Guns Colts Out for Harambe Recoil Staff October 11, 2016 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Find out more about how we test products. Armalite brought us America's Rifle, but it was Colt that made it a household name. Ammoland Sports and Shooting News just published an article by frequent RECOIL contributor Mike Searson, who cut his teeth on the M16A2 as a younker, on the Colt Expanse M4. Says Searson, “The Colt Expanse M4 Carbine, model CE2000, represents a bargain for the first time AR shooter looking for an out of the box ready AR15 rifle.” We all know what opinions are like (hint: it has a sphincter) but, despite his remarkably Hominidae-like feet, Searson is usually right with his. “The barrel and chamber are not chrome lined. To some this is a deal breaker, but if you are not shooting corrosive ammunition, burning up 1000 rounds every weekend, running three-gun matches or using a registered drop-in auto sear, we do not see a problem. There is a less expensive rifle in this line that ships without an ejection port cover or forward assist. We can see $50 as a bit high for those two features and if you do not want or need them, you may want to check out the other model. …there is a front sight post, but no rear sight. Most shooters will want to throw an optic on here anyway, but for us personally, we would have rather paid the extra $50 for a rear sight instead of the ejection port cover and forward assist. For a bargain priced entry-level AR with the Colt name on it, the Colt Expanse has a lot to offer.” Take a look at his reasoning. Go read the original article in its entirety. Colt describes the 5.56 x 45mm Expanse M4 carbine thusly: The Colt Expanse M4 carbine puts a Colt quality AR-15 within easy reach of the modern sportsman looking to enhance his or her collection, or the first-time buyer looking for a starting point on which to build their dream modern sporting rifle. Either way, the Expanse M4 in 5.56 x 45 NATO (.223 Rem.) is a great way to add another Colt to the stable. The Expanse CE1000 can be upgraded with the addition of a forward assist and dust cover, while the CE2000 includes these features as standard. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
