Does anyone know if there are any differences between the Colt "M4 Carbine" LE6920 carbines that Walmart has been selling for about $1097 for the past several months and other LE6920 carbines that may be purchased elsewhere? Any "dirty little secrets" about the ones carried by Walmart? For example, I believe some product manufacturers have two versions of what at first appears to be the same product: the "regular" version and the "walmart" version, with the "walmart" version being made specifically to meet walmart's specified price point, and production costs cut any subtle or not so subtle way necesary to do so, possibly reducing end product quality.
So...does anyone have any reason to believe that the Colt LE6920 carbines currently being sold by Walmart are somehow inferior to the Colt LE6920 carbines available elsewhere?
No.
The rumor that Walmart sells substandard or "factory second" guns has been around forever.
The fact is, as reported by posters on other forums who WORK for Walmart in the gun departments, local Walmart stores order their guns from the same big distributors the local gun dealer orders them from.
Walmart, like a lot of department stores like Sears, Wards, and Western Auto used to do, sometimes have a special run of guns made specifically for them. These are just standard models with something custom for the store like a different barrel length or a different stock.
These are ordered by Walmart corporation in Arkansas and shipped to the stores. As example a friend of mine bought a Walmart-only model of the Ruger 10/22, which was stainless, with a longer barrel, and a gray laminated stock.
No gun company can afford to run two production lines, one to make good guns and one to make substandard guns for department stores to sell.
In addition, the liability for a substandard gun would have the company and Walmart sued out of business ASAP.
For standard model guns like the Colt LE6920, Walmart local stores just order them from a big distributor just like everyone else.
Last, what gun company, especially Colt would want it known they make lesser quality guns for someone.
The LE6920 you can buy at Walmart is the same rifle you'd get from the local gun store or anywhere else.
That is good to know. I know Walmart has a reputation of getting its suppliers to find ways to cut costs. I would not expect Colt to supply a "substandard" product in the sense that it was dangerous or could result in legal liability. I was wondering more about things like stocks, hand guards, metal finishes, etc.I'm glad to know you can get the standard Colt M4 LE6920 at Walmart. The last time the Walmart around here had a real Colt for sale and in stock, it was a basic black parkerized 5" Model 1991A1 .45 ACP Government, and that was back in the early to mid 1990s!
Some of the biggest distributors only order 300 to 500 at atime from Colt and I would say Wal Mart orders 10 to 20 times that amount at least. If anyone can sell them cheap it is Wal Mart. Plus they can sell them at cost and make 40 to 60% profit on the other items you buy while you’re there. We all know a Wal Mart trip usually cost 100 bucks.
There is a reason the 4 Walton kids are worth more than the lowest 40% or our population, and that is a fact.
This info has helped me decide as well. I just traded my Bushmaster and planned on buying the walmart Colt and glad to hear I am not going to get a lesser quality gun. The Bushmaster helped fund a nice 1st series match Target Woodsman I'm proud to say. I don't want two AR's and wanted to get a Colt AR. I was concerned that walmart may have made a special run for themselves. Glad they all are the same. I'm in route to go get that Colt carbine right now
.......aaaand... the Colt came home. wasn't too painful. probably 20-35 min to do the paperwork and get the manager walk to the front door.
I can now say I've finally owned a Colt long gun ! the cool thing. It's still sealed in the bag . They agreed not to open the bag just to check the serial number.
I may just get a second as a shooter. It came in a ready made time capsule bag... I think it is anyway.
I hope Wal*Mart was able to check the SN visually through the sealed bag? I worked for W*M for several years including 2 years in the Sporting Goods Dept. I can assure you W*M sells the same quality guns that are available in the open market In fact W*M can order a wide variety of guns from their catalog. Guns you would never think available at W*M! That 's been my experience at the W*M I worked at. The margins on made on each sale is small. Employees do not get a 10% discount on guns like they do on products in other departments (no discount on groceries either).
Typically guns at W*M are priced lower than available on the open market.
Thanks again Charlene for posing the question that was on my mind and probably many other potential buyers as well. With a question that prompted responses from Dfaris, Bent, and other expert level Forum members, I am perfectly satisfied in knowing my $1200 (tax included) is well spent.
just from curosity sake, the serial on mine is LE1310XX
gunshow was in town this weekend. they run a local circuit so its small. no Colt collectibles. saw one Colt AR . A good portion of the tables are AR accessories now. didn't buy anything. asked about best mags for it. response was H & K are the cadillac and relatively hard to get mags and expensive. Magpul are desirable. guess I should have started a new post about best mags for Colt or AR's in general. well. I probably aughta search it. I'm sure that subject has been talked about.
Simplify your life and pick up some USGI aluminum contract magazines from one of the numerous online vendors, use quality full power 5.56 ammo, clean and properly lube your rifle, sight it in and enjoy it.
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