The best rifle resource on the net


The M4 rifle

M4 assault rifles derive from theaccessories. Because of its aesthetic
initial versions of the M16 model, forappeal and known efficiency, it is an
which the primary models is the AR-15.often-depicted weapon in Hollywood
The AR-15, which is the most celebratedfilms. Despite all the favorable reports
lightweight rifles in the history ofon it, the M4 does seem to have certain
firearms. The M4 is a shorter and lessdrawbacks, though. Special Forces in
weighty derivation of the assault rifleAfghanistan were apparently unable to
known as the M16A2 and shares manyengage the enemy very effectively with
components with this model. Basically,their M4s, largely because of severe
it offers the options of firing inrange constraints. This constraint is
semi-automatic mode or in short burstsdirectly attributable to the M4’s
of three rounds each. A more advancedshorter barrel. Another problem in
model, the M4A1, offer upgraded featuresactual combat seems to be the fact that
such as high resistance to barrelthe rifle’s bolt group and receiver
heating in continuous firing situations.are susceptible to
The M4 is favored in modern tacticalfaster-than-convenient heating. This
combat operations and is is the standardcauses the mechanism to stick at the
infantry assault rifle used by theworst possible moments.
United States military. On the front, itThe M4 is basically a M16 with a shorter
finds it highest utility in the close-upbarrel. It fires 5.56 x 45mm NATO
confrontations that the Armed Forcesammunition weighs 2.54 kilograms when
refer to as close quarters battle, ornot loaded and is approximately 840mm
CQB. Otherwise, it is more suited forlong. It has a muzzle velocity of 921 m
support personnel for whom actual battlesec and can shoot 700 to 1000 rounds per
is not a part of the job description.minute. It can accommodate magazines
Its USP is that it is compact, wieldywith holding capacities of either 20 or
and easy to carry around.30 rounds. Apart from the M4A1, other
It was developed by Colt Firearms undervariants of the M4 are the M4A2 and the
contract for the United StatesM4A3 (the latter features a detachable
government. The manufacturing contractcarry handle). The M4 is equipped with
will expire in another three years, butan improved rear sight, which field
in practical terms the exclusivity ofreports say have enhanced the
this contract has not limited itsshooter’s control over the rifle
production elsewhere. Assault riflesduring sustained bursts of firing.
modeled on the M4 prototype are underThere is reason to believe that the US
extensive manufacture, which is aArmed Forced may replace both the M4 and
testimony to its widespread fame. It hasthe M16 with another model of assault
virtually replaced the M16.rifle. Reportedly, the chosen
Special Operations units in the Unitedreplacements are coming from another
States have adopted the advanced M4A1group of small arms. Nothing concrete
for their purposes, and it is also ahas been announced yet and the M4 is
favored weapon in the war againststill very much in operational use.
terrorism. This is because of itsMeanwhile, the Malaysian Armed Forced
compactness, which nevertheless does nothave officially decided to adopt the M4
subtract from its considerablecarbine for use and have placed an order
firepower. Also, it lends itselffor 14,000 units. The have gone on
admirably for customization –record as saying that the M4 is far more
preferred and widely used accessoriesuser friendly, option rich and
are night scopes, supporting bipods oninnovative than the Steyrs that they are
which the rifle can be mounted, flashcurrently employing. The Malaysian Armed
suppressors and laser-based targetingForces are also enthusiastic about the
devices. A 40mm grenade launchergrenade launcher option. Over 100,000
referred to as the M203 is also commonlySteyrs will be replaced by M4s in graded
used with the M4 as well as with thestages.
M19A1. The launcher is an extremelyEven today, the M4 weapon system is
light breech-loading device that employsconsidered to be light years ahead of
a pump action and fires one shot at acomparable weaponry. While certain
time.sniper rifle systems still favor the
A retractable telescoping butt stock7.62 NATO cartridge, the M4 is well
that allows the M4 to be either asuited and a proven design. For the
handheld weapon or a shoulder firingcommon infantryman, it is probably
one. It shoots the same caliber roundsirreplaceable.
as the M4A1 and supports all the same



1 A B C D 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106