Colt Defense just introduced its new Colt Tactical line of semi-auto-only tactical AR (AR-15) carbines and rifles at SHOT Show 2010. The new Colt Tactical carbines/rifles are designed to provide civilian tactical shooters with carbine and rifle packages that they can take right from the box, mount a combat optic on it, and go right out and train/shoot in the most arduous tactical training courses and events with maximum reliability and modularity. The Colt Tactical guns displayed at the Colt booth at SHOT Show 2010 were prototype versions of the weapons, not production guns.
While the initial Colt Tactical carbines are based on the law enforcement (LE) series carbine configurations (LE6940 monolithic rail platform carbine, LE6920 M4/M4A1-config carbine, and a LE6520-type “pencil barrel” lightweight barrel model config, respectively), they’re upgraded with some of the latest, most advanced and compatible tactical AR accessories. The Colt Tactical guns will feature different rollmarks than the LE series guns.
The specific accessory brands/models aren’t yet set in stone, but the preliminary accessories shown on the display Colt Tactical guns include the new Vltor iMOD stock (buttstock), Centurion Arms free-float Mil-Std-1913 “Picatinny” quad rail system/forend rail tube/tactical handguard (8.5 oz), Bravo Company Mfg./Vltor Weapons Systems BCMGunfighter (also written BCM Gunfighter) charging handle, Vltor railed gas block with flip-up front BUIS (Back Up Iron Sight) and Knight’s Armament Company (KAC) 300 and 600 meter rear BUIS. The guns should be packaged with 3-5 30-round magazines (unconfirmed/unverified).
The lightweight “pencil barrel” model Colt Tactical carbine is particularly noteworthy, considering its potential as a lightweight gun for running and gunning. It’s basically a flattop LE 6520-config carbine that’s been upgraded with (for now) a Centurion free-float rail, Vltor/BCM Gunfighter charging handle, KAC rear BUIS, and Vltor iMOD stock.
