The Colt M5 Gas Piston Carbine (LE1020)

[Gene2]

Does anyone have any thoughts or comments on this? Does anyone know if it is a possible contender for the army? It would sure be more reliable than the Current M4's Direct Impingement Gas System, but Colt has to bring the New Carbines' weight down.

[LaoSexMachine]

If I shot one I would tell you but i haven't.

[D.E. Watters]

The US Army does not currently have a active solicitation for a M16/M4 replacement. The TACOM's solicitation for an interim 5.56mm carbine was cancelled back in June 2006, as was the OICW Increment 1 before that in October 2005.

[Mountain Man]

PM SMGLee or maybe he'll see this post. He's talked to them about it and been up close and personel with one at the SHOT SHOW. From his post:


I attended the Shot this year and I have to thank a lot of great folks for putting up with me and my questions and my request for photo...

I also like to thank Rich and SWAT magazine for hosting a great party.

Shout out to a few great guys I finally get to meet in person.. It is always great to put a face to the name...

I had a great time and I hope to attend the show in Orlando next year.

Here we go on the first of three-part report...



At the Colt booth, the new gas piston M4 was on display. I had a long conversion with Ken Elmore on this new system and it seem to be a very viable alternative to what HK or LW is doing... Colt is looking to release this system by the late 2006. I think after the rush to be the first on the block, the price will stabilize and it could be a very good product for anyone looking for a monolithic platform gas piston AR.

http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/shotshow2006/large/SS06-010.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/shotshow2006/large/SS06-011.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/shotshow2006/large/SS06-008.jpg
Ken Elmore posing with the new horse....
http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/shotshow2006/large/SS06-011.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/shotshow2006/large/SS06-012.jpg
close up of the gas block/flip up front sight.
http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/shotshow2006/large/SS06-012.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/shotshow2006/large/SS06-007.jpg
Close up of the bolt carrier group... the key is no longer screw in via the hex screw ala the standard carrier, the screws you see are merely a cover for what is a pressure fit pin underneath to keep the key from shearing off the carrier body.
http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/shotshow2006/large/SS06-003.jpg
Front loading gas piston much in tune with the SG551 or the FAL types.
a small push pin release the piston system.
a spring was also part of the kit but it was not in the photo.
http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/shotshow2006/large/SS06-001.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/smglee/shotshow2006/large/SS06-002.jpg
The lower handguard is retained by a locking lever.

This concludes the Colt portion of the pictorial.
http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?t=72500

Good info from him as usual

[Mountain Man]

Just noticed that they designated it "LE". Might say something about their plans right there.

[Fightin' Q]

From the looks, they seem to be Colt's SCAR candidate, but with a better rear sight.