First AR, Colt M4 Trooper vs Sig M400 Elite

[Maxwell]

I'm looking for my first AR, and I don't want to start with an entry level rifle as I may not get to buy another anytime soon. I want something accurate, well built, and easily upgraded as desired. I've narrowed it down to either the Colt LE6920 Trooper or the Sig M400 Elite. Both are great rifles, both are 1:7 twist, both are close to what I'd like in furniture, and both are close enough to the same pricing it's a toss up. Advantage to the Sig as it is available with a Red Dot for the same price range as the Colt without, but the optics can always be added so that's not a deciding factor.

I don't really want to go above the pricing on these but I have very limited experience with AR's and would like some opinions, please.

Any and all insight is appreciated.

Thanks,
Max

[cmgee67]

I’d prob go with the Colt. Lots of LE buddies swear by them. Contrary to what people say mil spec isn’t always mil spec. Although any M&P 15, Ruger 5.56, or Palmetto state armory will serve you just fine.....

[C-dub]

I’m bias towards the Colt. I have a similar Colt, but mine still has that triangle front sight.

[Mike S]

I'm also biased towards the Colt, but comparing these two online it appears the Sig Elite comes with a nicer trigger, stock, & pistol grip (there's nothing wrong with the standard parts on the Colt, these are just nicer). The major glitch I personally would have with the Sig is the description says "lightweight barrel"; I always gravitate to a heavy barrel in a rifle, especially an AR & if you plan to eventually take a class that has a high round count. The photo of the Colt Trooper looks like it comes with a heavy barrel.

One of the nice things about ARs is you can customize them as you see fit, but the stock, pistol grip, & trigger group is easier to do than the barrel.

[Scott B.]

Pros: Both great rifles. The Colt will probably hold it's value better.

The Colt comes w/ a 13" handguard and free floated barrel.

The Sig M400 has a 15" handguard and free floated barrel. It also has a spring loaded detent under the rear lug to keep the upper/lower fit tight.

Cons: Colt has a M4 style buttstock.

The retail M400 does not come with any flip-up sights (the first responder variant called the PRO comes w/ steel flip-up sights, a QD sling, and QD rail piece).

Looks like Colt ships without sights too.

Decision? Get the one that makes you happy!

[C-dub]

Cons: The Colt has an A2 front sight post.

Does it really? I’m not familiar with the Trooper, but when I looked it up earlier the image I saw did not have one.

[Scott B.]

Cons: The Colt has an A2 front sight post.

Does it really? I’m not familiar with the Trooper, but when I looked it up earlier the image I saw did not have one.

You are correct. The Trooper has a 13" MLOK rail. I'll edit my post.

[Maxwell]

Thanks SRO! That's the type of info I'm looking for on both rifles.

[LAYGO]

As a relatively "new" AR owner (I've had one for about 5yrs, but beyond an optic/charging handle, didn't really tinker), but in the last 3 months have built 2 different AR pistol configurations from different lower packages paired with upper packages vs buying a whole rifle/pistol.

If you feel like you'll tinker with adding/changing things, you are probably better off buying something piece by piece, else you'll end up with a box of parts you've pulled off because you've changed (like me).

If you know what you want it to "look" like (Magpul furniture), but want a solid rifle, something like this is an easy way in & have less "spare parts in a box" syndrome:
https://gun.deals/product/aero-precisio ... ifle-55900

Then just buy the stuff you want to add to it. It's easy advice to give, but it's one of those things that won't sink in until much later.

For example, this was my 1st rifle and I've changed a lot of the exterior:


Changed the optic/charging handle/added anti rotation pins:


Changed the optic AGAIN & all of the furniture (on top) & I've added an 11.5" Palmetto upper to a "Poverty Pony" (Anderson Manufacturing) lower for this pistol:

[Maxwell]

I know, like the holster drawer full of "learning opportunities." They both have most of the furniture I'd be good with, and the SIG even has a decent Red Dot to start with.

Now to figure out how to pay for it!

Donations will be happily accepted.

[Bitter Clinger]

Here ya go, in for under $350:

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar1 ... 79346.html

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16- ... 79344.html