Colt has shown time and time again that they understand the terms 'budget', but not the term 'value'.

God bless you for taking the time to get into detail about this. You're an authority on ARs. Colt disliked this video. Keep em honest!

That intro...you really can feel the depression. Colt really has fallen a long way.

Some guys are saying their new m4a1 government property 2018 model doesn’t have c marked bolt carriers either. And it’s a $1400 gun.

In a nutshell the Expanse more or less is just a Colt Lower with a Bastardized Upper. Roger that and good video.

I just bought a 6920 for 899. With Magpul furniture they're 999.

It was a great carbine for the price. Colt tried to give folks a 4150cmv barrel and handguards that don't melt for M&P Sport and Orical price. It was a buget line, never intended to replace anything like the 6920. Mine is more accurate than my 6720, 6721 and 6920. Whomever made their barrels did a fantastic job.

Colt sells 1911s and Pythons and revolvers all over priced

I received my LE6920 today from ‘ArmsUnlimited’ and was pleasantly surprised what a nice rifle this is. It has a “CR” serial number prefix. Has the “13629” cage code stamped on the barrel, upper receiver, and the plastic butt stock. BCG has the “C” stamp. The butt stock has the “13629” marks also, but it still has that “ring” mark ... There was talk that these were the ‘Expanse’ models but they’re not, in case anyone is wondering. Love Chris and these videos. Hands down the best videos out there.

This video was how I found your channel. This is the kind of information that I am here for.

Informative video I got one as my first rifle, its affordable and still shoots great, definitely a lower end entry level rifle overall but worth the $600 i spent

I never knew until the other day that Hartford has some of the most expensive real estate in the country, and a fair amount of the country’s billionaires. Great video as always!

Colt... Shitting on the American gun owner since the early 1990's...

My Expanse has the Colt upper, front sight, and carrier, so there was a mix of parts going into these. Also, the trigger is cut away on the left side by the selector. The full heavy barrel makes the rifle front heavy, so it doesn't handle very well compared to other similar rifles. Bought it new in Jan 2013 for $739.

Very interesting video Chris. It seems to me that all the "Expanse" rifles are not created equally tho. I know that the one you have there is a CE1000. My wife bought a CE2000 a few years ago and it does not at all fit into the things that you pointed out about the CE1000 that you have and it was close to the same price point. She has run her gun and it has ran perfectly up to now, no failures, no jams and it has been very accurate. It has also accepted any ammo that she feeds it too. I agree tho, not all of the parts are marked as typical Colt but, the parts don't quite match what you are showing here either. Her's does have an ejection port dust cover and a forward assist, and the hammer is not a low mass hammer, it is a full profile hammer. Funny thing tho, hers does not have the bar code... Anyway, her rifle runs great and it easily compares to, if not outperforms, the Ruger's and the S&W's in this price range. Could Colt have been throwing these things together with whatever parts were lying around and my wife just got lucky with hers? It is also marked with an LE serial Number.

Colt is no longer a High Tier Quality Company.

Colt need to get out of Hartford and go South

I got this rifle the first week it came out. I got it knowing a lot of its components weren’t “Colt” but they are obviously good enough for Colt to put their name on. That said, I was looking at another build and decided I would get this as a base and just build it up with Gucci gear parts. However, after shooting it and putting well over 1000 rounds thru it, all I have changed is the furniture and topped it with a Vortex Sparc II and It is easily up there with my Spike’s, BCM and 6920! Whoever Colt contracted to build these Expanse rifles, are no joke. Purists are gonna hate but like I already said, it was good enough for Colt to put their name on it.

I was dissappointed with my Expanse several years ago when I had it. It came with a cracked selector, very sandy trigger, and a stripped grip screw. I was fairly unimpressed, to say the least.

I learned some interesting stuff today ~ Thank You for your Knowledge & Information!

