesterday (was on buds layaway). Went to pick it up and was halfway there before I realized I forgot my ID at home so had to go back. I probably won't get to see it till next week now.
Thats the first time in memory I've ever left home without my D.L. as well. ETA: just picked mine up..no vertical fore grip :( |
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Posted: 11/6/2017 3:58:51 PM EDT
[#43]
I just want that funky new flash hider. I want a dozen of them, actually.
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Posted: 11/10/2017 10:33:07 AM EDT
[#44]
Are these still in stock anywhere? Besides Troy rails sometimes has anything changed on later guns?
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Posted: 11/11/2017 1:03:20 AM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Are these still in stock anywhere? Besides Troy rails sometimes has anything changed on later guns? |
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Posted: 11/15/2017 2:16:02 PM EDT
[#46]
The current progress as of today. Has a 553 from my block 2 CQBR Parts bin until my Acog ECOS gets in. Then need to decide on vfg, light, etc...
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Posted: 11/21/2017 2:56:28 PM EDT
[#47]
ACOG ECOS is here...
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Posted: 11/23/2017 12:42:12 AM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
ACOG ECOS is here... |
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Posted: 12/10/2017 7:10:45 PM EDT
[#49]
Lone Star Defense and Arms in Houston, TX has one in stock. http://www.defenseandarms.com/consignment-list - In consignment, but never fired.
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Posted: 12/12/2017 4:14:32 PM EDT
[#50]
Today I finally picked up my Colt 14.5" SOCOM that I bought from Bud's. It had the KAC rail system installed with four 11-rib rail covers. However, there was not a panel kit/pouch or foregrip with it.
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