6720 vs 6920 OM

[GJM]

The 6920 OM is very attractive, as it is factory ready to install a rail. The 6720 is also attractive because of its light taper barrel. Handling the two, I really prefer the 6720, as taking that weight off the barrel makes for a great handling carbine.

The question is what do you give up with the 6720, and its light taper barrel, compared to a 6920 in terms of accuracy, function and durability?

[SLG]

The 6920 OM is very attractive, as it is factory ready to install a rail. The 6720 is also attractive because of its light taper barrel. Handling the two, I really prefer the 6720, as taking that weight off the barrel makes for a great handling carbine.

The question is what do you give up with the 6720, and its light taper barrel, compared to a 6920 in terms of accuracy, function and durability?

I have a bazillion more hours on an M4 (6920 is close enough, imo) than a 6720. Having said that, my 6720, and the few others I've shot a decent amount with, are all less accurate as things heat up, and more prone to POI shift in a variety of circumstances. Mechanical reliability seems the same to me. For high% targets out to 100 yards, I'll take the 6720. For anything less defined, the 6920 gets the nod.

[texasaggie2005]

Molon did a comparison between a few Colt barrels; I can't find the full writeup, but here is a grouping pic he posted on M4Carbine (http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?69949-6920-have-any-advantage-over-6720/page3).

4784

[Surf]

I own the mentioned barrel profiled Colts and a 6940 which I mention as it is factory floated. I note the exact accuracy variations in the picture with the 6940 keeping pace with the hbar, but this is at a slow fire pace, not heating up barrels too much. Simple floating of any of the barrels improves results in general. However where I really don't like the thinner profile is when I run them hard at even 50 to 100 yards. The shift to my standards, admittedly high, are unacceptable. I pick the 6920 as a good choice between thin and the hbar.

[JSGlock34]

Any idea how the new BCM ELW barrels compare to the Colt 6720?

[GJM]

Any idea how the new BCM ELW barrels compare to the Colt 6720?

That was going to be my next question.

Guess the 6720/6920 difference shows there is no free lunch.

[johnson]

You could get a heavier barreled upper for training/high round count classes and use the pencil barreled upper for general purpose/walking around.

[texasaggie2005]

Any idea how the new BCM ELW barrels compare to the Colt 6720?

Not the ELW, but a BCM 14.5" CHF. I doubt the ELW fare any better.

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?167387-Accuracy-Evaluation-of-a-Bravo-Company-14-5%94-Barrel

[Malamute]

Molons tests with the Colt SOCOM barrel (14.5") looks similar to the 6721 shown above, and makes me really want one.

[LSP552]

Any idea how the new BCM ELW barrels compare to the Colt 6720?

I will let you know. I intend to place an order for Recce top end with the ELW profile tomorrow morning, along with some misc odds and ends :)

[JSGlock34]

Not the ELW, but a BCM 14.5" CHF. I doubt the ELW fare any better.

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?167387-Accuracy-Evaluation-of-a-Bravo-Company-14-5%94-Barrel

Thanks for the link. Supposedly the ELW taper will help the barrel dissipate heat better, so it may narrow the gap between lightweight and government profiles.

[GJM]

Not the ELW, but a BCM 14.5" CHF. I doubt the ELW fare any better.

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?167387-Accuracy-Evaluation-of-a-Bravo-Company-14-5%94-Barrel

Great thread link!

[Beat Trash]

I own a 6720 that has a Magpul MOE sl hand guard on it. I also own a pair of guns with BCM uppers that have 14.5" ELWf barrels with 13" KMR hand guards on them. The BCM uppers are slightly more accurate than the 6720. But I account this to the free floated KMR hand guard vs. the non free floated hand guard on the 6720. Also the BCM barrels don't open their groups up as much when the gun heats up as my 6720 does. But then, for what I use the guns for, I could be very happy with the 6720.

All of these guns have Aimpoint RDS' on them. All of them are set up and used under the 100 yard mark. One of the BCM uppers is my Patrol Rifle at work, and most of the time I deploy it, the shots would be well within the 50 yard mark.

While I only own one 6720, I own a few 6920's, to include one Canadian made/marked Colt 6920 (actually made by Diaemco, has a CHF barrel and is my most accurate 6920). I prefer the feel of the 6920 over the 6720 personally. But this may be to years of handling the 6920. I prefer the handling and feel of the BCM uppers with the ELW-f barrels and 13" KMR rails to either of the two Colt guns.

But with that said, each of my kids have been given a 9mm pistol and a Colt 6920. Right now, I feel that the main advantage of the 6920 over the 6720 is price and availability. Especially with the 6920 OEM-1 or OEM-2.

[rob_s]

Colt not offering the 6720 as an OEM model just continues to expose their willful ignorance of what the commercial market really wants.

[texasaggie2005]

Colt not offering the 6720 as an OEM model just continues to expose their willful ignorance of what the commercial market really wants.
True. But maybe their upcoming middy barrels and new complete uppers is a sign of them changing course.