Bought an expanse yesterday. Admittedly I did not research the rifle. I have an apprentice level knowledge of the rifle but I have only ever owned 1 that my employer didn’t supply. My first rifle was a genuine 6920. Due to limited funds I bought this rifle for two reasons. It said colt. And it was 699. Since I bought it I have researched it extensively, to conclude that I can live with the 700$ purchase I made. Based on this video and countless articles and blog posts, my Enhance is more colt than many of the rifles that were looked at. It has the LE serial number. It has the c on the ejection port side at the top of the upper receiver. It has the m4 at the front of the rail, and it has the pic rail T marks. The bolt is obviously not colt. Nor is the front sight and barrel but other than that my rifle looks to have been a MAINLY Colt build. Did I just get lucky? Maybe I got an early or late production run that Colt had? Anyhow, I work hard for my money and I could afford this gun. If it goes boom when I pull the trigger my feelings won’t be hurt. IF...Great video.

I have a colt expanse that has passed the marking on the barrel and bolt/bolt carrier group with dust cover and forward assist

If I remember. You could get an expansion colt for under 600$. 499 or something

I build all my ars through palmetto State armory. I just built one, all mil-spec (except the barrel) for 350$ took it to the range yesterday and put 840 rounds through it without a single hiccup.

Glad to see you’re uploading your old videos, Chris!

Damn, dude. Makes me want to keep my LE6920 completely factory.

I just bought my first AR. I was going to build an AR-15 and and AR-10 and was inquiring about lowers when I came across this Colt Expanse in my LGS. I had thought that it would be cool to have a lower with the pony on it so it came home with me (for $714+). However, thanks to you, I now understand that what I have is basically an LE6920. Its almost like when Colt runs out of the cheaper parts they start pulling them out of whatever bin is handy. Anyway, here is what I got: A lower marked "M4 Carbine," S/N starts with "CR," bar code; generic stock and grip; no rear sight; and I think it came with one PMag, but I bought at least one more and a Magpul rear sight that day. The front sight base is marked "F" and "B" 2, with a sling swivel underneath. The barrel is step cut and marked 13629 and "M P." It came with a forward assist and dust cover and it has a double heat shield handguard. The upper is marked with Colt's 13629 CAGE code and the Cerro Forge "keyhole" and "M4" on the forward face. The buffer is marked "H." and the bolt is marked "MPC and it is the selective fire bolt carrier. I been shooting going on 40 plus years and now the AR-15 and I are both "curio and relics." I have just now finally gotten an AR and I really lucked out with this one. I did put a Magpul stock and grip on it, but I have kind of fallen in love with this rifle. I just can't get over how light and "handy" it is, even with an inexpensive optic. I have a real appreciation for the history of the AR-15 because of your channel. The history of weapons, the politics, engineering, and experience that shapes their development can inform us not just about the weapons but the people who make and use them. You pretty much check all the boxes. I don't think that it is overstating it to say that your work with the history of the AR-15 and its progeny is a national treasure. Of course, Forgotten Weapons got me started watching KZfaq and C&Rsenal is probably my favorite channel, and according to my lights, and as far as I am concerned it is channels like yours that make the existence of KZfaq worthwhile. Sorry, just meant to post a comment about the Colt Expanse. Glad youre back.

To see an actual quadrail instead of a Gucci fad mlok or keymod forend, gives me a near insurrection.

Chris, how about a vid on the Blackhawk Down area, right before the M4, carbines and what it would take to clone one?

A fake forward assist is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. Why not remove it completely and make it nice and slick, I’m sure people who don’t like the assist will actually be drawn to the rifle, and see it as a positive.

You already looked so defeated at the beginning of the video 🤣

Damn!!!! I feel violated.........both by my LE dealer who sold me a CE2000 Expanse and by Colt! I've had a lot of trouble with it shooting very far right at 25 yds, using three different rear sights and three different people shooting it to rule out shooter error. Been back to Colt once, where it stayed for four months. Came back with completely new upper, to include barrel and BCG, and STILL shoots way right at 25 yds. Sent it back, waiting to see what Colt does to fix it. I was aware of differing Colt M-4 models but figured differences were minor. I was unaware of what "Expanse" meant or that it was an economy, cut-corners, model. I have read for years how Colt's were "quality", great fit and finish, etc. Anyone got a spare tube of Preparation H I can have?

