The existence of the Colt M5 has been known for some time but there has been very little discussion of the program in public. Information that is available indicates that the M5 has been tested and/or fielded in three calibers and eight different models.

This post is only going to look at the four 5.56mm models. I am going to show you data sheets for three of the four versions and just an image of the fourth variant. The Colt M5 Carbine models are as follows:

Colt CM556-10H-M5A-SCW 10.3″ barrel 5.56 x 45

Yes, you guessed it…this is the newest version of the Colt Sub-Compact Weapon (SCW)

Colt CM556-10H-M5A 10.3″ barrel 5.56 x 45

Colt CM556-11H-M5A 11.5″ barrel 5.56 x 45

Colt CM556-14H-M5A 14.5″ barrel 5.56 x 45

I have not seen any indication to date that the M5 family of firearms are set for release on the civilian market. My fingers are crossed. I hope you have enjoyed this look at these four 5.56 x 45 variants of the M5 Carbine.

“It is believed that 788 scopes were sold (and delivered) to Bobby McDonald (of Cooper/McDonald). However, fewer than one hundred of these scopes can be currently accounted for, a fact making this optic an incredibly rare item today”

The image and quote above is from pages 166 & 167 of Vickers Guide Volume 1, Second Edition

I got exceptionally lucky recently and had an opportunity to buy one of the Colt / Knights Armament IAR6940H upper receiver prototypes that were part of the Colt IAR program. Below are a few photos. I will write more about this piece soon.

A couple of weeks ago, Clyde Armory in Athens, GA stocked some new Colt LE6920’s that were contract excess for the government of Mexico. These carbines carry the model designation of LE6920M001.

I have started photographing the box, accessories and rifle tonight and will have the photos up here in a few days.

The post below is from Colts Facebook and Instagram page. I really enjoy seeing these bits of Colt history.

Edwin H. Williams worked for Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company From November 13, 1857 to February 15, 1925. A remarkable man who made a remarkable record of 67 years of service. #FactoryFriday

📷: Connecticut State Library

The end of this past week saw the appearance of another batch of Mexico government contract overrun Colt LE6920’s hit the market.

There is a discussion about them on AR15.com here: https://www.ar15.com/forums/Industry/The-new-Mexican-LE6920-/29-298836/

The last time we saw this happen was in 2017 and the carbines were retailed at $700. This time, the retail price was $1369.95. The market dynamics are completely different this time and this price is still a bargain for a unique Colt collectible.

You can see details of the previous LE6920M on my page here: https://thecoltar15resource.com/le6920m-standard-w-carry-handle/

The Colt SCW stock is one of the more rare modern Colt AR collectibles. I know of 13 of them in the civilian market. Dumb luck has given me the opportunity to have 3 of them in my possession at one time. This is probably the last time you will see 3 together in one place. Unfortunately, the folded lock mechanism is broke on one. Two of three are destined for GB to cover other collection costs. I am willing to deal on a Colt 9mm AR or Colt LE901…two of the grail guns I would like to add to my collection.

I received this Colt shooting shirt in the mail today. It is one of the more unusual things in my collection. It is almost new. It is in really great shape. I am going to guess that it is probably from sometime in the late 90’s or early 2000’s. I am going to research it later.

Also shown in the photo is a Colt CR6720 with Colt mount and Colt scope.

I recently picked up a new in box ban era (barrel date is January 1998) MT6530 Match Target Lightweight rifle. I noticed that this rifle had a stock storage door with a plastic latch and no hinge. This is the first time that I have seen one of these completely plastic door assemblies.

I did these two quick shots (below) of the stock storage doors. When looking at the head-on stock view, you can see the differences in hinge configurations and latches…the all plastic/no hinge door on the MT6530 compared to the more substantial door on my AR15A4 that has a metal latch and a hinge with metal internal pin.

I don’t believe the plastic latch/no hinge door would have much durability. Colt probably counted on the fact that these stock storage compartments aren’t often used in the civilian market.

https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/02/15/cz-buys-colt/