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Posted: 8/21/2017 11:34:36 PM EDT
the safety on my brand new colt expanse is jacked up.  It functions correctly, but if i push on it, it moves past the correct position and rotates all the way around, 360 degrees.  it doesn't take a ton of force to do this.  I took the grip off, and the detent and detent spring are there, and engaging the groove and the two detent holes in the safety selector- it works, it just doesnt seem to have enough grip or force to keep it from rotating all the way around.  any ideas?
Link Posted: 8/21/2017 11:47:46 PM EDT
[#1]
Replace the safety selector.
Link Posted: 8/21/2017 11:49:32 PM EDT
[#2]
Either the selector spring is too short, or the selector spring channel in the pistol grip is drilled too deep.

I would think it has to be one of those 2. Try a new spring and/or new pistol grip.

If its not those, either the selector or lower is out of spec
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 12:56:08 AM EDT
[#3]
Contact the store you bought it from or Colt. I wonder how Colt will stand behind this fake Colt rifle. I guess that what you get buying a sub standard fake Colt. Sorry OP I hope you get it worked out. I would just repalce the selector, detent and spring myself but Colt should be made aware of this issue.
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 1:07:45 AM EDT
[#4]
its not a fake colt.  its just a quality control issue from colt. the expanse is definitely a frankengun colt puts together on a 6920 stripped lower, but it IS assembled by colt in hartford and should not have these problems.
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 1:34:45 AM EDT
[#5]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
its not a fake colt.  its just a quality control issue from colt. the expanse is definitely a frankengun colt puts together on a 6920 stripped lower, but it IS assembled by colt in hartford and should not have these problems.
View Quote
Actually, there is a lot of question in the industry on the Colt Expanse, most sources including former technicians of Colt that are saying that the expanse is not a factory Colt rifle, but these rifles are built with non Colt parts in them.  It has been said many times that Colt is licensing their name to other companies to build them and sell them under agreement with Colt.  Last time I heard they were being built by a company in TX.

So the possibility exists that it is not assembled in Hartford.  

Now that said, it sounds like you have a out of specification safety selector in it and it needs to be replaced, so I would get a hold of the dealer you purchased it from first and follow what they tell you to do to get a replacement part for it.

You might want to take some time and go through the Colt section of the Industry area on this system.
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 1:56:24 AM EDT
[#6]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
its not a fake colt.  its just a quality control issue from colt. the expanse is definitely a frankengun colt puts together on a 6920 stripped lower, but it IS assembled by colt in hartford and should not have these problems.
View Quote
It was built in Texas by Bold Ideas (depending on build date...haven't heard who's doing it after they went belly up).   It will go back to Hartford for repair.  My HB Expanse is there now for a canted FSB.  Flip the cardboard over that it came in.  Sourced in TX?  Mine was.
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 5:47:32 AM EDT
[#7]
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 8:18:23 AM EDT
[#8]
This is what happens when you buy one of the cheapest rifles on the market
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 2:25:24 PM EDT
[#9]
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Quoted:
This is what happens when you buy one of the cheapest rifles on the market
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I bought four of the HB Expanses for $539 shipped each.  Colt lower and Socom 14.5 cl barrel.  The two I opened run like raped apes and are stupid accurate.  

I have a handful of "real 6920s," too.
Which Expanse  do you have?
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 2:42:30 PM EDT
[#10]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
its not a fake colt.  its just a quality control issue from colt. the expanse is definitely a frankengun colt puts together on a 6920 stripped lower, but it IS assembled by colt in hartford and should not have these problems.
View Quote
Actually, it basically is a fake Colt. Do some research on the Expanse line, OP.
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 2:51:16 PM EDT
[#11]
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Quoted:


Actually, it basically is a fake Colt. Do some research on the Expanse line, OP.
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Actually, most of the parts ARE colt.  The bolts and carriers appear to be the same that Colt uses, minus the "c".  HB has a Socom barrel, too.

I replaced some of the parts on mine that were "non-colt:"  mag catch, receiver extension, buffer, ect.  

Link Posted: 8/22/2017 2:52:23 PM EDT
[#12]
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 3:13:39 PM EDT
[#13]
Brand new gun I would contact Colt. I know it sucks to send stuff back but the few times I have (not Colt) it didn't cost me anything and everything was made right.
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 3:36:24 PM EDT
[#14]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Actually, most of the parts ARE colt.  The bolts and carriers appear to be the same that Colt uses, minus the "c".  HB has a Socom barrel, too.

I replaced some of the parts on mine that were "non-colt:"  mag catch, receiver extension, buffer, ect.  

