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Posted: 12/11/2020 1:12:32 PM EDT
Both of these two rifles came in identical boxes that read - M4 CARBINE SEMI-AUTO (2013 Config)*
The 16" is a LE355xxx The 14.5" P/W is a LE359xxx They are both the exact same KAC railed, M4A1 stamped lower (neither have Property of Govt), Matech rear sight, etc. They are 100% identical except for the barrels. Do you know what year these were made? Is the 16" less desirable than the 14.5 P/W? I own a 14.5" and was about to buy the 16" but I was thrown a curveball at the last minute because I was told it was a 14.5" and come to find out it isn't... |
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The m4a1 14.5” pw was the 2017 version.
IMO that is the most desirable in the m4a1 non property marked rifles. Also, every 14.5” pw welded is actually considered a 16” barrel. |
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Quoted: The m4a1 14.5” pw was the 2017 version. IMO that is the most desirable in the m4a1 non property marked rifles. Also, every 14.5” pw welded is actually considered a 16” barrel. View Quote I removed the handrail and it said 01/2017. I had to confirm when you said that. Yes, I get that the 14.5" is considered a 16" or rather 16.1". If if the serial number for the actual 16" version I am referencing is lower than 2017 14.5" by 4k do you think it makes it a 2015 or 2016? |
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Quoted: I removed the handrail and it said 01/2017. I had to confirm when you said that. Yes, I get that the 14.5" is considered a 16" or rather 16.1". If if the serial number for the actual 16" version I am referencing is lower than 2017 14.5" by 4k do you think it makes it a 2015 or 2016? View Quote The 16” is probably a 2013 if the KAC rail is factory. At some point later in production the socoms got a Troy rail rather than the KAC. Someone with a little more knowledge can step in, but I am not sure what years the first socom made it into for production. I know the m4a1 socom and the socomII are referenced as 2013 version The m4a1 14.5” pw is referenced as 2017 model And the govt property are referenced as 2018 although production of them did make it into later years. |
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Quoted: The 16” is probably a 2013 if the KAC rail is factory. At some point later in production the socoms got a Troy rail rather than the KAC. Someone with a little more knowledge can step in, but I am not sure what years the first socom made it into for production. I know the m4a1 socom and the socomII are referenced as 2013 version The m4a1 14.5” pw is referenced as 2017 model And the govt property are referenced as 2018 although production of them did make it into later years. View Quote Yes, makes sense. The confusing part is the box calls them both (2013 Config)* |
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From what I understand 2013 configuration is a “generic” term they use for how the rifle ships.
I believe pre 2013 at least in the 6920s it shipped with a carry handle, metal mag?, and possibly a sling. 2013 config started no carry handle, Pmag and no sling. Someone here can correct me on what exactly they came or didn’t come with. My 2018 socom came in a 2013 config box. On edit: Yes the box label is confusing, I have seen more than one rifle listed for sale saying it is a 2013 model when I know for a fact it isn’t. Colts website has a serial number lookup on it. It doesn’t work for every serial number but you could punch yours in a see what it says |
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Actually thinking about it, my 2018 socom also came with a metal mag.
Above is the gist of it, hopefully someone will correct what actually comes/didn’t come on the pre and post 2013. |
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As others have said, your 14.5" with p/w flash hider could be a 2017 SOCOM variation. Does it have a SOCOM heavy barrel?
There were 5 Colt SOCOM variations 1. 2013 SOCOM 16" barrel with KAC RAS (M4A1 Carbine marked lower) 2. 2013 SOCOM 16" barrel with Troy Rail (production switched back to KAC / P&S after complaints)(M4A1 carbine marked lower) 3. 2013 SOCOM II 16" barrel with Daniel Defense Rail (M4A1 Carbine marked lower) 1000 to 1500 released 4. 2017 SOCOM with 14.5" p/w flash hider and SOCOM heavy barrel KAC RAS (M4A1 Carbine marked lower) about 250 released. 5. 2018 SOCOM 14.5" barrel with p/w flash hider, SOCOM heavy barrel (US Property marked lower) (made with both KAC / P&S RIS) ongoing production. Several thousand released. |
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Quoted: As others have said, your 14.5" with p/w flash hider could be a 2017 SOCOM variation. Does it have a SOCOM heavy barrel? There were 5 Colt SOCOM variations 1. 2013 SOCOM 16" barrel with KAC RAS (M4 Carbine marked lower) 2. 2013 SOCOM 16" barrel with Troy Rail (production switched back to KAC / P&S after complaints)(M4 carbine marked lower) 3. 2013 SOCOM II 16" barrel with Daniel Defense Rail (M4A1 Carbine marked lower) 1000 to 1500 released 4. 2017 SOCOM with 14.5" p/w flash hider and SOCOM heavy barrel KAC RAS (M4A1 Carbine marked lower) about 250 released. 5. 2018 SOCOM 14.5" barrel with p/w flash hider, SOCOM heavy barrel (US Property marked lower) (made with both KAC / P&S RIS) ongoing production. Several thousand released. View Quote I got a 2013 SOCOM 16” barrel, and it came with the KAC Rail and the M4A1 Carbine marked lower |
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@Minuteman1636 edit your post above, you missed the “A1” in the first two 2013 versions.
