View Full Version : In Praise of the Colt 6720 (and 6520)
Doc Safari
02-01-19, 11:46
Pencil barrel goodness.
Although as somewhat of a purist I keep a bone stock LE6920 with carry handle in its factory configuration just for the history of it, my favorite variant is the Colt LE6720 AR15A4 Lightweight LE Carbine.
Unlike the one in the video, mine is basically an M4 with the pencil barrel. Same handguards, Same BUIS. Same Colt quality.
https://youtu.be/HslTE5iyUIA
I appreciate the pencil-barrelled Colts for their different balance. Although the 6920 is certainly the industry standard and imminently shootable, I prefer the change in overall feel and agility of the 6720.
Doc Safari
02-01-19, 11:47
I changed the handguards on mine to the thinner CAR-15 style handguards and improved the feel even more. With the addition of a carry handle sight when I'm in the mood it's about the lightest, handiest stock carbine I can imagine.
Mine is configured like the one in this video:
https://youtu.be/DruckoJWr9M
Doc Safari
02-01-19, 11:48
Paired with my fixed carry handle 6520, I believe I have the best examples of what Colt can produce in a basic, lightweight shootin' iron.
Video of Colt 6520
https://youtu.be/jMMDPWfC21Q
Although I will probably always keep my LE6920 for its history, the pencil barrelled 6720 or 6520 will usually be my choice to go to the range on any given day.
If you own a 6720, or 6520, please post a pic.
Let's have an appreciation thread for pencil barrelled goodness!
TexasAggie2005
02-01-19, 12:29
Wife's new 6720 on top, my M4A1ish on the bottom;
https://imgur.com/fOZHiLa.jpg
Doc Safari
02-01-19, 12:48
Wife's new 6720 on top, my M4A1ish on the bottom;
https://imgur.com/fOZHiLa.jpg
I know that's a MagPul handguard and I've seen other 6720's with that handguard. Is that a factory variation or did you put that on there?
My 6520.
http://i.imgur.com/mEeRv30.jpg
When I bought it as a used LE trade in, I basically intended that it would go into "retirement" as a collectible since I owned no other Colts. (it's also the first and only *complete* AR I've ever bought). But through a series of events it ended up pulling duty as a "throw in the Jeep" irons-only gun for several months until I had assembled and vetted a less "valuable" carbine that could take it's place.
I like the "pencil" profile barrel a lot. I have two fixed-stock carbines with 14.7" pencil barrels, as well as two A1 rifle clones.
TexasAggie2005
02-01-19, 13:33
I know that's a MagPul handguard and I've seen other 6720's with that handguard. Is that a factory variation or did you put that on there?
I put all the Magpul on there. Upper came factory with the usual M4 double shield, but the wife didn't care for them at all.
grizzlyblake
02-01-19, 15:43
I have a 6720 but I'm kind of over short hand guards and FSBs so going to get something else with a LW barrel and 13" free float HGs.
The 6920 Trooper was a neat gun and I briefly owned one but it was way front heavy compared to my 6720. I hate gov't profile barrels. If Colt would do the exact same gun with the 6720 barrel it would be killer.
SeriousStudent
02-01-19, 15:55
Paired with my fixed carry handle 6520, I believe I have the best examples of what Colt can produce in a basic, lightweight shootin' iron.
Video of Colt 6520
https://youtu.be/jMMDPWfC21Q
Although I will probably always keep my LE6920 for its history, the pencil barrelled 6720 or 6520 will usually be my choice to go to the range on any given day.
If you own a 6720, or 6520, please post a pic.
Let's have an appreciation thread for pencil barrelled goodness!
We already have an AR picture thread with plenty of skinny barrels in it. Let's not start another pic thread.
Just picked up a 6720 today. Mine is roll marked AR15A4 LightWeight Carbine. When did Colt change to the A4 vs A3? Is the only difference M4 feed ramps between A3 and A4?
Just picked up a 6720 today. Mine is roll marked AR15A4 LightWeight Carbine. When did Colt change to the A4 vs A3? Is the only difference M4 feed ramps between A3 and A4?
I have a 6720 that I bought a few years ago that is roll marked "AR15A4 Lightweight Carbine" like yours so I don't think it's a recent change.
The Colt 6721 carbine is marked "AR15A3" IIRC. The 6721 predates the 6720 by a number of years. It has a flattop upper, 16" heavy barrel, and I think it had a 1/9 twist as well.
I believe it is out of production now.
The Colt 6721 carbine is marked "AR15A3" IIRC. The 6721 predates the 6720 by a number of years. It has a flattop upper, 16" heavy barrel, and I think it had a 1/9 twist as well.
I believe it is out of production now.
They are still in production.
https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/mobile/product/78052/colt_ar6721_ar15-a3_tactical_carbine_30+1_223rem556nato_161
They are still in production.
https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/mobile/product/78052/colt_ar6721_ar15-a3_tactical_carbine_30+1_223rem556nato_161
Ah ok, it's not listed on Colt's site currently. Maybe it's some kind of limited production item. Although they do mistakenly show a picture of the 6721 for the 6720.
https://www.colt.com/detail-page/clt-carb-lw-556-161-30rd
Walker_Texasranger
02-02-19, 09:56
I have a 6720 but I'm kind of over short hand guards and FSBs so going to get something else with a LW barrel and 13" free float HGs.
