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View Full Version : AR Colt 6920 vs KCI AK-103S RIFLE



lfgmike
31 March 2009, 18:27
I'm trying to get some solid advice. Would like to hear any opinions on what is better for a guy wanting investment/part time range shooting/home protection. I thought I was ready to get a Colt 6920, but have had some friends tell me that the AK is "more reliable", and may be better suited for my purposes. I very much value what I hear from the guys on the forum here, authorities on the subject of AR's. Many thanks.

bigcoastie
31 March 2009, 19:49
I would have to say what you are using the rifle for the difference between an AR and an AK are negligible in terms of reliability.

That being said I would never have a 7.62 as my primary home protection weapon. I mean by all means if I'm cleaning a 7.62 and some d bag busts down my door I'll give him a bad day.

The colt is a great investment, is very reliable for what most people are going to use them for and 5.56>7.62 for home defense. I still think 7.62 is a damn heavy grain to use inside. Also take a look at ergonomics for me the ak is kind of hard to operate the safety charging handle etc. reaching over to charge the rifle the safety is clumsy but if I was left handed it might be different. The AK is also going to have more kick not much much more but it will be noticeable. I know the question was reliability but I had to bring up some other things.

lfgmike
31 March 2009, 20:47
I appreciate the candid advice. I have a buddy who wants to take me to Krebs Custom Guns in Northern IL and he claims, for my purposes(listed earlier), that I can pick up a "kick-ass" Ak for around $1300ish. From my research, the 6920 is maybe $1500. Thats why I'm here!!! Not even knowing you guys on this forum- I think there's more gun knowledge in one of your fingernail clippings, than my my buddy has told me.

Dutch
31 March 2009, 21:07
Either of the weapons your looking at with proper maintenance care and feeding will probably meet your requirements. As the expeirience I have with KREB's AK style/type rifles is limited to what is currently available on the internet I can't see anything wrong with it though I was shocked at he sticker price listed on the site.

Now on the other hand my experience with the COLTS line of Rifles, Carbines and Pistols is a bit more in depth, as I have carried COLTS and FN Rifles throughout my .mil career.

I will say both weapon platforms are considered tops in their class. The AK could generally be considered a bit more "robust in design" the AR is known for its superior accuracy over the AK. Either weapon will perform well in the hands of an experienced shooter familiar with the weapon at hand.

I am not sure what the "investment quality" of KCI AK's are, though traditionally the COLTS seem to maintain a higher level of resale value.

I can only say if it was "MY" money I would go with the 6920 based on experience, training, and reputation in manufacturing.

Hopefully I didn't just "muddy" the waters for you.

Dutch

lfgmike
1 April 2009, 05:20
On the contrary, a big help! Coming from a guy with military exp.(I have none and I'm truly grateful for your service) I highly value your opinion, exactly what I was looking for! Big thanks!

Eric
1 April 2009, 07:39
I'll take a .223/5.56 AR15 over a 7.62 AK for home defense duties. The 7.62x39 in just about all loadings will produce excessive penetration in building materials. The AK is without question a reliable and proven design. However, I carry an AR daily and don't have any concerns that it's not going to perform as designed, since I know it's properly built and maintained.

lfgmike
1 April 2009, 09:28
I'm hearing more and more about the advantages by going with Colt for my purposes. Thank you Eric for the insight.

Wiretie
1 April 2009, 09:46
I'll take a .223/5.56 AR15 over a 7.62 AK for home defense duties. The 7.62x39 in just about all loadings will produce excessive penetration in building materials. The AK is without question a reliable and proven design. However, I carry an AR daily and don't have any concerns that it's going to perform as designed, since I know it's properly built and maintained.

I couldn't agree more. 55grain m885 doesn't travel through houses very well at all (firsthand experience [BD]).

**my first post here at WeaponEvolution :P**

lfgmike
1 April 2009, 15:35
I've just learned that the Colt is not an option for me. I'm going to find a comparable alternative from Armalite or Smith & Wesson.

Dutch
1 April 2009, 16:21
I couldn't agree more. 55grain m885 doesn't travel through houses very well at all (firsthand experience [BD]).

**my first post here at WeaponEvolution :P**
Wiretie,

Welcome to the board and congrats on your 1st post.

I do have one thing to share with you though, M855 is a 62 grain cartridge, not a 55 grain. Possibly you were thinking of M193?

Once again welcome aboard.

Dutch

alpha.kilo
1 April 2009, 23:55
Wiretie, my real life experience has been exactly opposite of yours with
M855. I have found the 62 gr "green tip" with the steel penetrator to go through houses very well. Dry wall, mud walls, wood doors, glass etc etc. Just my .02.

HS2
2 April 2009, 14:53
lfgmike,

I have never shot the KCI, but have owned an AK and currently own a Colt AR. You will definately not be disappointed with an AR. Lightweight, low recoil and amazingly accurate.

