Little did Eugene Stoner realize that his famed rifle would become a staple defensive tool in American homes, and not to mention have full aftermarket support that basically turns that original blueprint on its head. While Colt has its ties to the original, this latest configuration is one many people have tried with unsuccessful results. Watch our video above to see this 7.62x39 mm-chambered AR-15 in use on the range.
Of all the ammunition made worldwide, Russia’s 7.62x39 mm cartridge is one of the most popular, and it is used by a plethora of firearm types, including full-auto machineguns, semi-auto carbines and bolt-action rifles. And as with any firearm, the basis of its operation revolves around its magazine, which has been the major hiccup in AR-15s chambered for the Red Army’s favored cartridge. However, thanks to countless hours of R&D, the code has been cracked, as seen here on the range with Colt’s MSR Carbine churning out the empties, trouble-free.
Rather than completely reinvent the wheel, Colt maintained simplicity with its MSR Carbine in 7.62x39 mm and modeled the gun after its LE6920-pattern carbine. That said, you get 7075-T6 aluminum receivers, with the upper unit topped flat with Picatinny rail. Like many other MSRs from Colt, the receivers are hardcoat anodized with a matte-black finish and all other components of the carbine match the black color scheme.
Putting rounds on target is the aided by a premium chrome-moly steel 16.1” barrel. It features a SOCOM profile and manganese phosphate finish on the outside for corrosion and wear protection. The bore is chrome lined, which is especially useful considering the surplus Soviet-era ammo still floating around the marketplace. Attached to the barrel, you’ll find there is an A2-style front sight and classic clamshell handguard held in place by a delta ring assembly at the rear. As for the rear sight, Colt went with Magpul’s popular MBUS assembly—it is a flip-up type and fully adjustable. Along with sights, you get a six-position-adjustable buttstock with sling attachment points.
On the range, Colt’s MSR Carbine in 7.62x39 mm ran flawlessly, signifying that Colt’s engineers dialed in the 30-round magazine specs and overall configuration perfectly. Our testers appreciate the classic features of the A2 front sight and clamshell handguard but mentioned a full floating fore-end and adjustable gas block would elevate the platform above and beyond its current state. All told, the Model CR6762 Carbine offers a unique arrangement backed by a legendary brand at a fair price. So, if a 7.62x39 mm MSR has you interested, consider giving a look at Colt’s products.
Colt MSR Carbine Model CR6762 Specifications
Manufacturer: Colt
Action Type: direct-impingement, semi-automatic, centerfire rifle
Chambering: 7.62x39 mm
Barrel: 16.1" 4150 chromium-molybdenum-vanadium steel alloy
Receivers: 7075-T6 aluminum; black hardcoat anodized finish
Magazine: 30-round detachable box
Sights: fully adjustable; Magpul MBUS flip-up rear
Stock: adjustable
Trigger: mil-spec single-stage
Overall Length: 32" to 35.5"
Weight: 6 lbs., 4.6 ozs.
MSRP: $1,199