<a data-flickr-embed="true"  href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/152204522@N02/178hY6" title="IMG_20170820_183644"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4331/36344699520_b0dc2f4883_k.jpg" width="1520" height="2048" alt="IMG_20170820_183644"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Not my brothers. Barrel, BCG, upper receiver w/ odd ball forge code, FSB, 6 position receiver extension, carbine buffer, suspect lower parts, etc. All NOT genuine Colt parts. Even the lower itself is suspect. The rollmark just looked to perfect, unlike traditional Colt stamped rollmarks. In my opinion, this makes it not a Colt when all the important components aren't Colt manufactured. The newer SOCOM barreled Expanse may be different.

Also, I believe some used real 6920 lowers and some didn't. Just lookalikes. I'd have to double check.
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 3:52:38 PM EDT
[#15]
New gun, I wouldn't start buying parts and swapping them.  I'd get an RMA and send it back.
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 3:57:10 PM EDT
[#16]
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 3:59:07 PM EDT
[#17]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
First time I have ever heard anyone say "the roll mark on my Colt lower looks too perfect".
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It's not my lower, it's my brothers. What I'm saying is that the rollmark looks like it's cut or engraved and not stamped like a typical Colt rollmark. No variation of depth, etc.
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 4:00:38 PM EDT
[#18]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
This is what happens when you buy one of the cheapest rifles on the market
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+1
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 4:03:16 PM EDT
[#19]
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 4:06:12 PM EDT
[#20]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
First time I have ever heard anyone say "the roll mark on my Colt lower looks too perfect".
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I believe that some of the Expanses used genuine Colt lowers and some dis not. My brothers has a "CE" serial number prefix and looks like a cit rollmark. I do not believe it's a genuine Colt receiver. The ones with the "LE" serial number prefix I believe are real. Even the rollmarks on the "LE" prefixed lowers look like standard Colt stamped rollmarks.
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 4:18:48 PM EDT
[#21]
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 4:24:47 PM EDT
[#22]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
CE 1000  and a good initial portion of CE 2000 had CE prefix serialization.

I am fairly certain that all current 6920/Expanse share a common lower now, with LE prefix.

Although some are still showing up with 6 pos extension and std. buffer.


It's a crapshoot.
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Exactly. My point is that not all the Expanse line has always used a 6920 lower. They're marked the same, but ones a genuine lower and the other isnt.

Cut rollmark. Not a genuine 6920 lower. Plus, .223 caliber designation.



Stamped rollmark. Genuine 6920 lower.

Link Posted: 8/22/2017 4:40:16 PM EDT
[#23]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
its not a fake colt.  its just a quality control issue from colt. the expanse is definitely a frankengun colt puts together on a 6920 stripped lower, but it IS assembled by colt in hartford and should not have these problems.
View Quote
That's exactly what it is.
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 4:55:03 PM EDT
[#24]
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 5:05:03 PM EDT
[#25]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Exactly. My point is that not all the Expanse line has always used a 6920 lower. They're marked the same, but ones a genuine lower and the other isnt.

Cut rollmark. Not a genuine 6920 lower. Plus, .223 caliber designation.

https://s2.postimg.org/futphja7d/2zyd0xt.jpg

Stamped rollmark. Genuine 6920 lower.

https://s2.postimg.org/o1lp940a1/28706804611_fb2020a770_o.jpg
View Quote
LE=made by Colt
CE=made by Anderson (who also cranked out the infamous Colt 6900s).
Besides the prefix, it's not hard to tell them apart.  CE is engraved rather than rollmarked. CE has selector hard stops where Colt mills those off. CE is "cleaner" finished where LE shows flashing in typical Colt style.

Speaking of the HB models, I do not believe the BCG is Colt or even finished by Colt.  I believe they're made and provided complete by AO Precision. Many say the FCG and some other small parts were Colt.  I'd say they're sourced from the same place as Colt, but that gets iffy to say they're real Colt.  But on small parts like that, it's hard to say.  A good milspec kit like CMMG...some of those parts look and are marked identical to what's in a brand new 6920. But that barrel...real deal SOCOM.  And adding everything else up, $540 spent on those when they were in stock was a heck of a deal for what it was.  

To the OP problem, if I had a spare selector, I'd take the all of 2 minutes it takes to change it out. If that's all it is, call Colt.  That's an envelope and a stamp away from them solving that problem quick.  If that's not it, then get your RMA.
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 5:46:49 PM EDT
[#26]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


LE=made by Colt
CE=made by Anderson (who also cranked out the infamous Colt 6900s).
Besides the prefix, it's not hard to tell them apart.  CE is engraved rather than rollmarked. CE has selector hard stops where Colt mills those off. CE is "cleaner" finished where LE shows flashing in typical Colt style.

