Using one lower receiver nomenclature design enables Colt to use all of their lower receivers across their entire carbine product portfolio.
Also during this time, we saw the full implementation of laser engraving on the rifles to replace the roll die process. The cost estimates that I have seen for each Colt roll mark die was $90,000 to $130,000. To put firearm specific nomenclatures on the lower receivers, Colt had to invest in roll dies for each different nomenclature, had to stop production cycles to change roll dies and replace the roll dies as they wear out. Over the years we have become used to seeing rifle specific lower receiver nomenclatures like AR-15A2 Sporter II, AR-15A4, AR-15A4 Lightweight LE Carbine, M4 Carbine and M4A1 Carbine to name a few. After two to three months in the market, the reduction of ‘character’ in the lower receiver markings continues to draw criticism. Many committed Colt AR-15 fans did not receive this lower receiver design change very well. Photograph of the new ‘Carbine’ lower receiver Above the text is the renowned ‘Rampant Pony’ that we know and love. In an effort to streamline production and reduce production costs, Colt standardized the lower receiver markings to simply say ‘Carbine Cal. I was surprised to see that during the temporary hiatus from the market, Colt had revamped its AR-15 lower receiver design and manufacturing strategy. On October 3rd, 2020 on Gun Broker I saw the first listing for the new Colt AR-15’s. You can see the story here: Īfter reading the article, I began watching the retail market and firearms sales sites like Gun Broker looking for the new rifles coming into the market. On J published a short article stating that Colt had announced it was going to start shipping commercial rifles again. Many of us understood that Colt was simply balancing market realities and priorities and that once existing inventories got low and military/le contracts got caught up, Colt would begin production again. The reality was that Colt had excess inventory and were back-logged with military and law enforcement orders which was completely consuming their manufacturing capacity. Many on the internet immediately jumped to the conclusion (incorrectly) that Colt had caved to anti-gun bureaucrats and cut off the civilian market. Vest orders containing additional items will have other products fulfilled separately.Around August of 2019, the internet came alive with second-hand word that Colt wasn’t going to sell their LE-series of AR-15’s to civilian consumers anymore. Orders are expected to ship before the end of June.Ī shipping notification will be sent to the e-mail address used to place the order once vest fulfillment commences in June. Purchase terms - please read before ordering!Īll pre-orders are non-refundable - NO EXCEPTIONS!