Colt has introduced another rifle in their Expanse budget rifle lineup with a second model more in line with what shooters expect when buying a carbine AR-15. Just before SHOT Show 2016 Colt announced that they would be building a budget rifle that had a planned MSRP of just $699 to directly compete with some of the best selling carbines on the market. We have one of the CE1000 rifles in for review, and at a glance, it is nothing short of impressive. The amount of quality that we were able to purchase for under $600 street price is nothing short of outstanding.

Colt listened to dealers and found that buyers really wanted to be able to buy the Expanse with a Colt installed forward assist and dust cover installed from the factory. The two new parts added will boost the MSRP from $699 on up to $749, a hefty price for a forward assist and dust cover, but many buyers will be happy to pay the increase to skip installing the parts.

Both the CE1000 and CE2000 are chambered in 5.56 NATO, feature a 16.1″ 1:7 non-chrome lined barrel, an A2 style pinned front sight, DI carbine length gas system, a four position collapsible stock, and a Colt M4 Marked lower receiver.

It appears the new carbine is currently sitting on shelves at retailers, I would expect the street price to be closer to $640 to $660 when they become more common on the shelves. I am really excited to see Colt embrace the lower priced AR market with more than one choice for budget-minded buyers. You can learn more by clicking HERE to visit the Colt website.