The 6920 Trooper was a neat gun and I briefly owned one but it was way front heavy compared to my 6720. I hate gov't profile barrels. If Colt would do the exact same gun with the 6720 barrel it would be killer.
Kind of where I’m at. I had a 6920 that I put a Centurion C4 cutout handguatd on and cut the barrel to 14.7” with the A2 pinned. Looks awesome. But then with a red dot I’m like why? The FSB just gets in the way. Looks cool when not shooting but not as practical for actually shooting imo.
https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/mobile/product/78051/colt_ar6720_ar15-a3_tactical_carbine_20+1_223rem556nato_161
Says 1 in 7 twist. Pencil barrel. Looks to be an A3 marked 6720.
Just read all the reviews, people are saying they received A4 marked rifles, not A3s
Maybe the 6720's roll mark was changed from A3 to A4 when Colt bright the 20inch AR15A4 rifle out?
When it was an A3, I don't remember it being roll marked as light weight carbine but I could be wrong--it's been a few years since I looked at one at a gun show.
Too bad they won't make a midlength. I'm just too cramped on a 7" handguard, especially after trying to fit a light.
But yes to the pencil barrel.
I love mine, I paired mine with a DD RISII FSP cut out. Wicked nice. On that rare occasion I see one of those rails, Im always tempted to buy it and build another.
PB
Doc Safari
02-25-19, 13:46
I was reading a thread or two on TOS just now and it appears there is quite a bit of scuttlebutt that instead of being rollmarked AR15A4 Lightweight LE Carbine, future 6720's will simply have M4 Carbine receivers. No actual link is provided, but they are quoting Arms Unlimited as a source.
Doc Safari
02-25-19, 13:55
https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/mobile/product/78051/colt_ar6720_ar15-a3_tactical_carbine_20+1_223rem556nato_161
Says 1 in 7 twist. Pencil barrel. Looks to be an A3 marked 6720.
Just read all the reviews, people are saying they received A4 marked rifles, not A3s
The AR15A3 is the HBAR version of the M4. I had one in that exact configuration: HBAR, rollmarked AR15A3 Tactical Carbine. I got rid of it. Talk about nose heavy. I already prefer the pencil barrel over even the standard M4 weight barrel. The heavy profile of the 6721 was just too much.
Yup, Even though this is an bit older Thread, I thought I would share my absolute love for the older, Colt Model R-6520, if that is the correct Factory designation for it ? Even though I currently have a few assorted AR Series weapons, my R-6520, Colts 'Government Carbine', has been, & probably will be amongst my favorites. ( with G.C. Serial # Prefix ) I bought it back in early 1994, & have never thought about selling it off. Perhaps it's not the absolute, 'do it all' Carbine, but will surely render a very capable performance provided you don't heat that thin Barrel up too much. To me, the thinner barrel configuration could become an issue should you have to engage in sustained fire for any length of time. ( Yes, even in Semi-Automatic. ) But, as much as I seriously appreciate the 6520's lightweight & overall handling, that's why I also have an 6520 Model, along with an BCM Complete Upper, with 14.7" P&W'd SOCOM Barrel. But, I do have to admit, there's nothing so 'just plain familiar' feeling as my old Colt R-6520.
Best, Dom P.
provided you don't heat that thin Barrel up too much. To me, the thinner barrel configuration could become an issue should you have to engage in sustained fire for any length of time. ( Yes, even in Semi-Automatic. ) But, as much as I seriously appreciate the 6520's lightweight & overall handling, that's why I also have an 6520 Model, along with an BCM Complete Upper, with 14.7" P&W'd SOCOM Barrel.
It is definitely an issues once those heat up and that does not take long.
Why gov profile is as skinny as I care to go...
Love this profile, I have an original SP1, a LE marked 6520 and will be looking into getting a 6721 one day.
It is definitely an issues once those heat up and that does not take long.
Why gov profile is as skinny as I care to go...
Am I the only one who has seen a Gov and LW barrel without handguards?
Am I the only one who has seen a Gov and LW barrel without handguards?
Sometimes it's best to assume "yes"...but I'm picking up what you're putting down.
Kind of where I’m at. I had a 6920 that I put a Centurion C4 cutout handguatd on and cut the barrel to 14.7” with the A2 pinned. Looks awesome. But then with a red dot I’m like why? The FSB just gets in the way. Looks cool when not shooting but not as practical for actually shooting imo.
That is exactly what I did ! I love it and it has done me well in 2 gun competion. I sight all my carbines in with irons and I like the utility of the FSB. Mine has an Aimpoint with SIG 4X magnifier. I never notice the FSB.
Am I the only one who has seen a Gov and LW barrel without handguards?
