Colt 6920 vs. S&W M&P15

I'm in the market for an above average M4 carbine.

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I also would not consider a S&W M&P 15 above average myself.

I would consider the M&P 15 above average if RRA, Olympic, DPMS and Stag are 'average'. S&W has a history of great customer service. When I am purchasing an expensive product, great customer service goes a long way to alleviate any concerns I may have.

Colt is definitely considered the gold standard and a S&W should not be compared to a Colt.

I have a miniature wargaming hobby. If I purchase a model kit that is deformed from incorrect molding I only have to call them; a new kit is in the mail and I do not even have to mail back the defect. That is the reason I do not hesitate spending $100+ on a 12 in. tall resin model.

I had the same dilemma. If I could have found a S&W for $950 I would have purchased it. After months of watching Gunbroker.com I purchased the 6920. (And I let a lot go by, until I hit a set price.) I set a maximum I'd pay, and if the bid went higher, I let it go. I couldn't believe some 6920's were selling for $2 grand. Finally, one was mine.
Another selling point was when I researched some feature, the author always said, "If you have a Colt, you already have the upgraded......"
I figured resale would be high also.

I learned tons from this site:

http://forums.officer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81462&highlight=jwise

Although it's aimed at cops, it's got a lot of information for everyone.
I bought the Colt new in box. Is it nice? You bet.

You must take into account that Colt is having problems, and may not survive after the government contract for m-4's expires next year. (There is going to be stiff competition for the next contract from DPMS, FN, etc.)

With that in mind, a Colt may have better collector value.

XMP, what did you pay for the 6920

I have a 6920 that I bought shortly after the BAN ended. I have yet to fire it. It is NIB. What is the going rate on these now?

presco, I'd be interested for a an actual fair price. I've been seeing them at gunshows for between 1700-2000, which is WAY overpriced.

Given your decision is already made my comments will have little value, but you made the right choice in my opinion.

A gun shop near me has both a Colt 6920 and a S&W M&P15. Both have the same features from a stock furniture standpoint.

The Colt has the chrome lined bore and chamber with machine gun rated barrel steel (4150 CMV) and 1/7 twist, this barrel has also been magnetic particle inspected for defects. The S&W uses cheaper 4140 with no vanadium, no MP inspection and a 1/9 twist, but is chrome lined. Advantage Colt.

The Colt has a military style bolt carrier group with a magnetic particle tested bolt. The S&W doesn't. Advantage Colt.

The Colt has a properly staked gas key. The S&W does not. Yes I inspected both. Advantage Colt.

Both have triggers so heavy they would need to be replaced for my use. So tie on that.

Both have carry handles with the standard rear aperture sight. Tie.

The Colt has double heat shielded handguards, the S&W doesn't. Advantage Colt.

Both have the same collapsible stock. Tie.

Finish machining on the Colt is a little better than the S&W. Advantage Colt.

Both have evenly applied anodizing to aluminum components. Tie.

Both have even well applied parkerizing to steel components. Tie.

You may notice that from a cosmetics standpoint both are evenly matched, and my preference for the Colt's machining may be subjective. Only looking at the outside of the carbine it would seem the Colt is overpriced, but that is not the whole story. If you look at the inside of the rifle and the materials used, the Colt pulls ahead. So where it counts in durability and long term reliability the Colt is the better rifle, at least in my opinion. Now with all that said Colt may still be asking too much, but a carbine with the same specs and materials from their competitors are still higher than the S&W too.

The Colt compares more with LMT, Noveske, and Sabre Defense from a spec's standpoint as well as price.

You bought a nice carbine, now go forth and enjoy it!

With that in mind, a Colt may have better collector value.

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Yes I am sure everyone will want to remember the nostalgia of their non-existent civilian customer service.

Well, todays big gun show in town solved my dilemma. I was able to find a brand new 6920 for $300 less than the gun shop near me had it for sale. So that made the choice easy and I bought the Colt.

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Congratulations! Now go out and enjoy it and don't look back!

That is good. I have seen a few Colt 6920's now for around the $1550 range as well as some other makes. I guess now just about everyone bought their AR.

Now the bastards are realizing they have to feed it and factory ammo is high. So it's nearly impossible to get brass, bullets, or small rifle primers. Dies for .223 have even been scarce around here.