If my colt is mark m4 carbine and my serial number starts with LE? Is it a le6920?

My Expanse ce2000 came with a chrome lined barrel:-)

I have the Phony Pony. Shoots great, love it. I got a great deal. Bought new for less than $700.00

Lol that opening was funny

I was born and raised just outside of Hartford. Colt had a mythical status here until fairly recently, it’s sad to see what happened to them.

Love my colt m4 carbine. So thankful i got a real pony.

My expanse seems to be a older build. It has the m4 mark and all of the proper profe marks on everything but barrel

I remember buying a Colt AR for 2000 bucks in a post Sandy Hook world. Sad to see how far the company has fallen

No M4 relief for the grenade launcher or a forward assist on a Colt. Insane.

I almost fell for one of these when they came out.

Great article very informative I wish I'd have seen it before I bid on a colt expanse! I couldn't find anything about it on Colt's website. The only upside here is apparently it has a good barrel

$800 for an "introductory" AR-15? Doesn't make sense.

It makes me sad that Colt management is doing whatever it takes to bleed every last ounce of goodwill from the brand.

Oooo nice, is that a Colt? Neigh......

It’s really sad to see Colt continuously get egg on their face for their dollar/value ratio. They’re almost like Benchmade…. You pay a tax for that name and you end up not getting the same things you would for a given price with another manufacturer that doesn’t have that serious brand recognition. Sucks when companies rest on their laurels and just sell stuff based on the name they stamp on it.

Shame shame Colt😠

Hello, I own a Colt 6921. Going along with your Colt parts video was quite helpful. You did not mention any thing about double heat shields. Maybe this means I don't have Colt foregrips? I got my Colt from Knesk Firearms. They went through the process of deregulation withe ATF. This was achieved by adding a longer muzzle break that was pinned and welded. I would not put it past anyone swapping out some of the Colt items with OEM's for some bucks. I enjoyed the video along with many other of your videos. Thanks for your time. John L.

There's absolutely no point in buying this rifle unless you don't know any better. You can usually find a used 6920 for close to the same price, if not a little more. Hell; it's not unusual to find a new 6920 for a couple hundred dollars more from the right dealer.

Please do a video on your experience at Colt. Thank you

Was there ever a follow-up review of the EXPANSE 2000 HB? I bought two of them back around 2017. I think these guns were part of some Davidsons special offer.

I'll stick with the le6920

The one you got is different than the one I got kinda weird

What’s the last year the colt M4A1 was made with all colt parts? Is there an indicator or serial number series to identify?

There are comparable (complete) rifles that you don't have to spend $800.00+ on (unless you just want the Colt name).

Does anyone have an educated guess on what value a Still in Box Colt AR15 A4 in 20 years ?

Does the bcg marked C and bolt marked MPC engraved instead of a stamped roll mark look mean anything and my extractor is marked CE with a copper looking spring but everything looks to be what you described to be a good colt le

Would it be safe to say anyone purchasing a new Colt model LE6920 today in 2020, would not have a chance of getting one of these "Expanse" models? thanks for sharing this info.

It's like strapping a cone on a horse's head and calling it a unicorn.

I recently bought a new in the box old stock 6900. Have you reviewed one of these? I am guessing it was also not a Hartford Colt, although it says on the box it's an M4 and the reciever is marked Hartford.

You realize this is their budget rifle right?

I would like to hear more about the forward assist. Do we need it. No one else FAL, Grand, AK47 etc dont have one??? Why not mill if off or produce receivers without forward assist. I would be a cleaner design?

Thank you.

I saw a Colt Expanse on GB for buy it now price of $600. After watching your video I would not buy a Bold Innovation colt at any price.

Hey Chris, I think u may find this interesting. My expanse has the colt forging marks on the upper. I have a real working forward assist. I have a real working dust cover. Still watching the video, so i may find more. But just thought i would throw this out there.

I have an Expanse with around 2k rounds through it. No problems? Just my experience. I love the rifle.

Is it worth getting a Colt LE6920 or an AR-15A4 these days? Are they good quality rifles worth the price? I have been interested in buying a factory rifle at some point but I don’t really no where to start.

