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Posted: 1/4/2014 4:11:44 AM EDT
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I am debating between an LE6940 or the 6920 SOCOM.
It seems the primary concern that comes up in the forum is that the 6940 has too short of a rail? So, I looked at both side by side. The quad rail on the 6940 and the 6920 SOCOM have just as much space, so what on earth are people saying that the 6940 has a short rail for? What could you possibly want to fit on all four rails on a 6920, that you can't seem to pull it off with the 6940? Maybe it's because I'm in the Marines, that I feel anything other than your optic and maybe a light is just stupidly unneeded. And if you can mount an optic, and fold down the front sight, that's just awesome. People try to emulate the military, but in my taste, I want something more unique than what I train with. The SOCOM still seems attractive though, but I fear people shy away from the 6940 because "it's not exactly like what the military uses" My theory is, the people who say the 6940 has a short rail are concerned they can't ever extend past the FSB due to the one piece monolithic rail. There are free float rails that allow more rail space, beyond the FSB. But the Marine in me says it looks like horse crap. What practical application could you possibly wish to suit you needs, that requires rails beyond the front sight? People don't seem to say "the SOCOM rail is too short" so why do they say the 6940 is, when it's the same exact amount of space, with actually more on the top continuous rail? Another quip people seem to have. The 6940 has a different barrel nut, and isn't as easily changed out. How many thousands upon thousands of rounds do you plan on shooting out of your rifle to worry about swapping barrels? By then, you'll probably have interest in just buying another rifle entirely. We're talking years and years and thousands of dollars spent on ammo. If you have that kind of money, just get a new rifle. I feel the 6940 doesn't get enough credit, mostly from those who say "well, the 6920 has more options, I'll upgrade down the road" and then those people just slap on a quad rail on it and call it a day, without the benefit of the free floated barrel of the 6940 |
| I guess I was just surprised by the overwhelming opinion that the 6940 doesn't have enough rail space. But that logic astounds me when you look at a standard issue M4A1, and it has just as much. But people just bash the 6940 because they can't change it if even if they wanted to. It's like when people were worried they couldn't buy AR's, people who never thought of buying an AR suddenly wanted one because they were told they might not be able to have one. The same logic applies to the 6940. 98% of people will never find a practical reason to ever have more rail space than the 6940 already offers, but because they can't change that, they say it doesn't have "as many options". Oh really? Like what? Having a laser beam mounted beyond the FSB? Is there something I'm missing? Then, they buy a $40 UTG rail, and slap in on their 6920, and have the same amount of space. |
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Quoted:
I've got both and the SOCOM sees more range time than the 6940. The 6940 is an accurate shooter, but so too is the SOCOM. Though my most accurate 16" shooter is a 6721; purchased it from a Member here on the EE. what entices you to take the SOCOM out over the 6940? I'm actually curious, not trying to sound condescending. |
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I am a big fan of the 6940. If you like that length of rail then it is a much better choice than getting a 6920. I have a 6920 with a dd lite rail and ARMS flip up front sight. I am always jealous of the pinned folding fsp on the 6940, and I know that the monolithic upper is a little tougher than my DD rail ( which I consider the strongest rail system on the market).
If you like the way a 6940 looks the. I say go for it! It's a Cadillac of a rifle |
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My 6940 is the most accurate AR Ive ever seen. Its crazy good. Everyone that shoots it is like wow. If thats what you want over flexibility to swap rails, barrels easily and cheaply, it is a no brainer. The changes colt made make it a more accurate platform.
That said, the modern mall ninjas usually like the looong rails so they can stick their hands out like in Magpul training videos. Thats where the critique of the 6940 standard carbine length rail comes in. And You cant change your mind later. A 6920 offers you the ability to play ar lego more. You just need to decide which you want. Id recommend a 6920 to most people, because its already good enough for most shooters and is more flexible platform for less money. If you understand what youre getting with the 6940, and decide thats what you want, its a very good and capable weapon. |
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If you want a 6940 by all means get one. I think it is a quality rifle. I like mine. I don't shoot it as much as my others. The reason for that is I prefer round FF hand guards.
But to have a Mono FF rail, on a rifle is better to me than a 6920 without one. I have one of those too. One of my favorite little shooters is a 6920 with the hand guard changed out to the old round A1 style. Not fond of the M4 style hand guard. Hell it's your money buy what you want. NOT what someone tells you, you need. 
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| very good point. I would consider this as well. Maybe buying the SOCOM, and then buying a 6940 upper. But I like the 6940 right now, and the only reason I'm digging the SOCOM is the M4A1 roll mark. It also has an H2 buffer. Does that help mitigate recoil, and retain target acquisition? |
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Quoted:
what entices you to take the SOCOM out over the 6940? I'm actually curious, not trying to sound condescending. Quoted:
Quoted:
I've got both and the SOCOM sees more range time than the 6940. The 6940 is an accurate shooter, but so too is the SOCOM. Though my most accurate 16" shooter is a 6721; purchased it from a Member here on the EE. what entices you to take the SOCOM out over the 6940? I'm actually curious, not trying to sound condescending. Heavier barrel provides (at least to Me) better accuracy. Though I'm sure there will some who would argue the FF barrel provides better accuracy; just a matter of preference I suppose. And no worries about your question; I too would be asking anything and everything before parting with $1K+... |
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I guess the right answer depends on what your plans are for the rifle.
