Colt LE6920
Colt's Manufacturing Company · Carbine · In Production · 2013
Also known as: Colt Law Enforcement Carbine, Colt 6920, LE6920-OEM
Overview
The Colt LE6920 is a semi-automatic civilian and law enforcement variant of the military M4 Carbine, introduced in 2013. Designed specifically for law enforcement patrol applications, the LE6920 delivers combat-proven reliability and performance in a civilian-legal configuration. The rifle features a 16.1-inch chrome-lined barrel with M4 feed ramps and a 1:7 right-hand twist, capable of stabilizing the full range of military and commercial 5.56mm ammunition. Weighing 6.95 pounds empty, the carbine measures 32 inches with the stock retracted and 35.5 inches extended. The flattop upper receiver provides a full-length Picatinny rail for mounting optics and accessories. Standard equipment includes Magpul MBUS Gen 2 backup sights, Magpul MOE furniture, and Colt's Rogers Super-Stoc collapsible stock. The direct impingement gas system uses traditional carbine-length gas configuration. Built to Colt's military specifications with the same materials and manufacturing processes as their military M4 carbines, the LE6920 incorporates mil-spec 7075-T6 aluminum receivers, chrome-lined bore and chamber, and A2-style flash suppressor. Each rifle ships with one 30-round Magpul PMAG magazine.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3152 g (111.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3722 g (131.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 813 mm (32.01") |
| Barrel Length | 409 mm (16.10") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Direct Impingement |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 30 N (6.7 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 905 m/s (2969 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1640 J (1210 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Hard Anodized |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56mm NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Carbine Length Gas System, Chrome Lined Barrel, Chrome Lined Chamber, Rotating Bolt, Flat Top Receiver, Picatinny Rail, M4 Feed Ramps, Forward Assist, Dust Cover, A2 Flash Hider, Magpul Mbus Sights, Magpul Furniture, Colt Rogers Superstock
Variants
- LE6920-OEM — Oem
- LE6920-MPS — Magpul Edition
- LE6921 — Short Barrel
Base model
Service history
Operators
- US Law Enforcement Agencies · adopted 2013 · as LE6920
- Various State Police Departments · as LE6920
- Civilian Shooters · as LE6920
Production
Production years: 2013-present
High-volume continuous production for law enforcement and civilian markets
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Eugene Stoner
Notes
The LE6920 represents Colt's entry into the civilian AR-15 market after decades of focusing primarily on military and law enforcement contracts. The designation 'LE' (Law Enforcement) reflects its intended market, though the rifle quickly became popular with civilian shooters seeking a genuine Colt M4-pattern carbine. The 6920 shares the same manufacturing processes, tooling, and quality control as military M4 carbines, with the only significant difference being the semi-automatic-only fire control group. Colt's chrome-lined barrels are renowned for durability and corrosion resistance, though some precision shooters note that button-rifled chrome-lined barrels may not deliver the same accuracy as precision non-chrome-lined barrels. The carbine-length gas system on the 16-inch barrel provides reliable function but generates more felt recoil and faster cyclic rates compared to mid-length gas systems. From 2013 onwards, Colt upgraded the LE6920 with Magpul furniture including MOE handguards, pistol grip, and MBUS sights, replacing the earlier A2-style furniture. The Rogers Super-Stoc features enhanced friction-lock to eliminate rattle. As one of the few manufacturers producing true mil-spec M4 clones for the civilian market, Colt LE6920s command respect for their authenticity and proven track record.
Background
The Colt LE6920 emerged during a period when Colt was transitioning from primarily military/LE contracts to embrace the civilian AR-15 market. For decades, civilian shooters could only obtain Colt AR-15s through limited runs or law enforcement overruns. The LE6920 changed this, offering a true Colt M4 clone built to military specifications. The rifle gained significant attention during the 2013 gun control debates when demand for AR-15s surged. Colt's 'Rollmark Premium' - the value placed on the iconic Colt pony logo - became a point of discussion, with some arguing that other manufacturers offered better features for the price while others maintained that Colt's military heritage and quality control justified the premium. The LE6920 has served with numerous law enforcement agencies nationwide and proven itself in actual duty use. Many competitive shooters and firearms instructors choose the LE6920 as a 'baseline' AR-15 - a known-reliable platform for teaching fundamentals or evaluating upgrades. The rifle's military pedigree and combat-proven design make it a benchmark against which other AR-15s are measured.