It is interesting to see how polarized people are when it comes to Colt. I carried a colt M4A1 SOPMOD 2 in the Army. It worked fine for me, but didn't engender any specific strong feelings. Good tool. The rifles I've gotten to use the past few years (LWRC, H&K416, KAC SR16, Geissele) were all fine too, though I'd tend to admit I am most fond of the latter two. Far smoother shooting and more accurate than my colt. That said I'd have no problem carrying a colt again if that was what I was issued. Would rate it about middle of the pack. Above the LWRC and H&K (too heavy), below the KAC and Geissele. It's like the eagle plate carrier and heavy plates I used to have: way better than the crap big army was getting, way clunkier than what I have now.
I think the timing of this announcement is interesting. It definitely preempts Colt having to take any sort of political stance at a time when anti-gun sentiment is higher than it has been since the last AWB. It may be a factor, or it may not. I don't think it would stop me from buying colt products in the future, if Colt made anything that I particularly wanted. Their ARs tend to lack features that I would prefer, so buying colt just to have the pony + spending $500-$1000 to set the rifle up the way I like seems like a waste. I guess that's what I get for being picky about triggers, rails, and furniture though. The OEM2 seems like the best fit for me. Toss the A2 grip, add a Geissele or BCM rail, add BCM furniture, Geissele or LaRue trigger. Seems like less of a hassle just to build what I want or buy from a manufacturer that sets rifles up the way I like them already.
Incidentally I do not happen to be sentimental for the older style models that colt seems to be most loved for, so that may be why I don't feel strongly about them one way or the other.
I think the timing of this announcement is interesting. It definitely preempts Colt having to take any sort of political stance at a time when anti-gun sentiment is higher than it has been since the last AWB. It may be a factor, or it may not. I don't think it would stop me from buying colt products in the future, if Colt made anything that I particularly wanted. Their ARs tend to lack features that I would prefer, so buying colt just to have the pony + spending $500-$1000 to set the rifle up the way I like seems like a waste. I guess that's what I get for being picky about triggers, rails, and furniture though. The OEM2 seems like the best fit for me. Toss the A2 grip, add a Geissele or BCM rail, add BCM furniture, Geissele or LaRue trigger. Seems like less of a hassle just to build what I want or buy from a manufacturer that sets rifles up the way I like them already.
Incidentally I do not happen to be sentimental for the older style models that colt seems to be most loved for, so that may be why I don't feel strongly about them one way or the other.