Colt M4 Carbine

The Colt M4 carbine is a family of firearms tracing its lineage back to earlier carbine versions of the M16, all based on the original AR-15 designed by Eugene Stoner and made by ArmaLite. It is a shorter and lighter version of the M16A2 assault rifle, with 80% parts commonality. Featuring a 14.5 in. (37 cm) barrel it is designed for use wherever lightness, speed of action, mobility and fire power are required. It can be comfortably carried, yet be instantly available to provide the power, accuracy and range of a 5.56mm Rifle. Proven in military operations, it stands alone as a first-line weapon system. Colt M4 Carbine is today's weapon of choice; the weapon of the 21st century soldier.

The M4 Carbine is an extremely accurate and effective weapon under all practical field applications. It is a favorite with both first line infantry operations as well as special forces, unit commanders and vehicle crews. Available with a Safe/Semi/Full Auto 3-position selector (model R0977) the M4 Carbine is today’s weapon of choice.

The Colt company developed various carbine versions of the basic AR-15 / M16 rifle since 1970s. These carbines were intended for all markets - military, law enforcement, civilian. US Military (and some other armies, most notably - Israeli Self-Defense Forces) had adopted the Colt CAR-15 Commando and XM-177 carbines during the 1970s and 1980s.

The M4 Carbine barrel is designed to accept the M203 Grenade Launcher which can easily be assembled to the carbine offering the user both point and area firing capabilities. Also, all US and NATO rifle grenades can be fired without any supplementary equipment.

At the present time, the M4 carbine is used as a front-line weapon by US Army, Marine Corps and SOCOM operators in Iraq and Afghanistan. Combat experience with thos weapon resulted in update program, which will, as of now (mid-2010) following steps. First, Army wanted to install heavier barrel to allow more sustained firepower, combined with full-automatic mode of fire instead of 3-round burst, and ambidextrous safety/selector switch. Second stage will see improved rail adapter and a new, improved bolt carrier, and a possible third stage will include change of operating system (most probably, from direct gas to the gas piston).

Specification:
CALIBER : 5.56X45mm NATO (.223 Rem)
WEIGHT WITHOUT MAG : 5.9 lb (2.68 kg)
EMPTY 30 ROUND MAG : 0.25 lb (0.11 kg)
LOADED 30 ROUND MAG : 1.0 lb (0.45 kg)
BARREL LENGTH : 14.5 in (37 cm)
BORE CHARACTERISTICS : Hard Chrome Lined, 6 Lands & Groves, 1 Twist in 7 in (178 mm), Right Hand
METHOD OF OPERATION : Gas; Direct System; Locking bolt
MUZZLE VELOCITY : 2900 ft/sec (884 m/sec)
MUZZLE ENERGY : 1645 Joule
EFFECTIVE RANGE : 600 m
FRONT SIGHT : Adjustable front
REAR SIGHT : M16A4 target style sight adjustable for windage and elevation to 600m
SIGHT RADIUS : 14.5 in (37 cm)
CYCLIC RATE OF FIRE : 700-950 rpm
FIRE CONTROL SELECTION : Safe - Semi - Full Auto