The strange Colt SCW - Sub Compact Weapon

Published on July 8, 2022
Duration: 10:56

This video details the Colt SCW (Sub Compact Weapon) stock system, an early 2000s innovation designed to shorten the overall length of AR-15 platforms. The SCW system features a folding stock and a significantly shortened buffer assembly, allowing for a more compact package, particularly for PDW applications. The installation process involves replacing the standard buffer tube with a proprietary shortened version and a modified bolt carrier group.

Quick Summary

The Colt SCW (Sub Compact Weapon) stock system is an aftermarket modification from the early 2000s designed to make AR-15 carbines significantly more compact. It features a folding stock and a proprietary shortened buffer tube assembly, often requiring a modified bolt carrier group, for PDW applications. While it reduces length, the stock does not lock when folded and increases the rifle's width.

Chapters

  1. 00:10Introduction to the Colt SCW
  2. 00:51What is the SCW Stock System?
  3. 01:04Original SCW Configuration (10.3" barrel)
  4. 01:12Current Build (16" barrel)
  5. 01:36Ammunition Used (Federal 55gr)
  6. 01:58Shooting Impression of SCW
  7. 02:05SCW Shortened Buffer Assembly
  8. 02:10SCW Kit Functionality
  9. 02:39SCW Availability
  10. 03:11SCW vs. Other Compact Systems
  11. 03:34SCW Addresses Buffer Tube Limitation
  12. 03:39Maxim Defense Comparison
  13. 03:58SCW Functionality: Folding Butt Plate
  14. 04:23SCW Sling Mounts
  15. 04:43SCW Adjustable Length of Pull
  16. 04:56SCW Folding Mechanism
  17. 05:09SCW Folded Position (No Lock)
  18. 05:24SCW Intended Use (Storage)
  19. 05:37SCW Construction
  20. 05:47SCW Stock Disassembly
  21. 06:40Shortened Buffer Tube Assembly
  22. 06:52SCW Internal Components (Spring, Buffer)
  23. 07:03Shortened Bolt Carrier Group
  24. 07:37Shortened Flat Recoil Spring
  25. 07:50Stumpy Bolt Carrier Details
  26. 08:11Colt's Forward-Thinking Design
  27. 08:28SCW Downside: Increased Width
  28. 09:00Colt History: PDW Concept
  29. 09:26SCW as M4 Evolution
  30. 09:28Shooting with Stock Folded
  31. 09:44Deploying Stock for Firing
  32. 09:54Recoil Impulse with SCW
  33. 09:59Trade-offs of SCW System
  34. 10:05SCW Availability and Colt Production
  35. 10:16Conclusion and Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Colt SCW (Sub Compact Weapon) system?

The Colt SCW is a stock system developed in the early 2000s to significantly shorten the overall length of AR-15 carbines. It features a folding stock and a proprietary shortened buffer tube assembly, making it ideal for PDW applications and improving concealability.

How does the Colt SCW system reduce the size of an AR-15?

The SCW system achieves compactness by replacing the standard AR-15 buffer tube with a much shorter one and incorporating a folding stock mechanism. This allows the rifle to be folded to the side, drastically reducing its dimensions for storage or transport.

What are the key components of the Colt SCW conversion kit?

The Colt SCW conversion kit typically includes the folding stock assembly, a shortened buffer tube, a flat recoil spring, and a modified, shortened bolt carrier group. Installation requires replacing these parts with the standard AR-15 components.

Can you fire an AR-15 with the Colt SCW stock folded?

While it's possible to access the charging handle and fire the rifle with the Colt SCW stock folded, it is not recommended or designed for this. The stock does not lock in the folded position, and it's intended primarily for storage and transport, not for shooting.

What is the main disadvantage of the Colt SCW stock system?

A primary disadvantage of the Colt SCW stock system is that when the stock is folded to the side, it significantly increases the overall width of the rifle, making it less streamlined for carrying or deploying compared to some later designs.

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