That, and here in CONUS anyway, I imagine prevailing....or not...long before anything gets hot. Now if those damn zombies show up, well that's another kettle of fish, and I'm gonna be pissed.
Here is my old war horse, brought out of retirement. Is the the correct lower for this upper? Ive switched and swapped so many times I wonder. So what says Colt Gods ? I thought this was a 6720?
http://i.imgur.com/BtZmeq3.jpg (https://imgur.com/BtZmeq3)
https://i.imgur.com/CaW8tJd.jpg
PB
Here is my old war horse, brought out of retirement. Is the the correct lower for this upper? Ive switched and swapped so many times I wonder. So what says Colt Gods ? I thought this was a 6720?
http://i.imgur.com/BtZmeq3.jpg (https://imgur.com/BtZmeq3)
https://i.imgur.com/CaW8tJd.jpg
PB
Yes, you’re correct. 6720 has the AR-15A4 Lightweight lower.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Too bad they won't make a midlength. I'm just too cramped on a 7" handguard, especially after trying to fit a light.
But yes to the pencil barrel.
Ditto. I have a BCM midlength LW 16" w/FSB and I really appreciate the extra real estate.
Of course you can ditch the FSB + HG and run longer rail, but then we are moving away from the 6720/6520 configuration.
Am I the only one who has seen a Gov and LW barrel without handguards?
:)
Andy
Ditto. I have a BCM midlength LW 16" w/FSB and I really appreciate the extra real estate.
Of course you can ditch the FSB + HG and run longer rail, but then we are moving away from the 6720/6520 configuration.
:)
Andy
You can also run a bayo mounted light rail.
Eurodriver
05-26-22, 19:22
Where can one find a Colt 6520?
Where can one find a Colt 6520?
Pretty sure it's discontinued. The 6720 was the flat top version of the same and now it looks like those are no longer available.
Where can one find a Colt 6520?
Gunbroker has them pretty regularly, but you pay Gunbroker prices of course. Other than that they pop up on occasion online as LEO trade ins from some of the venders that carry used stuff. I've heard of a few scoring them for a good price at pawn shops, but that's probably pure luck.
I've seen a few complete rifles pop up in the EE on TOS, as well as complete uppers and lowers. The AR6520's (post ban) aren't fetching the same prices as the R6520's (pre ban), but neither are as cheap as they once were. I'd guestimate the AR6520's in good shape are probably between $1,100-$1,500 and the R6520's are $1,500-$2,500. If you find a LEO trade in AR6520, you might pay closer to $800-$1000.
I got carried away and bought/built a few over the past year.
https://i.imgur.com/qhsp1IL.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/frXxv2T.jpg
Given the difference between preban and postban 6520s being a M4 style stock vs. SP1 style and roll marks, I'd take that AR6520 any day.
I've got a pair of 2004 vintage LE rollmark rifles and I'm never letting them go. Also prefer the A2 sights vs. the A1s on the SP1 carbine.
There have been several iterations of the R6520 which have worn the "AR-15 A2 GOV'T CARBINE" roll mark from about the mid 80's to early 2000's
The first (sometimes referred to as "the green label") was a slab-side, shorty companion to the 20" Bbl. "AR-15 A2 GOV'T MODEL", also a slab-side. Not too many of these guns were made as Colt used up it's supply of SP1 forgings and moved forward with the A2 configuration semi-auto lowers.
Next came the "blue label" pre-bans with the new lower. This is one of my favorites, though I often question myself as to why, as it has been a major pain in my ass for three decades.
Most, if not all of the "blue labels" have large FCG pins and the annoying sear block. The sear block can be found held in place with one pin, or a pin on each side, and at least three different size pins were used over the years.
Most of these guns shipped with the .250" diameter screw type pivot pin, even though most (but not all) were machined for the push-pin pivot pin. A tell-tale sign of push-pin machining is a weep hole in the fence about 1.5" back from the pivot pin head. The ejection port cover must be closed to see this in a photo.
Blue label 6520's came in at least two shades of grey, I think what Ken of Specialized Armament would call "Colt medium grey" and "Colt dark grey"
I have probably handled no less than fifty of these over the years, and on all but one, fit of the upper to the lower was - well - crap, not to put too fine a point on it. The uppers - especially towards the rear are all cocked off to the left. This condition carried on into the post-ban versions of the 6520 as well, but seems to have gotten straightened out towards the end of 6520 production.
Most, if not all blue label 6520's uppers were machined for M4 feed ramps. Most (but not all) of these uppers have a small "4" stamped on the front of the carry handle.
All of the 6520's I have fired displayed exceptional accuracy. More so than (this might get me some flak) the several AR6721's I have had the pleasure to own and operate. Of course, as has been pointed out here, that pencil Bbl. is going to heat up pretty quick, and the "very good" accuracy of the HBAR will stay consistent for considerably longer strings of fire.
The pre-ban 6520's have lots of issues. Giant headache if you want better triggers or BCG's, ridiculous sight radius, silly receiver extension to name a few. Overall they are a large type pain in the ass, and I really like them. Guess I must have issues as well.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.