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Quoted: As others have said, your 14.5" with p/w flash hider could be a 2017 SOCOM variation. Does it have a SOCOM heavy barrel? View Quote It has the socom heavy barrel with the M203 flats. I took off the rail yesterday and the barrel is from 01/2017 - from everything I read it is a 2017 model. I bought it boxed/unfired 6 months ago for 2k. The model I looked at today must have been a 2013 variation because it actually had the Troy rail (I was told KAC) but easily identified as Troy in person. The weird part is the box said the (2013 Config)* and not sure why they would call a 2013 model a (2013 config), seems like something they would do in the following years. I couldn't remove the Troy rail because of the screws so I don't have a barrel date code. I assume it's possible that the Colt 2013 model was made for a few subsequent years between 2013 and 2017. |
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Quoted: It has the socom heavy barrel with the M203 flats. I took off the rail yesterday and the barrel is from 01/2017 - from everything I read it is a 2017 model. I bought it boxed/unfired 6 months ago for 2k. The model I looked at today must have been a 2013 variation because it actually had the Troy rail (I was told KAC) but easily identified as Troy in person. The weird part is the box said the (2013 Config)* and not sure why they would call a 2013 model a (2013 config), seems like something they would do in the following years. I couldn't remove the Troy rail because of the screws so I don't have a barrel date code. I assume it's possible that the Colt 2013 model was made for a few subsequent years between 2013 and 2017. View Quote Don't get wrapped around the axle about the '2013 Configuration) label. That references the basic design specs and you see that label across most of their LE6920's. Factory original/complete 2013 SOCOMs with Troy rails are a bit more rare than the standard 2013 SOCOMs with KAC rails. I have seen several people part them out unfortunately. |
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Quoted: Factory original/complete 2013 SOCOMs with Troy rails are a bit more rare than the standard 2013 SOCOMs with KAC rails. I have seen several people part them out unfortunately. View Quote What would you value that at? It had wear on the BCG so it wasn't unfired like I was told, but overall good condition with the original box and every accessory. matech, 3 kac rails, box, booklet, lock. |
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My understanding is the "2013 Configuration" has more to do with a change in included accessories than it does with the actual rifle. As has been stated, LE6920 SOCOMs originally came with a carry handle, two Colt 30-round mags, and I believe a sling. The 2013 Config* changed to include a Matech/Picatinny rear sight and a single MagPul Pmag.
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Quoted: What would you value that at? It had wear on the BCG so it wasn't unfired like I was told, but overall good condition with the original box and every accessory. matech, 3 kac rails, box, booklet, lock. View Quote I am splitting hairs but there isn't a Colt rifle that is unfired. They all get test fired at the factory. Having said that, I don't consider $1700 to about $2000 unreasonable in the current market. Nobody wants to pay that much for an LE6920 with Troy rail but as a collectible piece it is what it is. |
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Quoted: My understanding is the "2013 Configuration" has more to do with a change in included accessories than it does with the actual rifle. As has been stated, LE6920 SOCOMs originally came with a carry handle, two Colt 30-round mags, and I believe a sling. The 2013 Config* changed to include a Matech/Picatinny rear sight and a single MagPul Pmag. View Quote You see the '2013 Config' on many rifle labels that have Magpul sights and Troy sights too such as the Colt FBP-1 shown here: Attached File There have been many variations in owners manuals, firearm locks, and magazine types (20 rd, 30 rd, Magpul, milspec aluminum) and the 2013 Config never went away. I wish we truly knew what it references but it is only guesses so far. |
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Someone has changed the trigger-guard, grip, stock, and charging handle on the pictured rifle. I'd have a hard time believing it hasn't been fired. That's also a KAC (or KAC clone) rear sight.
Something looks "off" with the castle nut and end plate too. Has it been changed? |
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Quoted: Someone has changed the trigger-guard, grip, stock, and charging handle on the pictured rifle. I'd have a hard time believing it hasn't been fired. That's also a KAC (or KAC clone) rear sight. View Quote You are right. The picture didn't show up for me initially. That thing needs several parts replaced to be back in factory specification. Definitely wouldn't have paid the higher 'collector' prices for a rifle with so many changed parts. |
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Quoted: Someone has changed the trigger-guard, grip, stock, and charging handle on the pictured rifle. I'd have a hard time believing it hasn't been fired. That's also a KAC (or KAC clone) rear sight. Something looks "off" with the castle nut and end plate too. Has it been changed? View Quote Sorry, that is my 2017 M4A1 not the one I was looking at. And yes, i changed several things. Didn't touch the end plate or castle nut. SSA Trigger Magpul Enhanced TG BCM MOD 3 Radian Raptor R001 KAC Micro LMT Sopmod Changed Ambi to standard. Put the Colt H2 in the MK18 and DD H1 in the M4A1. Two lower KAC rails were cut to center the Troy Aluminum CQB grip. I order another RR R001 and Troy CQB (to mirror the M4Aa1s) but still waiting to get them. |
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I won't give anyone a hard time about changing the configuration of 'collectible' rifles because I have been toying with the idea of reconfiguring my 2017 SOCOM as an early SOPMOD carbine with Insight VLI, Insight CVL, and Trijicon TA01NSN for a rifle display. All items are like new and complete.
