Technical and Historical Look at the Colt LE6940

Published on June 29, 2018
Duration: 22:43

This video provides a technical and historical deep dive into the Colt LE6940 rifle, tracing its development from the SCAR program and highlighting its innovative one-piece upper receiver. The presenter, with firsthand experience at Colt during its development, details the rifle's features, evolution, and its significance as a departure from traditional AR-15 designs, emphasizing its accuracy and military/law enforcement appeal.

Quick Summary

The Colt LE6940 is a significant rifle due to its innovative one-piece upper receiver, enabling a free-floating barrel for enhanced accuracy. Developed from the SCAR program, it features an integrated rail, folding front sight, and was released in 2009, representing a modern evolution of the AR-15 platform for military and law enforcement.

Chapters

  1. 00:06Introduction to the Colt LE6940
  2. 00:16Significance of the LE6940
  3. 00:53History and Origins
  4. 01:31SCAR Program Initiation
  5. 02:04Colt's One-Piece Upper Receiver
  6. 03:01LE6940 Prototype Overview
  7. 03:30SCAR Type A and C Rifles
  8. 03:44Nickel Boron Coating (UCT)
  9. 05:06End of the SCAR Program
  10. 06:36LE6940 Series Underway
  11. 07:30LE6940 Prototype Features
  12. 08:06Barrel Profile and Muzzle Break
  13. 08:27Barrel Nut Design
  14. 09:05One-Piece Receiver Debate
  15. 09:49Rear Backup Sight
  16. 09:58Early LE6940 Internals
  17. 10:33Hammer and Trigger Pins
  18. 10:49Stock: Vltor/EMOD
  19. 11:02SCAR Barrel vs. LE6940 Barrel
  20. 11:27Buffer System
  21. 11:39Production LE6940 vs. Prototype
  22. 11:52LE6940 Variations
  23. 12:13Major Differences: Prototype vs. Production
  24. 12:30Front Sight Base Evolution
  25. 12:58Receiver Internals: Cam Pin Slot
  26. 13:13LE6940P (Piston Carbine)
  27. 14:14Cam Pin Protection Mechanism
  28. 15:08Stock Changes
  29. 15:21Lower Receiver Markings
  30. 15:43Major Improvements Summary
  31. 15:48LE6940 vs. LE6920 Comparison
  32. 16:13One-Piece Upper Receiver Benefits
  33. 16:29Folding Sights and Optics
  34. 16:38Current Production Backup Sights
  35. 16:46Final Configuration and Availability
  36. 17:05Sales and Marketing at Colt
  37. 17:54Presentation to General Keyes
  38. 18:18General Keyes' Blessing
  39. 18:21Author Selections and Evaluations
  40. 18:33Production Rollout Challenges
  41. 18:50Demand for the LE6940
  42. 19:01Receiver Host for LE6940P
  43. 19:19Colt's Reluctance on Piston Guns
  44. 19:50LE6940P Release
  45. 20:02LE6940P Production Status
  46. 20:07LE6940 Success and Legal Issues
  47. 20:23Patent Infringement Issue
  48. 20:52Royalty Payments to LMT
  49. 21:05Rumors of Production Halt
  50. 21:17Return to Two-Piece Designs
  51. 21:36LE6940's Significance
  52. 21:47Difference from M4 and LE6920
  53. 21:53Favor in Law Enforcement
  54. 22:03Price Point
  55. 22:10Shooting Impressions
  56. 22:13Interesting Story Behind the Rifle
  57. 22:21Next Generation Colt Rifle
  58. 22:26Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Colt LE6940 significant in firearm history?

The Colt LE6940 is significant for its innovative one-piece upper receiver, which allows for a free-floating barrel and an integrated rail system. It represented a departure from traditional AR-15 designs and was developed from lessons learned during the SCAR program, aiming for enhanced accuracy and modularity for military and law enforcement.

When was the Colt LE6940 developed and released?

Development for the Colt LE6940 began around 2002-2003, stemming from Colt's involvement in the SCAR program. However, the rifle wasn't officially put into production and released to the public until 2009, after extensive testing and refinement.

What are the key technical features of the Colt LE6940?

Key features include a one-piece upper receiver for a free-floating barrel, a continuous 1913 rail, a folding front sight, and a removable lower handguard for M203 compatibility. Early models also featured UCT nickel boron coatings and later transitioned to industry-standard trigger and hammer pins.

Did the Colt LE6940 have any piston variants?

Yes, Colt developed a piston-operated variant, the LE6940P (Colt Piston Carbine), which utilized the same upper receiver but incorporated a short-stroke gas piston system. This variant was designed to address concerns about direct impingement systems in harsh conditions.

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