Colt LE901 16S

Published on September 2, 2018
Duration: 39:29

This video provides an in-depth review of the Colt LE901-16S, a modular rifle designed to chamber both 7.62x51mm NATO and 5.56x45mm NATO. The presenter details the rifle's history, technical specifications, and unique convertible design. A step-by-step guide is provided on how to convert the rifle from its 7.62mm configuration to 5.56mm by swapping the buffer, buffer spring, and installing a specific magazine well block, allowing the use of standard AR-15 upper receivers and magazines.

Quick Summary

The Colt LE901-16S is a convertible rifle that can chamber both 7.62x51mm NATO and 5.56x45mm NATO rounds. Conversion involves swapping the buffer and spring for 5.56mm equivalents and installing a specific magazine well block, allowing the use of standard AR-15 upper receivers and magazines.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction to the Colt LE901-16S
  2. 00:11Colt's First 7.62mm Rifle
  3. 00:17Historical Context: Armalite and Colt
  4. 01:55Colt's Purchase of Armalite and Early Prototypes
  5. 03:31SCAR Program and Larry Robbins' Involvement
  6. 04:15Colt's Desire for a Convertible 7.62mm Rifle
  7. 05:02The Program Commences: Upper Receiver Design
  8. 05:32CN901 vs. LE901: Gas System Differences
  9. 06:00Special Operations Unit Feedback
  10. 06:30Gas System Shortening and Internal Modifications
  11. 07:03LE901-16S: Select-Fire Capability
  12. 08:05Rifle's Role: Assault Rifle vs. Sharpshooter
  13. 08:48Rear Receiver Extension and Stock
  14. 09:25Lower Receiver Features: Ambidextrous Controls
  15. 10:10Standard Magazine Release and Trigger Guard
  16. 10:19Forward Assist Discussion
  17. 11:00Upper Receiver: Two-Piece Design
  18. 11:35Front Sight Base and Bayonet Lug
  19. 11:57Barrel Specifications: Material and Twist Rate
  20. 12:14Vortex Flash Hider and Blank Firing Adaptor
  21. 13:05Magazine Compatibility: SR-25/AR-10 Type
  22. 13:43Specter Sight and Combat Rifle Role
  23. 14:15Manta Rail Protectors
  24. 15:15Internal Components: Lower Receiver and Buffer
  25. 16:11Bolt Carrier Group: Hybrid Design Explained
  26. 17:21Bolt and Barrel Inspection
  27. 17:43Chamber Machining for Firing Pin Retaining Pin
  28. 18:05Firing Pin and Firing Pin Spring Function
  29. 19:33Component Interchangeability: Proprietary Parts
  30. 19:54Bolt Carrier Chrome Plating
  31. 20:06Bolt Modifications: Extractor and Pin
  32. 20:43Gas Rings and Buffer Condition
  33. 21:15Upper Receiver: Two-Piece Construction
  34. 21:50Cam Pin Guard Function and History
  35. 23:03Receiver Forging and Machining
  36. 23:11Backup Sights
  37. 23:337.62mm Configuration Overview
  38. 23:36Conversion to 5.56mm: Step 1 - Buffer and Spring
  39. 24:16Receiver Compatibility: M16/M4 Magazines
  40. 24:41Conversion with Colt LE6940 Upper Receiver
  41. 25:01Magazine Lock/Block Installation
  42. 25:355.56mm Configuration Achieved
  43. 25:44Comparison to Standard M4
  44. 26:03Magazine Well Block Functionality
  45. 26:12Magazine Rib Design
  46. 26:47Testing with PMAG Gen 3
  47. 27:07Ambidextrous Features in 5.56mm Configuration
  48. 27:145.56mm Upper Receiver Details
  49. 27:30Front Sight Base and Bayonet Lug (5.56mm)
  50. 27:34Magpul Embossed Upper Receiver
  51. 27:51Cam Track Block on One-Piece Uppers
  52. 28:12Receiver Width Comparison
  53. 28:20Reliability in Conversion System
  54. 28:44LE901-16S System Components
  55. 29:04Magazine Well Block Functionality (7.62 to 5.56)
  56. 29:207.62mm Configuration Overview
  57. 29:27Availability: Military and Law Enforcement
  58. 29:56Designer Larry Robbins' Contribution
  59. 30:13Competitive Landscape: HK417, SCAR, LMT MWS
  60. 30:38Building Reputation on the Battlefield
  61. 31:17Discontinuation and Mark Series
  62. 31:30Industry Gossip: Patent Infringement
  63. 31:43New Mark Series Features
  64. 31:51Cost Reduction in Mark Series
  65. 32:12Two-Piece Receiver Benefits
  66. 32:33Evolution to LE902 CSR System
  67. 32:58Quality and Reliability of Colt Products
  68. 33:08Sales and Market Challenges
  69. 33:36Personal Appreciation for the LE901-16S
  70. 33:53Proving Itself on the Battlefield
  71. 34:02Range Test: 7.62mm and 5.56mm Configurations
  72. 36:13Upper/Lower Separation for Conversion
  73. 36:21Buffer Change for 5.56mm Assembly
  74. 36:36Magwell Adapter Installation
  75. 36:485.56mm Sights and Target Engagement
  76. 38:505.56mm Conversion Reliability
  77. 39:04Functionality as Manufactured
  78. 39:08LE6940 Upper Receiver Compatibility
  79. 39:13Any Milspec Upper Receiver Compatibility
  80. 39:17Video Conclusion and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Colt LE901-16S a convertible rifle?

The Colt LE901-16S is convertible because it can be easily switched between 7.62x51mm NATO and 5.56x45mm NATO calibers. This is achieved by changing the buffer and buffer spring in the lower receiver and installing a specific magazine well block, allowing the use of standard AR-15 upper receivers and magazines.

How do you convert the Colt LE901-16S from 7.62mm to 5.56mm?

To convert the LE901-16S, you first separate the upper and lower receivers. Then, replace the 7.62mm buffer and spring with a standard 5.56mm buffer and spring. Finally, install the 5.56mm magazine well block and attach a 5.56mm upper receiver.

What are the key features of the Colt LE901-16S bolt carrier group?

The LE901-16S features a unique hybrid bolt carrier group. It has a 7.62mm bolt at the front for chambering the larger round, but the rear section is designed to fit the standard 5.56mm M16/M4 receiver extension, ensuring compatibility with the lower receiver.

Is the Colt LE901-16S compatible with standard AR-10 or AR-15 parts?

While the LE901-16S uses SR-25/AR-10 type magazines and its lower receiver can accept any standard AR-15 milspec upper receiver, its internal components like the bolt carrier, bolt, extractor, and firing pin are proprietary to the LE901 and not interchangeable with other AR-10 or AR-15 platforms.

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