Speaking of the HB models, I do not believe the BCG is Colt or even finished by Colt.  I believe they're made and provided complete by AO Precision. Many say the FCG and some other small parts were Colt.  I'd say they're sourced from the same place as Colt, but that gets iffy to say they're real Colt.  But on small parts like that, it's hard to say.  A good milspec kit like CMMG...some of those parts look and are marked identical to what's in a brand new 6920. But that barrel...real deal SOCOM.  And adding everything else up, $540 spent on those when they were in stock was a heck of a deal for what it was.  

To the OP problem, if I had a spare selector, I'd take the all of 2 minutes it takes to change it out. If that's all it is, call Colt.  That's an envelope and a stamp away from them solving that problem quick.  If that's not it, then get your RMA.
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This is what I agree with and was getting at. And I also agree on the bolt carrier groups not being Colt. The one in my brothers gun definitely was not a Colt BCG, and was marked differently, too. The Expanse, in my opinion, is not even close to being a Colt like purevl2 said.

Using the HB as an example because they are, in my opinion, the closest Expanse model to a real Colt, if the only components on the gun that are genuine Colt are the complete lower assembly and SOCOM barrel, than it's far from a real deal Colt rifle.

If I can't take a new 6920 and swap the original upper and BCG out for some other brand and still say it's a genuine Colt, than why would you consider the Expanse a real Colt?
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 6:17:11 PM EDT
[#27]
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 6:34:54 PM EDT
[#28]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
In response to the OP's question...

I wonder if the "Safety Selector Detent " is actually installed... the spring alone could do what he is describing.

OP check for that part... the gold part is what might be missing.

https://www.recoilsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_1508.jpg

https://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=11636/learn/
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In his original post he said that he removed the grip and the spring and detent are present and properly installed.

My guess is either the selector is defective, the spring is too short, or the channel in the grip is too deep. Any of these, or a combination, could be causing his issue.
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 6:44:07 PM EDT
[#29]
OP, if you have another selector laying around, try installing it and see what happens. Same goes for the spring, selector detent, and grip until you figure out which one is causing the hang-up.

I wouldn't send it back for such a simple problem. It's an easy fix once you figure out which part is bad. I kind of doubt it, but if you call Colt, explain the issue and ask nicely, they might just drop a grip, selector, detent, and spring in the mail for you. Seems like a waste to issue you an RMA and go through the hassle of a warranty return for such a simple repair.

If you don't have the spare parts to swap things around until you figure it out, or if Colt won't just send replacements out and they want you to return the gun, shoot me a PM. I'll ship you a spare grip, selector, detent, and spring. I've got literally TONS of these parts laying around and would be glad to help.
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 7:02:36 PM EDT
[#30]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
(Borrowed from a random EE ad).
This is typical of what I've seen in the last ~14 months. Plus some real shitty ones. (Stock is obviously upgraded.)

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/416992/36221262642_e2084ee5d4_c-287576.jpg
View Quote
That's a 6920 lower.  You can tell by the two piece mag catch..unless it was changed.
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 7:04:38 PM EDT
[#31]
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 7:14:35 PM EDT
[#32]
sadly, i don't have any spare parts laying around.  The detent and spring are both present and installed correctly.  i'll try putting on a magpul pistol grip i have lying around to see if the channel in the grip is drilled too deep- I hadn't thought about that, its a decent possibility.  It is the HB expanse, and besides this issue i'm happy with it-  took it to the range, put m855 in just barely over 1" groups, which is pretty damn good for a rack AR.  I inspected everything else on the rifle- here's my observations

the lower receiver is real colt- its a rollmarked 6920 lower.  the trigger and hammer assembly might be real colt- it's a mil-spec standard trigger and hammer.  the mag catch is not 'real colt' although i dont know that it matters- it has a sightly different look- no circle where the post that goes through the receiver shows on the left side, if that makes sense.  Came with a mil-spec buffer tube, staked castle nut that seems slightly off colored to be 'real colt', and a standard carbine buffer.  bolt catch seems standard.  stripped upper is definitely not colt, doesn't have the right forging marks on it.  bcg seems high quality, is marked mpi or hpi or something to show that its magnetic and high pressure inspected- i'll have to check on the exact lettering later, but its electropenciled in, which isn't standard colt, and there's no 'c'- but its a standard bcg regardless, and it works so im fine with it.  the barrel is a socom overrun 14.5 colt barrel, and is dead-nuts accurate.  the pinning and welding of the flash hider seems very nicely done too.
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 7:17:33 PM EDT
[#33]
it also has an 'LE' prefix and is very much a real 6920 lower- also forgot to mention extension is a 6-position.
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 7:18:08 PM EDT
[#34]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
sadly, i don't have any spare parts laying around.  The detent and spring are both present and installed correctly.  i'll try putting on a magpul pistol grip i have lying around to see if the channel in the grip is drilled too deep- I hadn't thought about that, its a decent possibility.  It is the HB expanse, and besides this issue i'm happy with it-  took it to the range, put m855 in just barely over 1" groups, which is pretty damn good for a rack AR.  I inspected everything else on the rifle- here's my observations

