Colt Match Target Series, Part 4

Published on May 7, 2020
Duration: 8:31

This video details the Colt Match Target series of AR-15 rifles, introduced to comply with the 1994 Assault Weapon Ban. It explains how the ban affected firearm design by focusing on physical characteristics and outlines the specific modifications Colt made, such as removing flash suppressors and threading from barrels. The episode highlights various models within the Match Target line, including the MT 6551, MT 6601, MT 6700, and carbine variants like the MT 6731, as well as lightweight and caliber-specific versions.

Quick Summary

The Colt Match Target series was developed to comply with the 1994 Assault Weapon Ban, which restricted firearms based on physical characteristics like flash suppressors and threaded barrels. Colt modified its AR-15s by removing these features, introducing models such as the MT 6700 with a flat-top receiver and the MT 6400C designed to resemble an M4 carbine while remaining compliant.

Chapters

  1. 00:07Introduction: Colt AR-15 Series Part 4
  2. 00:28The 1994 Assault Weapon Ban Explained
  3. 00:41Objectionable Criteria Under the Ban
  4. 01:22Colt's Response: The Match Target Series
  5. 01:48Modifications for the Ban
  6. 02:04Early Match Target Features
  7. 02:16Auto Sear Block and Lower Receiver Changes
  8. 02:36Hammer and Trigger Pin Standards
  9. 02:49Evolution of Finish Colors
  10. 03:14Key Colt Match Target Models
  11. 03:18MT 6551: AR-15 A2 Government Carbine
  12. 03:36MT 6601: Heavy Barrel Variant
  13. 03:56MT 6700: Flat Top Upper Receiver
  14. 04:25MT 6731: Competition H-bar Carbine
  15. 04:46Lightweight Series: MT 6530 & MT 6830
  16. 04:52MT 6530: 5.56mm Match Lightweight
  17. 04:56MT 6830: 7.62x39mm Version Issues
  18. 05:14MT 6430: 9mm Sport Lightweight
  19. 05:21Ban-Compliant M4 Look: MT 6400C
  20. 05:49MT 6400C Details
  21. 06:10Model 6940 Comparison
  22. 06:24Accurized Rifle Variants
  23. 06:37End of the Assault Weapon Ban (September 2004)
  24. 06:45Impact of Ban Sunset on Colt
  25. 07:14Post-Ban Era: LE Distributors and Commercial Sales
  26. 07:34LE 6920 Dominance
  27. 08:10Future Colt Series (Part 5 & 6)

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary reason for the creation of the Colt Match Target series?

The Colt Match Target series was created in response to the 1994 Assault Weapon Ban. This legislation restricted firearms based on physical characteristics, forcing manufacturers like Colt to modify their AR-15 platforms by removing features such as flash suppressors and threaded barrels to comply with the law.

What were the 'objectionable criteria' under the 1994 Assault Weapon Ban?

The ban identified several 'objectionable criteria' for firearms, including a telescopic stock, vertical pistol grip, detachable box magazine, threaded barrel with a flash suppressor, grenade launcher sight, and bayonet lug. A firearm was only permitted to have two of these features to be legal.

Which Colt Match Target models featured a flat-top upper receiver?

The MT 6700 was a prominent Colt Match Target model that featured a flat-top upper receiver, a design that predated the widespread adoption of the M4 carbine. This allowed for easier mounting of optics and accessories.

How did Colt adapt the M4 carbine look for ban-compliant rifles?

For rifles like the MT 6400C, Colt mimicked the M4 carbine's appearance by using a fixed telescopic stock and a compensator that was drilled and pinned in place. This provided the desired aesthetic while adhering to the restrictions of the Assault Weapon Ban.

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