Colt vs Knights Armament AR15?

RevolverOcelot · October 16, 2012, 11:20 PM

I've narrowed my AR15 search down to a Colt or KAC. I have enough money to buy either one, but I want to make sure I'm getting the most reliable, durable, long lasting rifle out of the two.

Colt's been around since the beginning, so wouldn't that mean it's more proven? But KAC is considered the best you can buy, isn't it?

Accuracy is far from my main concern. As long as it hits minute of man.

Kansas Shooter · October 17, 2012, 11:09 AM

I currently own rifles from both companies and would have difficulty choosing one over the other. The Colt I have is a 6920, made in 2000, and I've got roughly 3-4K rds. through it. My KAC gun is a taupe SR-15 E3, made in '04 and it's fired 300-400 rds so far. Both have 16" bbls. I have had a couple of feeding issues with my Colt, but they have been related to worn-out gas rings and another carrier issue I just discovered Saturday that I will save for another post so I won't hijack this thread. That said, I'm still a big fan of Colt and would readily buy/build another.

I really like all of the built-in features on Reed Knight's guns and love the ambi controls on the lower since I'm left-handed. The SR-15's are extremely light weight and are softer shooters due to a longer gas system. The Crane/SOPMOD stocks are nice too.

You could always get both and set them up differently (I have a 4X32 ACOG on my Colt and an Eotech 553 on my SR-15), or register one as a SBR, if your state will allow it. I'm going to have to check the SP901 out now that it is on the market. That platform would give you a lower receiver that would accept .308 mags and .223 mags with an adapter. I don't know if any of this helped your decision, but these are my impressions after owning both.

Marty

BTW, I hope you don't have a bad arm, like your namesake had!

buckhorn_cortez · October 17, 2012, 11:44 AM

Both are quality firearms - and, if you've looked into KAC, I'm sure you know, Eugene Stoner provided the rifle designs for KAC as he worked for them for a number of years. If it was me - between the two - I go for the KAC, they're not married to the TDP and have some advancements in the overall rifle design.

CharlieDeltaJuliet · October 17, 2012, 11:45 AM

I personally would go with the Knights Armament. While I do believe the Colt to be the standard, I think the Knights Armament is an improvement on a standard Colt. It basically comes down, to which you prefer. As I said this only my opinion, and opinions are not fact. Nor do I ever try to impose it as so.

Crow Hunter · October 17, 2012, 01:48 PM

Quote:

I personally would go with the Knights Armament. While I do believe the Colt to be the standard, I think the Knights Armament is an improvement on a standard Colt.

I agree.

Colt is the standard but KAC is the "standard +" with improvements that go beyond what Colt offers with the ability to still use Colt spec parts if you can't get KAC parts.

It will cost a pretty penny though.

RT · October 17, 2012, 08:36 PM

I would buy the KAC because of the e3 bolt enhancements

Kansas Shooter · October 18, 2012, 08:44 AM

Quote:

It will cost a pretty penny though.

For sure. I've seen the new Mod 1's retailing for just under $2,000. I bought mine, which I guess would now be a Mod 0, from a guy on Gunbroker and thought I got a good deal.

madcratebuilder · October 20, 2012, 06:42 AM

KAC hands down, full ambi with all the enhancements you know you well add to the 6920.

10mmAuto · October 20, 2012, 10:34 PM

The KAC is more rifle, but the value is atrocious.

October 16, 2012, 11:20 PM	#1
RevolverOcelot Member Join Date: December 21, 2011 Posts: 79	Colt vs Knights Armament AR15? I've narrowed my AR15 search down to a Colt or KAC. I have enough money to buy either one, but I want to make sure I'm getting the most reliable, durable, long lasting rifle out of the two. Colt's been around since the beginning, so wouldn't that mean it's more proven? But KAC is considered the best you can buy, isn't it? Accuracy is far from my main concern. As long as it hits minute of man.

October 17, 2012, 11:45 AM	#4
CharlieDeltaJuliet Senior Member Join Date: July 25, 2012 Posts: 755	I personally would go with the Knights Armament. While I do believe the Colt to be the standard, I think the Knights Armament is an improvement on a standard Colt. It basically comes down, to which you prefer. As I said this only my opinion, and opinions are not fact. Nor do I ever try to impose it as so. __________________ " The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in Government...." - Thomas Jefferson

October 17, 2012, 11:09 AM	#2
Kansas Shooter Member Join Date: April 21, 2009 Location: South East Kansas Posts: 86	I currently own rifles from both companies and would have difficulty choosing one over the other. The Colt I have is a 6920, made in 2000, and I've got roughly 3-4K rds. through it. My KAC gun is a taupe SR-15 E3, made in '04 and it's fired 300-400 rds so far. Both have 16" bbls. I have had a couple of feeding issues with my Colt, but they have been related to worn-out gas rings and another carrier issue I just discovered Saturday that I will save for another post so I won't hijack this thread. That said, I'm still a big fan of Colt and would readily buy/build another. I really like all of the built-in features on Reed Knight's guns and love the ambi controls on the lower since I'm left-handed. The SR-15's are extremely light weight and are softer shooters due to a longer gas system. The Crane/SOPMOD stocks are nice too. You could always get both and set them up differently (I have a 4X32 ACOG on my Colt and an Eotech 553 on my SR-15), or register one as a SBR, if your state will allow it. I'm going to have to check the SP901 out now that it is on the market. That platform would give you a lower receiver that would accept .308 mags and .223 mags with an adapter. I don't know if any of this helped your decision, but these are my impressions after owning both. Marty BTW, I hope you don't have a bad arm, like your namesake had!

October 17, 2012, 11:44 AM	#3
buckhorn_cortez Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2010 Posts: 857	Both are quality firearms - and, if you've looked into KAC, I'm sure you know, Eugene Stoner provided the rifle designs for KAC as he worked for them for a number of years. If it was me - between the two - I go for the KAC, they're not married to the TDP and have some advancements in the overall rifle design.

October 17, 2012, 08:36 PM	#6
RT Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2000 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 2,194	I would buy the KAC because of the e3 bolt enhancements

October 20, 2012, 06:42 AM	#8
madcratebuilder Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2007 Location: Northern Orygun Posts: 4,923	KAC hands down, full ambi with all the enhancements you know you well add to the 6920.

October 20, 2012, 10:34 PM	#9
10mmAuto Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 2010 Posts: 598	The KAC is more rifle, but the value is atrocious.