Colts Out for Harambe

Armalite brought us America's Rifle, but it was Colt that made it a household name. Ammoland Sports and Shooting News just published an article by frequent RECOIL contributor Mike Searson, who cut his teeth on the M16A2 as a younker, on the Colt Expanse M4.

Says Searson,

“The Colt Expanse M4 Carbine, model CE2000, represents a bargain for the first time AR shooter looking for an out of the box ready AR15 rifle.”

We all know what opinions are like (hint: it has a sphincter) but, despite his remarkably Hominidae-like feet, Searson is usually right with his.

“The barrel and chamber are not chrome lined. To some this is a deal breaker, but if you are not shooting corrosive ammunition, burning up 1000 rounds every weekend, running three-gun matches or using a registered drop-in auto sear, we do not see a problem.

There is a less expensive rifle in this line that ships without an ejection port cover or forward assist. We can see $50 as a bit high for those two features and if you do not want or need them, you may want to check out the other model.

…there is a front sight post, but no rear sight. Most shooters will want to throw an optic on here anyway, but for us personally, we would have rather paid the extra $50 for a rear sight instead of the ejection port cover and forward assist.

For a bargain priced entry-level AR with the Colt name on it, the Colt Expanse has a lot to offer.”

Take a look at his reasoning. Go read the original article in its entirety.

Colt describes the 5.56 x 45mm Expanse M4 carbine thusly:

The Colt Expanse M4 carbine puts a Colt quality AR-15 within easy reach of the modern sportsman looking to enhance his or her collection, or the first-time buyer looking for a starting point on which to build their dream modern sporting rifle. Either way, the Expanse M4 in 5.56 x 45 NATO (.223 Rem.) is a great way to add another Colt to the stable. The Expanse CE1000 can be upgraded with the addition of a forward assist and dust cover, while the CE2000 includes these features as standard.