| M4 assault rifles derive from the | | | | accessories. Because of its aesthetic |
| initial versions of the M16 model, for | | | | appeal 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 celebrated | | | | films. Despite all the favorable reports |
| lightweight rifles in the history of | | | | on it, the M4 does seem to have certain |
| firearms. The M4 is a shorter and less | | | | drawbacks, though. Special Forces in |
| weighty derivation of the assault rifle | | | | Afghanistan were apparently unable to |
| known as the M16A2 and shares many | | | | engage the enemy very effectively with |
| components with this model. Basically, | | | | their M4s, largely because of severe |
| it offers the options of firing in | | | | range constraints. This constraint is |
| semi-automatic mode or in short bursts | | | | directly attributable to the M4’s |
| of three rounds each. A more advanced | | | | shorter barrel. Another problem in |
| model, the M4A1, offer upgraded features | | | | actual combat seems to be the fact that |
| such as high resistance to barrel | | | | the rifle’s bolt group and receiver |
| heating in continuous firing situations. | | | | are susceptible to |
| The M4 is favored in modern tactical | | | | faster-than-convenient heating. This |
| combat operations and is is the standard | | | | causes the mechanism to stick at the |
| infantry assault rifle used by the | | | | worst possible moments. |
| United States military. On the front, it | | | | The M4 is basically a M16 with a shorter |
| finds it highest utility in the close-up | | | | barrel. It fires 5.56 x 45mm NATO |
| confrontations that the Armed Forces | | | | ammunition weighs 2.54 kilograms when |
| refer to as close quarters battle, or | | | | not loaded and is approximately 840mm |
| CQB. Otherwise, it is more suited for | | | | long. It has a muzzle velocity of 921 m |
| support personnel for whom actual battle | | | | sec 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, wieldy | | | | with holding capacities of either 20 or |
| and easy to carry around. | | | | 30 rounds. Apart from the M4A1, other |
| It was developed by Colt Firearms under | | | | variants of the M4 are the M4A2 and the |
| contract for the United States | | | | M4A3 (the latter features a detachable |
| government. The manufacturing contract | | | | carry handle). The M4 is equipped with |
| will expire in another three years, but | | | | an improved rear sight, which field |
| in practical terms the exclusivity of | | | | reports say have enhanced the |
| this contract has not limited its | | | | shooter’s control over the rifle |
| production elsewhere. Assault rifles | | | | during sustained bursts of firing. |
| modeled on the M4 prototype are under | | | | There is reason to believe that the US |
| extensive manufacture, which is a | | | | Armed Forced may replace both the M4 and |
| testimony to its widespread fame. It has | | | | the M16 with another model of assault |
| virtually replaced the M16. | | | | rifle. Reportedly, the chosen |
| Special Operations units in the United | | | | replacements are coming from another |
| States have adopted the advanced M4A1 | | | | group of small arms. Nothing concrete |
| for their purposes, and it is also a | | | | has been announced yet and the M4 is |
| favored weapon in the war against | | | | still very much in operational use. |
| terrorism. This is because of its | | | | Meanwhile, the Malaysian Armed Forced |
| compactness, which nevertheless does not | | | | have officially decided to adopt the M4 |
| subtract from its considerable | | | | carbine for use and have placed an order |
| firepower. Also, it lends itself | | | | for 14,000 units. The have gone on |
| admirably for customization – | | | | record as saying that the M4 is far more |
| preferred and widely used accessories | | | | user friendly, option rich and |
| are night scopes, supporting bipods on | | | | innovative than the Steyrs that they are |
| which the rifle can be mounted, flash | | | | currently employing. The Malaysian Armed |
| suppressors and laser-based targeting | | | | Forces are also enthusiastic about the |
| devices. A 40mm grenade launcher | | | | grenade launcher option. Over 100,000 |
| referred to as the M203 is also commonly | | | | Steyrs will be replaced by M4s in graded |
| used with the M4 as well as with the | | | | stages. |
| M19A1. The launcher is an extremely | | | | Even today, the M4 weapon system is |
| light breech-loading device that employs | | | | considered to be light years ahead of |
| a pump action and fires one shot at a | | | | comparable weaponry. While certain |
| time. | | | | sniper rifle systems still favor the |
| A retractable telescoping butt stock | | | | 7.62 NATO cartridge, the M4 is well |
| that allows the M4 to be either a | | | | suited and a proven design. For the |
| handheld weapon or a shoulder firing | | | | common infantryman, it is probably |
| one. It shoots the same caliber rounds | | | | irreplaceable. |
| as the M4A1 and supports all the same | | | | |