I’m so glad that I got a real 6920

Wonder just how many AR producers there are out there? It is the most prolific rifle in service today. Really for the last many decades. If one compares the Machining of the first M-16s used in Vietnam to the current day rifles. Overall I am guessing the machining and metal quality is better today. Anyone recall the complaints from the field when the M-16 replaced the M-14 as the standard rifle? I recall one thing, is they liked plenty of oil. Remember the LSA bottles strapped to the Solider's helmets ? This platform has seen a lot changes over the decades.

For a gun imma just put a 300blk upper on it’ll do just fine.

"CDNN" was my first thought.

Damn just realized I wasn’t subscribed to you anymore when I was one of your first subscribers and the biggest bummer is that the Colt I won in a raffle is just a damn expanse knockoff 6920

Thanks

What about the forward assist on the expanse I didn't hear you say anything about that

Mine has the proper cage code on the barrel 13629 M P and the lower has LE510686? I think it may be more Colt than the one you have there.Flash hider has the prongs as well. Same commercial but stock though it has the Colt cage code on it.Has the forward assist and dust cover. But IDK, No nothing about Colt really.

Very good information sir.

Could you upload your P227 suppressed video again?

I just got my colt m4 few months ago. Some of the parts you mentions are not on my rifle. Did I receive the fake one?

Chris, is it true that Colt has been outsourcing their LE6920's for over 25 years?

Hey chris, can you reupload the scar video

I got the 100 pre cent tcp mitlary spc 6920 le defense ots made all c marked and is real colt best made now u have pay for um tcp the new colts cr ser sux bar codes new all range beaters u get a defense 6920le it's the boss nothing out thrrrr beats mitlary spc all others not parts made ny coltblook same but or just civilian range none apc guns

I would like to know just how sure you are that the waffle stock on that gun is not colt just because it has the circle? Mine is exactly the same but it has the 13629 cage code under the finger adjustment. I am pretty sure that makes it Colt.

great videos

I love my 6920. It's a dream to shoot and it shoots anything you want to feed it. But as much as I enjoy shooting the 6920 I enjoy the Ruger SR556 a little more. The 6920 was my first AR15 and I'm glad I didn't settle for something less. It came with a sturdy, heavy duty, wheeled traveling case, which was a real bonus and shortly after I bought it, Colt came out with a special offer for a free soft case with the Colt Pony embroidered on it.

le 6920 there nice.. I dont have one

Good day sir. I have an “Expanse” fitted with a contoured barrel and not the heavy barrel (according to Colt it is a chrome lined barrel. I called them with the serial number and asked for info). On it’s box it says 2013 Config. Model CE2000S. My rifle does have a dust cover and also has a forward assist. Any idea why some have heavy barrels and others contoured barrels? Thanks!

Hey, what's with the vest?

My Colt has the C mark on the receiver and an square mark , is that original? Yours has a different mark than the square

Why wouldn’t one pick a DPMS Oracle over this? Seems like you’re paying a couple hundred more for 4 letter

I like the scalloped edges on the rail, I have a "RGuns" upper with that feature. One less sharp edge.

Yep. My new 2018 m4a1 socom doesn’t have a C marked bolt or bolt carrier. Guess I will email Colt and ask wtf ? Real disappointed In a $1400 rifle My new A4 model has the C marked bolt, but not the carrier.

As a le6920 owner, this is an abomination lol....

That clamshell puts mine to shame hope your doing good

Complete agree, how can't you not have dust cover and forward assist? I can add the parts but for $20 bucks they couldn't put this 2 component at manufacturing?! Thank you for the information!

Just the fauxward assist makes me want to puke.. can't even make it past that..

Sticking with Windham Weaponry. Their rifle quality is impressive and the prices are fantastic.

We would love to have Colt come on down to South Carolina.

VERY informative video! Glad to see ya back on KZfaq!

its a colt m4 just cuz its new and made from good or better parts dont make it not colt it came out of a colt factory line with colt hands its a colt m4 carbine and made to be just as a colt m4