From an accuracy perspective between the 6940 and the 6920 SOCOM, I'd almost have to say its likely a wash. I notice very little 'practical accuracy' differences between my 6940's and 6920 in short range (0-200 meters) on the bench. This using bulk M193 or M855. Longer ranges, with match ammo, the differences are much more apparent. Especially using a sling to crank down on. That's where the free float barrel of the 6940 will really shine. No pressure on the barrel, whereas the POI will change on the 6920 when you crank down on it. I believe the 6940 is a better choice with magnified optics. The flip down front sight, continuous rail, and the rigidity of the monolithic upper translates into a better upper for optics. At least, in my humble opinion. Bottom line, it boils down to personal choice, based on what you choose to do with your carbine. If it were me to do all over again, I would buy a 6940. It's more in line for my needs, but your mileage may vary. Like I said before, you can always buy or build a second upper for your 6940. Just a quick look on Gunbroker shows 6940 uppers going for $1K+, and 6920 uppers going for much less (even the SOCOM uppers). For my money, I'd buy the complete 6940 (at around $1250-1350) and buy a 6920 (SOCOM) upper later. Slightly cheaper overall. But that's just me. I'm quite sure you'll be happy with either choice you make. |
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The length of the rail doesn't only mean how many stuff you could hang there, some people shoot with their support arm way out to the front past the front sight of a carbine gas system.
Colt will have a new model 6940 sometimes this year which will have a long same monolithic handguard but will have no rails at the sides and bottom, it will be a modular system that will have short rails that the user could attach wherever they prefer, it will also have an extension forward of the front sight, and the big change is that it will have an ambidextrous lower receiver controls. Check this vid during Nov 2013 NASGW show in TX which shown some 2014 new models. NASGW 2014 Colt Tactical Rifles - video link |
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The only issue I have with the 6940 is that you will never be able to add more railspace. With the 6920 you can knock off the FSB and throw on a DD M4A1 RISII, or any other rail you could possibly want. Impossible to do with the 6940.
Also, you will need a unique barrel wrench; you can't use a standard AR15/M16 barrel wrench on it. |
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Quoted:
I am debating between an LE6940 or the 6920 SOCOM. It seems the primary concern that comes up in the forum is that the 6940 has too short of a rail? So, I looked at both side by side. The quad rail on the 6940 and the 6920 SOCOM have just as much space, so what on earth are people saying that the 6940 has a short rail for? What could you possibly want to fit on all four rails on a 6920, that you can't seem to pull it off with the 6940? Maybe it's because I'm in the Marines, that I feel anything other than your optic and maybe a light is just stupidly unneeded. And if you can mount an optic, and fold down the front sight, that's just awesome. People try to emulate the military, but in my taste, I want something more unique than what I train with. The SOCOM still seems attractive though, but I fear people shy away from the 6940 because "it's not exactly like what the military uses" My theory is, the people who say the 6940 has a short rail are concerned they can't ever extend past the FSB due to the one piece monolithic rail. There are free float rails that allow more rail space, beyond the FSB. But the Marine in me says it looks like horse crap. What practical application could you possibly wish to suit you needs, that requires rails beyond the front sight? People don't seem to say "the SOCOM rail is too short" so why do they say the 6940 is, when it's the same exact amount of space, with actually more on the top continuous rail? Another quip people seem to have. The 6940 has a different barrel nut, and isn't as easily changed out. How many thousands upon thousands of rounds do you plan on shooting out of your rifle to worry about swapping barrels? By then, you'll probably have interest in just buying another rifle entirely. We're talking years and years and thousands of dollars spent on ammo. If you have that kind of money, just get a new rifle. I feel the 6940 doesn't get enough credit, mostly from those who say "well, the 6920 has more options, I'll upgrade down the road" and then those people just slap on a quad rail on it and call it a day, without the benefit of the free floated barrel of the 6940 I'm a marine as well, and i like the 6940 in every way! This isn't boot camp, where we are doing drill and trying to slap hand guards off. Another thing which I do have a good sense of feeling and trust is that like the rifles I was issued through out the corps, it has always been a Colt. And I've never had a failure of any kind! I've read posts about colts failing and such, hasn't happened to me, I takee care of my rifles, and I have not had one of the rare ones every manufacturer will put out one of the few times. I enjoy the free float barrel as well. |
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So, in conclusion:
