Posted: 7/29/2025 12:00:59 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Milspec99][Edited]
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It seems when I am lucky enough to find a 11.5" Colt M5 CM556-11h-M5S in stock it's the old version with the gen 1 bolt release and awful flashing on the front of the magazine well. Need this:  " />Don't want this:  " />Can ya help me out Colt? |
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| Try asking Arms Unlimited if they have the newer gen in stock. |
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Originally Posted By Apple3_14159: Try asking Arms Unlimited if they have the newer gen in stock. Thanks. I have checked with them on and off a couple times. They say their copies have the old bolt release only paddle and not the one I have shown. Which is disappointing because the pics on the AU site show the "newer" version bolt catch and release. They also have not acknowledged anything about the horrible flashing on the front of the mag well. I don't want to buy it and then the dog water copy shows up at my FFL. As one member articulated. The old style is a bolt release only. The one in my pic is a true ambi catch and release as it should be. Idk why Colt would have released this with a quasi ambi release and that flashing in the first place. It's a major turn off when I feel like I have to search for a company's updated product so I don't get stuck with the tester/beta model. I also don't understand what kind of engineers they have. This is basic 101 stuff that every respectable manufacturer nails when they make an ambi AR lower. I could easily buy a DD 11.5" but I want a Colt and I want it right. |
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Yeah I really wish AU would stop using stock photos. You could sign up for the restock notification for just the 11.5 upper, then if it ever comes back, try to find a good complete 16" M5 elsewhere and do whatever you want with the extra upper. Or if you're not dead set on 11.5, Botach has the 10.3 upper in stock. I've been waiting for the 11.5 for a while now but might end up just buying the 10.3. |
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Originally Posted By Apple3_14159: Yeah I really wish AU would stop using stock photos. You could sign up for the restock notification for just the 11.5 upper, then if it ever comes back, try to find a good complete 16" M5 elsewhere and do whatever you want with the extra upper. Or if you're not dead set on 11.5, Botach has the 10.3 upper in stock. I've been waiting for the 11.5 for a while now but might end up just buying the 10.3. I hear you sir. Good strategy, I will look into it! I was hoping to get a factory SBR so I wouldn't need to disfigure it with engraving. Definitely want the 11.5". Heck if I could order the "good" bolt release components after the fact I would install them myself. |
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Originally Posted By Milspec99: It seems when I am lucky enough to find a 11.5" Colt M5 CM556-11h-M5S in stock it's the old version with the gen 1 bolt release and awful flashing on the front of the magazine well. Need this: <a href="[url]https://i.imgur.com/waa00EA.jpeg">https://i.imgur.com/waa00EA.jpeg">[url]https://i.imgur.com/waa00EA.jpeg Don't want this: <a href="[url]https://i.imgur.com/v5mZqu8.jpeg">https://i.imgur.com/v5mZqu8.jpeg">[url]https://i.imgur.com/v5mZqu8.jpeg Can ya help me out Colt? |
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Originally Posted By MGYSGT8541: The flashing is a non issues. Why do so many of you complain about it? The ambie bolt release is what should be sold to us to upgrade our M5's. I live mine. It came with a socom profile barrel as well. Solid weapon. Brass is thrown at the 4 o'clock. My flashing wasn't bad as at. To me the flashing is an issue so I disagree. Colt is a semi premium brand. This is basic QC, it should have been ground off after the forging/milling. It's unacceptable, never had or seen another lower with it. You can get a $29 PSA or Anderson lower and it won't have that flashing. I have no problem with buying the proper ambi bolt release as an upgrade after the fact but I don't see Colt ever making it available. Look at a Noveske, Daniel Defense, LMT, Radian, KAC the list could go on. None of this flashing garbage and all proper ambi lowers. |
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Originally Posted By Milspec99: To me the flashing is an issue so I disagree. Colt is a semi premium brand. This is basic QC, it should have been ground off after the forging/milling. It's unacceptable, never had or seen another lower with it. You can get a $29 PSA or Anderson lower and it won't have that flashing. I have no problem with buying the proper ambi bolt release as an upgrade after the fact but I don't see Colt ever making it available. Look at a Noveske, Daniel Defense, LMT, Radian, KAC the list could go on. None of this flashing garbage and all proper ambi lowers. |
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Originally Posted By MGYSGT8541: Agreed on the gen 2 ambie lever. I have sent a few emails to AU about it. My 11.5 M5 has the original like yours. Mine doesn't have the flashing. It wouldn't bother me. Seems to minor. Doesn't change function at all. Did you get your 11.5 M5 from AU? |
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New batch from AU are supposed to be flashing free. Now I just need to find the "good" ambi bolt release. Com'on Colt, I know you have some kicking around the warehouse in Hartford. Don't play me, I used to live 25 minutes from there. No one needs to know.  Even stopped in one time to bring in the 1911 rail gun for service I used to own. Anyone from @Colt ever on this? |
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Received mine last week. 2 day approval for the form 4! That was awesome! Couple of issues with the rifle though. It's going to need to go back to Colt. I will be calling customer service on Tuesday. - There is a good size bur on the right barrel extension feed ramp/ejection port side. It's going to collect a bunch of copper from projectiles and eventually cause malfunctions. Not to mention deface the jacket on the rounds going in. It needs to be cut, cleaned up and polished. This will require barrel removal. - The other issue is cosmetic and I doubt they would take it in on this alone but the receiver extension tube is clocked about 5 degrees. How are they not using jigs in the factory to ensure proper alignment? Heck I have one for myself. Baffling. - Really a non issues but AU said Colt rectified the flashing on the front of the mag well. This is partially true. It looks like my receiver was from the older lot and they ground off most of the flashing but you can still see a line down the center of the mag well. Not horrible but I was expecting it to be right. - I know they won't do anything to address this, just wanted to make mention for others. Pretty bummed about the barrel extension feed ramp though. |
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Originally Posted By Milspec99: Pretty bummed about the barrel extension feed ramp though. Any chance you can post a pick of the feed ramp? And if you reply back you dont know how to post pics on this forum Im going to bash my head into the wall. |
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Originally Posted By Bret: That is bad. Let us know how the trip back to the factory goes. Yes, not what you would expect right out of the box but things happen. I credit SOTAR for enlightening me. Years ago this would be something that I never would have even thought about checking or even known to check for that matter. The gentleman on the phone with Colt customer service was extremely pleasant, helpful and professional. |