JLSKIP
2 April 2009, 15:52
I was originally looking at the 6920, when I came across the Charles Daly M4LE. It had all of the features I was looking for, such as proper staking and it matched the 6920 in those areas. I picked it up for hundreds less than I was seeing the 6920 go for. I've been very satisfied with my M4LE, and I would highly recommend checking out the review that Stickman did, as well as some other reviews.

Ryo
3 April 2009, 17:53
Since you mentioned that you are willing to look at other brands.. There are a lot of brands out there that are extremely good. Other brands I would look at are Noveske, and LMT. Both have very high marks on quality, reliability, and accuracy.

lfgmike
4 April 2009, 07:37
Thanks. I really appreciate the input. Any thoughts on Armalite?

Stickman
4 April 2009, 11:51
Armalite builds a decent AR15, Eric did a review of one of the Armalite carbines, and really put it through its paces. You might want to check out that review for some solid info.

Eric
4 April 2009, 16:59
Thanks. I really appreciate the input. Any thoughts on Armalite?
Some Armalite info. (http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?t=322)

lfgmike
12 April 2009, 17:56
I just heard Diane Feinsteins remarks on "60 Minutes", about how she will push for a full assault rifle ban, just stepped up my quest to own one. Thank you for the in depth info on the Armalite.

piggy8888
3 June 2010, 18:08
If you could cough up a couple more bucks, definitely go with the Colt. Mil Spec or not is one thing; the more important factor is the parts are heat treated and rigorously tested (some magnetic XXX process I believe, etc..) to ensure no defect and absolute reliability. If you are thinking about the Colt AR-15, seriously consider the Colt 6721 Tactical instead of the Colt 6920 LE. The Colt 6721 is 7.24 lbs without the magazine and sling. The 6920 is about a lbs lighter. Both models are well balance and no noticeable difference in weight unless you drag it along for hours with a rack sack, which most civilians won't. There is some huge misconception out there that the two carbines are "basically the same" other than the design for M203 grenade launcher with 1 in 7 rate of twist barrel (Colt 6920) and the HBAR with 1 in 9 twist (Colt 6721). Some Colt enthusiasts and shooters overlook or are unaware of the significance of these differences. The 6721 Tactical is unquestionable hands down the better weapon of the two models for 2 significant reasons. (1) The heavy barrel (HBAR) on the 6721 will not easily overheat for sustained rapid firing and is a bit more accurate than the 6920. (2) The slower 1 in 9 twist rate will have a bit more devastating effect on the target (yes, it will tear up the target more than just penetrating a small hole thru). The 1 in 7 twist faster twist rate in the 6920 design was intentional as a result of the Geneva Convention and agreed by the department of defense to be a "wounding gun", which has less devastating effect. Colt company representatives confirmed the 1 in 7 twist best supports bullet weight 55-80 grains, while the 1 in 9 twist shoots 55-70 grains. It all depends on what you are going to use the weapon for. The ONLY time you would want to choose the 6920 over the 6721 is when you want to shoot competition beyond 600 yards (and it won't be much effective further that) or plan to put M203. The 6920 faster twist rate will better handle bullet weight up to 80 grains. Keep in mind though neither of these Colt models are designed to be sniper weapons for long range. If you want a long range weapon, you'll need something else. IMHO after long research and personal experience, the 6721 is without a doubt the better to have between the 2 Colt AR-15 models.

TehLlama
3 June 2010, 18:57
If you have $1500 to spend on a rifle, I'd focus on:
Colt, Bravo Company, Daniel Defense, Noveske, LMT for the uppers - comparable parts on lowers or just going with complete guns.

Top end AR's are worth it if you're not strapped for the cash up front, as another person who gets paid to use Colts and FN's in adorably dirty areas.

Just be aware that you'll want to spend between $200 and $800 on support gear for it (PMags, Sling, etc.) and researching a good defense load can help a ton (Find any AR posts made by Molon and let that adventure begin)

sjohnny
4 June 2010, 05:35
The slower 1 in 9 twist rate will have a bit more devastating effect on the target (yes, it will tear up the target more than just penetrating a small hole thru). The 1 in 7 twist faster twist rate in the 6920 design was intentional as a result of the Geneva Convention and agreed by the department of defense to be a "wounding gun", which has less devastating effect.

I think you've received some bad information.


Except, yes, the 1 in 7 twist was intentional.

piggy8888
23 March 2011, 12:35
Again, you won't see any noticable difference between the Colt 6920 and 6721, UNTIL you have fired a good number of rounds or when your 6920 heated up. Why do you think Colt put the double hand guard for heat shield? Well, the whimpy barrel of the 6920 heats up after sustained firing. The 6721 can withstand the heat much better. If you take either one to the range for plinking a few rounds, it really doesn't make any difference. Again, if I were to choose, it's 6721 hands down.