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AR15.COM
10/9/2005 2:34:04 PM EDT
I'm about to buy another M4gery and I can't decide between the Colt and the RRA.  All things equal (except for MP inspections and proofing) the RRA is $350 cheaper.  If I get the Colt, I'll end up putting the RRA NM trigger in it anyways, so tell me why I should get the Colt.  I've had both, better peace-of-mind with the Colt and better shooter with the RRA.  I promise I'm not trolling, just genuinely torn.
10/9/2005 4:19:52 PM EDT
[#1]
I bought two RRA A4's and can't tell you why not to like them. They were without chrome lined barrels and chambers and they are heavy barreled under the handguards, so if these are issues, better be careful how you buy.
10/9/2005 5:02:08 PM EDT
[#2]
The one I'm looking at also has a chrome-lined barrel, and the heavy barrel doesn't bother me at all.  Doesn't the 6920 have a heavy barrel?
10/9/2005 8:22:05 PM EDT
[#3]
The 6920 barrel is shaved under the handguards.
10/13/2005 3:55:26 PM EDT
[#4]
Colt and RRA are my two favorite brands of AR-both are extremely well built and well backed products.

The Colt is fully proofed and has 4150 barrel steel, versus 4140 in the RRA. What does 4150 steel mean to you? Probably nothing in reality-the Wilson 4140 barrels that Rock River uses will provide their owners a lifetime of trouble-free service.

Both manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty, and both are very good about standing behind their products. The RRA has a much better trigger out of the box than the Colt does.

Besides the proofing, the biggest plus to the Colt LEO carbines for me is the 1/7ROT barrel in the LE6920. If you don't plan on shooting 75gr TAP or other heavy defensive loads then the 1/7ROT barrel isn't needed. If you do plan on shooting them however the 1/7ROT barrel is something to consider. There are also a bunch of little things on the Colt, like an HD M4 extractor spring, an "H" buffer, a RAS numbered upper, and side sling mount. The Colt also has a (proper) milspec dimensioned buffer extension tube-so it can accept a Vltor or LMT/Crane telestock without having to install a replacement tube. Are these little things worth the extra cost of the pony? When it comes right down to it only you can decide if they are.

You'll have to decide if 4150 steel, full proofing, the 1/7ROT barrel, as well as the other little extras are worth the extra cost-particularly when you also consider the added cost for an upgraded trigger into the equation.

If this was intended primarily as a defensive weapon employing heavy OTM rounds, or one that will see very heavy, sustained use in carbine classes I'd buy the Colt without hesitation if I had to choose. That being said, there are more Rock River ARs in my two safes than Colts-I'm completely satisfied with both, although each brand serves a different purpose for me.

Either way you will get a rifle that will be passed onto your children after you're gone. Good luck with your shopping


Edited for clarity.
10/13/2005 4:00:08 PM EDT
[#5]

Quoted:
The 6920 barrel is shaved under the handguards.



I would add to CJan's thoughtful and authoritative comments the following:

Knowing that my baby is shaved underneath her modest covering gives me wood. . . .

Advantage Colt.
10/13/2005 5:36:08 PM EDT
[#6]
I've bought Colt,. Bushmaster, RRA, and DPMS.  

Colt is the only one I haven't found something I didn't like about it.  
10/13/2005 6:11:00 PM EDT
[#7]
I'm happy to read that, I got the Colt.  I'm also going to a carbine class in January, so there.  CJ, is the 1/7 good for anything lighter than 75 grainers?  I'll probably only be shooting 62's and 55's.  Whattaya think?
10/13/2005 9:50:55 PM EDT
[#8]

Quoted:
I'm happy to read that, I got the Colt.  I'm also going to a carbine class in January, so there.  CJ, is the 1/7 good for anything lighter than 75 grainers?  I'll probably only be shooting 62's and 55's.  Whattaya think?




I cant speak for CJ but I use 62's and 69 grain in all of  my 1/7's
10/13/2005 10:59:20 PM EDT
[#9]
Congrats on your new Colt.

Out of the eight Colts I had I only had one 1/12 twist which is the SP1, all of them are 1/7.

I don't mind using 55s for plinking but for target I notice that my groupings are a little bigger using it than the 62s.
10/14/2005 7:28:52 PM EDT
[#10]

Quoted:
I'm happy to read that, I got the Colt.  I'm also going to a carbine class in January, so there.  CJ, is the 1/7 good for anything lighter than 75 grainers?  I'll probably only be shooting 62's and 55's.  Whattaya think?


Like Dan I use 62gr bullets in my 1/7s all the time. I also shoot a lot of 55gr M193 and 55gr Federal FMJBT. No problems at all in the 1/7ROT barrel

Congrats on your new LE6920, by the way
10/15/2005 8:26:46 PM EDT
[#11]

Quoted:
I'm happy to read that, I got the Colt.  I'm also going to a carbine class in January, so there.  CJ, is the 1/7 good for anything lighter than 75 grainers?  I'll probably only be shooting 62's and 55's.  Whattaya think?



What carbine class will you be taking?
10/15/2005 8:40:44 PM EDT
[#12]
I think it's called Tiger Valley in Garland.  I found a link to 'em somewhere on this site, and they're somewhat close (6 hours).  This'll be my first class ever, and my first real training with the AR platform other than shooting some paper in the Navy with a .22 LR AR.  If anybody knows something about these people I would certainly appreciate your input.