Colt CR6960 Carbine 5.56 NATO Rifle, 16.1" Midlength Barrel, 30rd Capacity

The Colt CR6960 carbine is a no-nonsense 5.56 NATO rifle built for shooters who want proven ergonomics and reliability without unnecessary frills. This midlength gas system carbine sits at the sweet spot for most shooters: compact enough for tactical drills, training, or home defense, yet accurate and controllable enough for precision work out to distance. With a 16.1-inch barrel and overall length adjustable from 32 to 35.5 inches via the six-position telescoping stock, it handles tight spaces and shoulders comfortably whether you're running a course of fire or working from a vehicle. At 6.5 pounds unloaded, it's built to carry—not a featherweight, but not a boat anchor either.

Colt equipped this rifle with a flat-top receiver that accepts standard optic mounts, a Centurion Arms handguard with M-LOK compatibility for lights, lasers, and accessories, and a 1-in-7 right-hand twist barrel that stabilizes a wide range of 5.56 ammunition. The manual safety and bird-cage flash hider are time-tested controls and features. Magazines are not included—you'll need your own 30-round (or pinned) mags—but the CR6960 feeds standard AR-pattern magazines reliably.

This is a working rifle: not decked out in mall-ninja gear, not feature-bloated, just a solid platform for hunting, range time, defensive scenarios, or learning. The midlength gas tube runs cooler and softer than carbine-length setups, improving longevity and felt recoil. If you're in the market for a battle-tested AR-15 pattern rifle and want to skip the build-your-own complexity, the CR6960 delivers the performance Colt's earned over decades.

Key Features

• Flat-top receiver for easy optic mounting
• M-LOK-compatible handguard for mounting lights and accessories
• Six-position telescoping stock for length-of-pull adjustment
• Midlength gas system for reduced recoil and improved reliability
• 1-in-7 twist barrel suitable for a range of 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington loads
• Manual safety and bird-cage flash hider

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What optics and accessories can I mount on the CR6960?

The flat-top receiver accepts any standard Picatinny or Weaver mount rail. The handguard is M-LOK compatible, so you can attach lights, lasers, and other accessories to either the top or sides using M-LOK components.

Does this rifle come with magazines?

The CR6960 comes with one magazine. You'll need to source additional magazines separately; it accepts standard AR-15 pattern 30-round magazines.

What's the difference between this midlength barrel and a carbine-length AR?

The midlength gas system operates with lower pressure and softer recoil impulse than a carbine-length setup, which typically results in improved reliability, easier shooting, and longer component life.

Is the CR6960 suitable for hunting?

Yes. The 5.56 NATO cartridge is legal for varmint and predator hunting in most states, and the rifle's accuracy and ergonomics make it well-suited for hunting applications where .223 or 5.56 is appropriate.