SOCOM: an undeniably badass rifle. Though, there is a premium to be paid. That premium is to be as close as possible to a M4A1. More expensive than the 6940, AND on top of that extra cost, to achieve a FF setup would probably run an extra $400 dollars, bringing the total of the rifle to $2K to get it where the 6940 already is out of the box. Even after free floating, you still won't have the flip down sight like the 6940 does. To mod the the front sight base for a flip down sight would add even more cost. The best option would be to just buy a SOCOM and leave it alone, as more of a collectors rifle. Modding would defeat the purpose. Might as well just buy a stock 6920 if I ever planned on modding, than defacing a SOCOM. LE6940: already FF, with the best practical optics mounting option considering the front sight folds down. Less money than the SOCOM, and more practical from the start. Can the SOCOM be just as practical? Well, how much more money do you want to spend to get it to where the 6940 already is? Has more of a "custom" flair, but you better like it how it comes, which for 99% of real world shooting application, is more than awesome. I think I have made my choice. LE6940 FTW! |
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Quoted:
So, in conclusion: SOCOM: an undeniably badass rifle. Though, there is a premium to be paid. More expensive than the 6940, AND on top of that extra cost, to achieve a FF setup would probably run an extra $400 dollars, bringing the total of the rifle to $2K to get it where the 6940 already is out of the box. Even after free floating, you still won't have the flip down sight like the 6940 does. To mod the the front sight base for a flip down sight would add even more cost. The best option would be to just buy a SOCOM and leave it alone, as more of a collectors rifle. Modding would defeat the purpose. Might as well just buy a stock 6920 if I ever planned on modding, than defacing a SOCOM. LE6940: already FF, with the best practical optics mounting option considering the front sight folds down. Less money than the SOCOM, and more practical from the start. Can the SOCOM be just as practical? Well, how much more money do you want to spend to get it to where this rifle already is? Has more of a "custom" flair, but you better like it as is, which for 99% of real world shooting application, is more than awesome. I think I have made my choice. LE6940 FTW! I mostly agree with your logic. The free-floating thing is generally overemphasized though. I'll take it if I can get it, but on a fighting gun you are really not going to see any difference. If you are shooting from a bench or well supported position, it comes into play, but even then if you are looking for supreme accuracy, you want a stainless barrel, match grade ammo, and top quality optics anyway. A lot of guys shoot cheap, steel cased ammo and then think if they get a free-float rail that they will all of a sudden be shooting MOA. If you're in the middle of a carbine course and your groups start to open up, I can assure you that it is not attributable to the lack of a free-floated barrel. The 6940 is not for me, but it is a great carbine and nearly everyone that owns one is very pleased with the accuracy. Pick one up and shoot the hell out of it. |
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this is how I roll. <a href="http://s48.photobucket.com/user/jwb47/media/007.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f247/jwb47/007.jpg</a> That is one sexy rifle. |
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It won't matter if you get the 6940 now or later. Once the BRD takes hold, you'll end up with both the SOCOM and 6940 eventually; right now you're just trying to figure out which rifle you want to shoot first. Trust me, when I purchased my first AR a some years back, I had no intention of ever buying another; that's before BRD found its way to my wallet.
Whichever bang stick you decide to go with, you're picking two top tier rifles. Post pics upon purchase... |
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Have a couple of questions.... What size rails for the 6940...length for rail covers? If I didn't like the Matech rear sight what other rear is recommended? Any differences in height? Standard carbine rail covers . I'm using the Troy rail covers on both of mine. I like the Matech sight, but some people prefer the KAS. The 2013 and later 6940's come with a Magpul rear sight. |
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Quoted:
It won't matter if you get the 6940 now or later. Once the BRD takes hold, you'll end up with both the SOCOM and 6940 eventually; right now you're just trying to figure out which rifle you want to shoot first. Trust me, when I purchased my first AR a some years back, I had no intention of ever buying another; that's before BRD found its way to my wallet. Whichever bang stick you decide to go with, you're picking two top tier rifles. Post pics upon purchase... This right here. Even if you don't know it yet, right now you are merely deciding which one to get first. Chances are you will eventually own them both 
Although I do own a 6940, I've standardized on the 6920 because I prefer old school Surefire M500 forends: 
I'll readily admit that my preference is not the norm
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Quoted:
Standard carbine rail covers . I'm using the Troy rail covers on both of mine. I like the Matech sight, but some people prefer the KAS. The 2013 and later 6940's come with a Magpul rear sight. Quoted:
Quoted:
Have a couple of questions.... What size rails for the 6940...length for rail covers? If I didn't like the Matech rear sight what other rear is recommended? Any differences in height? Standard carbine rail covers . I'm using the Troy rail covers on both of mine. I like the Matech sight, but some people prefer the KAS. The 2013 and later 6940's come with a Magpul rear sight. Thank you sir |
| GT Distributors has them for $1289. http://www.gtdist.com/ProductDetail.aspx?PartNumber=COLT-LE6940 |
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