the lower receiver is real colt- its a rollmarked 6920 lower.  the trigger and hammer assembly might be real colt- it's a mil-spec standard trigger and hammer.  the mag catch is not 'real colt' although i dont know that it matters- it has a sightly different look- no circle where the post that goes through the receiver shows on the left side, if that makes sense.  Came with a mil-spec buffer tube, staked castle nut that seems slightly off colored to be 'real colt', and a standard carbine buffer.  bolt catch seems standard.  stripped upper is definitely not colt, doesn't have the right forging marks on it.  bcg seems high quality, is marked mpi or hpi or something to show that its magnetic and high pressure inspected- i'll have to check on the exact lettering later, but its electropenciled in, which isn't standard colt, and there's no 'c'- but its a standard bcg regardless, and it works so im fine with it.  the barrel is a socom overrun 14.5 colt barrel, and is dead-nuts accurate.  the pinning and welding of the flash hider seems very nicely done too.
View Quote
You've got a great quality barrel. I love my SOCOM barrel, and it's definitely a tack driver. I don't typically shoot for groups, but it has been very accurate with most ammo I've run through it.
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 7:19:39 PM EDT
[#35]
And don't worry about what is and isn't real Colt on your Expanse. Some of us too easily go off topic.

If you're happy with it, than just shoot it and enjoy it. Good luck getting the selector issue figured out, and don't forget about my offer if Colt doesn't wanna help in a way that you're good with.
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 7:21:15 PM EDT
[#36]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
it also has an 'LE' prefix and is very much a real 6920 lower- also forgot to mention extension is a 6-position.
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Colt tubes are 4 position. Judging by this and your non two-piece mag catch, it sounds like you've got a Colt lower with whoever's parts they're using to build them out this week for the Expanse line.
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 7:24:30 PM EDT
[#37]
.........................
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 8:19:54 PM EDT
[#38]
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 10:29:47 PM EDT
[#39]
Yep the only real comfirmed Colt part of the CE rifles is the lower but that was not the case with with the early ones. Early Expanse also did not have a forward assist just a plug that looked like one,  come on a FA is what like $3-5. I understand the HB has a Colt marked Socom barrel. I wonder if its a real Socom barrel that is thicker under the hand guard and has proper Colt markings.
Link Posted: 8/22/2017 10:48:55 PM EDT
[#40]
Link Posted: 8/23/2017 12:13:17 AM EDT
[#41]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Real deal. SOCOM profile/ 1-7" twist/CL/14.5"/ proper Colt markings
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Yep the only real comfirmed Colt part of the CE rifles is the lower but that was not the case with with the early ones. Early Expanse also did not have a forward assist just a plug that looked like one,  come on a FA is what like $3-5. I understand the HB has a Colt marked Socom barrel. I wonder if its a real Socom barrel that is thicker under the hand guard and has proper Colt markings.
Real deal. SOCOM profile/ 1-7" twist/CL/14.5"/ proper Colt markings
This. They are the real deal SOCOM barrels. Great ones, too.
Link Posted: 8/23/2017 7:41:33 AM EDT
[#42]
Link Posted: 9/16/2017 11:52:07 PM EDT
[#43]
tried switching out the pistol grip, and tried switching out the detent spring.  hasn't worked.  i'm going to switch the detent itself and the selector next.  my suspicion now is that what it really is is an out of spec colt lower- which is surprising, because its a real hartford colt lower (rollmarked instead of engraved, le prefix, etc).  If it is the lower, I'm probably going to just live with it.  It isn't a big enough deal to effect the use of the rifle.
Link Posted: 9/17/2017 12:12:16 AM EDT
[#44]
Link Posted: 9/17/2017 12:18:14 AM EDT
[#45]
nope. exactly the same issue.
Link Posted: 9/17/2017 12:21:23 AM EDT
[#46]
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