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Quoted: Ok, I thought that was the rifle you were looking to purchase. View Quote The rifle I was looking at didnt look half as nice even though it likely had a lower round count. The fit and finish on the 2017 was better. The 2013 had a nice gap between the upper and lower in the rear. It looked new and worn at the same time, hard to explain but apparently very common with Colts. |
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Quoted: I won't give anyone a hard time about changing the configuration of 'collectible' rifles because I have been toying with the idea of reconfiguring my 2017 SOCOM as an early SOPMOD carbine with Insight VLI, Insight CVL, and Trijicon TA01NSN for a rifle display. All items are like new and complete. View Quote I honestly didn't realize mine was a collectible until yesterday. Thank oxford411 for helping me with that. I thought mine was possibly a standard 2018/2019 M4A1, nice but nothing collectible. I only paid 2k because it was truly unfired and NIB. |
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I think 2k was a good price for that especially in today’s market. The 2017s don’t pop up for sale as often and I believe they were the lowest production numbers of the bunch, 1500 IIRC.
I would like to add one to the collection one day and wish now I would have picked one up when they came out. |
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Quoted: I think 2k was a good price for that especially in today’s market. The 2017s don’t pop up for sale as often and I believe they were the lowest production numbers of the bunch, 1500 IIRC. I would like to add one to the collection one day and wish now I would have picked one up when they came out. View Quote Only about 250 of the 2017's were made. |
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Quoted: I think 2k was a good price for that especially in today’s market. The 2017s don’t pop up for sale as often and I believe they were the lowest production numbers of the bunch, 1500 IIRC. I would like to add one to the collection one day and wish now I would have picked one up when they came out. View Quote I want three new 2021 (unreleased) NF sbr type 1-4/6/8 SFP optics to put on all of them. |
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This is the 2013ish Colt M4A1 Socom 16" Troy for sale locally.
The lower picture is a Colt 901 Modular Carbine 7.62 Nato. |
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Quoted: This is the 2013ish Colt M4A1 Socom 16" Troy for sale https://utahgunexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/9020-500x275.jpg View Quote Both rifles are uncommon and would be great collection additions at the right price. |
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Quoted: I would buy both without pause. That is a smokin' deal! View Quote Nice guy, but I really don't like when people tell me "unfired" and it's clearly used. He told me he had a KAC rail, and it had a troy rail. In Utah, we have a heavily used Craiglist type website where deals can be found from time to time. |
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Quoted: I won't give anyone a hard time about changing the configuration of 'collectible' rifles because I have been toying with the idea of reconfiguring my 2017 SOCOM as an early SOPMOD carbine with Insight VLI, Insight CVL, and Trijicon TA01NSN for a rifle display. All items are like new and complete. View Quote I've changed a few things on my LE6920 SOCOM, but kept all of the original parts incase I ever want to return it back to stock configuration. Added: B5 Bravo stock Magpul K2 grip Larue MBT2s trigger Radian Raptor charging handle Proctor sling Holosun HE530g red dot |
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Quoted: Sorry, that is my 2017 M4A1 not the one I was looking at. And yes, i changed several things. Didn't touch the end plate or castle nut. SSA Trigger Magpul Enhanced TG BCM MOD 3 Radian Raptor R001 KAC Micro LMT Sopmod Changed Ambi to standard. Put the Colt H2 in the MK18 and DD H1 in the M4A1. Two lower KAC rails were cut to center the Troy Aluminum CQB grip. I order another RR R001 and Troy CQB (to mirror the M4Aa1s) but still waiting to get them. View Quote I changed out a few things on mine: (1) Colt 14.5” SOCOM barrel with P&W KAC NT4 flashhider with spacer (2) LMT SOPMOD (3) KAC trigger guard (still have original Colt) (4) KAC 600 meter BUIS (5) Schmid Tool two stage trigger (still have original Colt but it is also made by Schmid Tool) Attached File Attached File |
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I have seen it both ways - but do people typically put a KAC rail cover on the top upper section of the rail when they are not using NV or pressure switch on top?
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Quoted: I have seen it both ways - but do people typically put a KAC rail cover on the top upper section of the rail when they are not using NV or pressure switch on top? View Quote I have before but don’t anymore for two reasons: (1) with the top KAC rail cover it is harder for the barrel to cool after long strings of fire (2) Most important reason: it is a pain in the ass to take off once installed. If you want to protect the slots, I put a soft Ergo rail ladder on. |
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Quoted: I have before but don’t anymore for two reasons: (1) with the top KAC rail cover it is harder for the barrel to cool after long strings of fire (2) Most important reason: it is a pain in the ass to take off once installed. If you want to protect the slots, I put a soft Ergo rail ladder on. View Quote Yes, thank you. |
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