The Colt LE6920 is an easily identifiable AR-15. Any of the others that look like it are effectively copying this set-up. Colt is, after all, the company that built many of the first contract AR rifles, and the company that carried government contracts through the dark years of the AWB.
Colt is still Colt, even if it is owned now by CZ, and the LE6920 is their workhorse staple. For those who want an old-school AR-15, there’s no better place to start than a stock LE6920.
And this is a gun that’s going to run, right out of the box. It even comes with a magazine and sights. But that doesn’t mean there’s no room for improvement.
What makes an AR basic?
Is basic even the right word here? Maybe standard would be a better adjective to describe the LE6920. There’s certainly nothing wrong with this gun.
As a gun that is built to meet the needs of law enforcement (that’s what the LE stands for), the LE6920 makes use of the most common kinds of AR parts. Most will get a “Mil-Spec” definition, which–again–speaks more to the idea of a standard (as in good enough to satisfy the demands of a military contract). And all of the parts are built to be modular, interchangeable, and can be added or swapped out by an armorer (as-in, there’s no need for a gunsmith).
Mil-Spec parts will get you a long way, but lack panache and (in some cases) potential. From the trigger to the furniture, there are lots of good options out there for ways to make this gun more functional or more ideally suited to your specific needs.
Upgrade to a more functional handguard
The clam-shell drop-in handguard on the LE6920 is basic. You can add more functionality to the front-end capabilities with quad rails. While Key-Mod and M-LOK are good choices, an old-fashioned quad rail is still the easiest way to add accessories.
AT3 makes great quad rails. They are not as light as some of the newer polymer forends, but they are much more rigid and versatile.
AT3™ Pro Quad Rails – Free Float AR15 Handguards – 4 Lengths Available
Another solid option, and lighter than the quad rail concept, is the AT3 SPEAR handguards. These are available in multiple lengths and finishes, and combine the Picatinny rail up top with the M-LOK slots on the sides. They’re aluminum, light, and durable. You will need a new gas block, though, but the effort is worth it.
AT3™ SPEAR M-LOK Handguard for AR-15 – 9, 12, & 15 inch Lengths
The Midwest Industries rails are solid options, too. The G4M gives you rail space and M-LOK space. Midwest Industries specializes in aluminum. They’re making their own guns now, but have a great reputation for building accessories.
If Magpul is your thing, go with M-LOK or MOE. The Magpul designs are an excellent upgrade and even provide clearance, on some, for front sight posts–meaning you won’t have to mess with the gas block, which can get messy for beginners.
Magpul MOE SL Furniture Kit | AR 15 Stock, Grip & M-LOK Handguard
Stocks for the Colt LE6920
From its inception, this simple six-position M4 style stock was built for modularity, ease of maintenance, and ease of use. Many don’t like the sharp angles on these–they get wrapped up in slings and clothing. The fix is easy.
Magpul MOE Fixed Carbine Stock – Mil Spec AR-15 – MAG480
For those who like to keep things simple, we recommend the Magpul fixed stocks. These are designed to prevent any snags.
For long-range work, nothing beats Magpul’s PRS line. These allow for many adjustments that will keep you lined up on your target. But these adjustments aren’t fast–more for a gun that you keep dialed into your measurements.
Magpul PRS Gen 3 Adjustable Stock Mil Spec for AR-15 and AR-10
Another key piece of the Colt LE6920 that is standard is the buffer system. This means reliability should be good across a wide spectrum of ammo. But fine-tuning your buffer system can handle odd pressures, allow you to run suppressed more reliably, and can even help with the wear on the whole system. Odin Works makes weighted buffers that will keep the timing dialed in.
Odin Works Adjustable AR-15 Buffer Weight – Heavy
AR-15 Grips for the LE6920
AR grips are easy to swap out. The most common reason to do so maybe the desire to keep the gun homogeneous aesthetically. If you have a Magpul stock and forend, you may as well have a Magpul grip, no?
Magpul Moe Grip | Pistol Grip for AR-15 – MAG415
Ergonomics is also important. Some grips change the way a rifle sits in the hand, and that added comfort can make a noticeable difference in how the gun shoots.
Ergo Grips make grips that add texture and girth. If you have big hands, Ergo should be on your list.
Ergo 2 Flat Top AR-15/AR-10 Grip – SureGrip
If you need help with the position of your trigger finger, check out the grips from BCM. These adjustments are key to getting a gun that fits you, and not an average shooter in a police department.
BCM Gunfighter AR-15 Pistol Grip Mod 2
If performance and accuracy are exceptionally important, consider a trigger upgrade. Most entry-level triggers are a bit rough around the edges, which makes any upgrade a step in the right direction. But know that the trigger on the LE6920 is far from bad and that you’ll really need to be intentional about how you upgrade the trigger.
The Colt is a carbine, and not built for extreme long-range accuracy. What you will gain from an enhanced trigger? Is it material construction or pull weight? Or are you looking for a new shape for the trigger shoe?
Geissele SSA 4.5 lbs 2-Stage AR15 / AR10 Combat Trigger
For a gun like this, look at the Geissele SSA-X Government.
Or take a look at the complete upgrade from AT3. The AT3 2-Stage Lower Parts Kit has a nickel boron trigger and all of the internal parts you’ll need for an overhaul. The nickel boron is a great addition that will help when it comes time to clean the gun.
AT3™ 2-Stage AR 15 Lower Parts Kit with Nickel Boron Trigger – No Grip or Trigger Guard
Barrels
The barrel on the Colt is chrome lined, which helps with corrosion. Its government profile reduces weight and provides reliable first-round accuracy out to surprising distances. But you can add more long-range capability with a bull barrel. Or maybe you’d rather have something stainless for ease of maintenance.
Odin Works AR-15 223 Wylde Barrel 18″ DMR Rifle
Why not both? Check out Odin Works. The heavier profile and extra length will add some accuracy at distance–and it is stainless, too.
For an SBR variant, there are numerous shorter options. Some will require a new gas system, too, which will get you deeper into the DIY. Check out the barrels from Ballistic Advantage.
Ballistic Advantage 5.56 11.3 Inch AR 15 Barrel – Hanson Profile with .750 Gas Block – Nitride
As you get into barrel options for an LE6920, you will need to have a basic understanding of headspace. This article is a good place to start. Don’t let it get intimidating.
Real Avid Gun Tool Pro for AR15
The tools of the trade
No matter which direction you take your build, you’ll need some dedicated tools. This is especially true if you plan to pull the LE6920’s front sight.
Wheeler AR Armorers Professional Kit – 156555
Having an armorer’s kit to supplement your basic set of home-shop tools is a good idea, both for upgrades and regular maintenance. This is a one-time investment–and typically you can get everything you would need for an AR build for under $250.
One Last Tip
If there’s anyone that knows the AR-15 platform, it’s the US military. As a special offer for our readers, you can get the Official US Army Manual for AR-15/M4/M16 right now – for free. Click here to snag a copy.
Is a carry handle available fire the AR15 mod. 6920?
Chrome lining is not really for corrosion resistance, that’s a beneficial side effect. It’s there to double the lifespan of the barrel. This has been known and in the tech manuals for like 40 years. Stop making up nonsense.