Gear: M-4 Carbine

Product Information

M4a1_acog_max192w

M-4 Carbine

Colt

Category: Firearms & Accessories
Subcategory: Rifles
Average Rating:
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Description:

The M4 and variants fire 5.56 x 45 mm NATO ammunition and are gas-operated, air-cooled, magazine-fed, selective fire firearms with a 4-position telescoping stock. Original M4 models had a flat-ended telescoping stock, but newer models are now equipped with a redesigned telescoping stock that is slightly larger and the end has a curvature. A fixed stock can also be fitted, but this is not a common practice in the U.S. military. The M4 Carbine with the newer, redesigned telescoping stock.As with many carbines, the M4 is handy and more convenient to carry than a full-length rifle. While this makes it a candidate for non-infantry troops (vehicle crews, clerks and staff officers), it also makes it ideal for close quarters combat (CQC), and airborne and special operations. It has been adopted by United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and is the preferred weapon of the U.S. Army Special Forces. M4 have also been fielded by the Australian Special Air Service Regiment. Malaysia purchased M4 Carbine service rifles to replace the Steyr AUG service rifles in its armed forces in 2006. The M4 was developed and produced for the United States government by Colt Firearms, which has an exclusive contract to produce the M4 family of weapons through 2009; however, a number of other manufacturers offer M4-like firearms. The M4, along with the M16A4, has mostly replaced M16 and M16A2 firearms; the U.S. Air Force, for example, plans to transition completely to the M4 Carbine. The M4 has also replaced the M3A1 submachine gun that remained in service (mostly with tank crews). The M4 is similar to much earlier compact M16 versions, such as the 1960s-era XM177 family, though unlike them it is not intended to fire the earlier M193 ball ammunition. The United States Marine Corps has ordered its officers (up to the rank of lieutenant colonel) and SNCOs to carry the M4A1 carbine variant instead of the M9 Beretta pistol. This is in recognition that pistols are largely useless in current conflicts, and is in line with the Marine Corps phrase, "Every Marine a rifleman." United States Navy corpsmen will also be issued M4A1s instead of the M9, according to the Marine Corps Times.

Member Reviews

  • Pitman_photo_-_06_april__06_max30
    usafsp12, Sun, 04 Nov 2007 21:03:39 UTC.

    Not a bad transition for the USAF. Although many M-16A2's are still in the inventory, they are being phased out to be replaced by the M-4.

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    1st review
  • Photo_user_blank_big
    johayes, Thu, 22 Nov 2007 21:51:33 UTC.

    never hav shot this patickularweapon but have read many articles ataining to this gun's versitility and toughness.

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  • 1012071223_m_captainamericaepting_max30
    Redleg, Sun, 02 Dec 2007 19:55:58 UTC.

    Great rifle. Many have complained about it, but I have not seen the issues that they report. But it does require regular cleaning even if its not used. But that every weapon

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  • Picture42006_207_max30
    JM9040, Mon, 17 Dec 2007 01:38:47 UTC.

    I used the civilian version match target and Ive carried this gun for 10 years and it is an excellent weapon. Very accurate and reliable like and semi auto it must be kept clean but if your life depends on it I think keeping up on the cleaning is time well spent.

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  • Rockstar_max30
    usk9af, Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:34:11 UTC.

    Great transition for all dog handlers. Shorter lighter and overall easier to handle with a dog on the other side.

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  • 1_sticker_sm_max30
    sps8072, Sat, 26 Jan 2008 17:20:13 UTC.

    I have carried the Colt 6920LE for several years and it has served me faithfully the entire time. I find that it works best with Lake City XM193 55gr FMJ or M855 62gr. FMJ. I use milspec mags exclusively, but have been pleasantly surprised by the new Magpul PMags - tested and proven more rugged than the HK high reliability at a cost of $17 ea. I bought 6.

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  • Photo_user_blank_big
    tav0311, Wed, 06 Feb 2008 21:49:45 UTC.

    I have the Colt's Law Enforcement Carbine model LE6920. Currently manufactured models are built by Colt Defense which produces M4s for the U.S. Military. The only major differences are a 16 inch barrel, and absence of the burst mode on the selector. Mounted on my 6920 is the Trijicon TA31-RCO M4 or ACOG model identical in every way to the model I use in the Marine Corps. I zeroed my personal one with military M855 ammunition which is the current production "green tip" ammo with a 62 grain projectile complete with tungsten steel core penetrator. That is the ammuniton those carbines and optics were designed for. I found at home and abroad that once zeroed with the 62 grain ammo 55 to 77 grain projectiles will hit where you aim atleast out to 300 meters. Colt equals quality, dependability and ruggedness. I will never trust another AR/M16 make as much as a Colt because I have seen the abuse they have endured from being hit by high explosives in combat to being bounced down a stairwell or thrown out a window in bootcamp. There's my two cents and no I don't work for Colt, I just know what proven weapon can do for you.

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  • Me_again_max160_max30
    bubbajeffcoat, Tue, 26 Feb 2008 01:25:47 UTC.

    in combat this a highly effective and light weapon for urban ops

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  • Star_copy_max30
    tbarber, Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:55:52 UTC.

    Awesome weapon for the USAF Security Forces.

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  • Ares_by_el_grimlock_max30
    KSP494, Wed, 12 Mar 2008 04:30:46 UTC.

    I miss this rifle greatly. Unfortunately due to budget requirements I have the M-16 A1 hopefully we can start fielding these. It's very light and compact with no loss of effectiveness with the shorter barrel. Anyone looking to arm their officers with patrol rifles need to give this a serious look.

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  • Osi_shield1_max30
    david_j9, Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:48:03 UTC.

    A nice bit of kit.

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  • Detectivegregg1995_max30
    reaper911, Sun, 06 Apr 2008 02:03:14 UTC.

    I like both the M4 amd M4A1 both are Dynamic and Versatile Weapons.

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  • Photo_user_blank_big
    bpritch654, Thu, 10 Apr 2008 01:51:13 UTC.

    I carry one daily or a frankenstein version of an older A2. It works okay but needs a few upgrades. Well my issues ones do. I am issued a reflex 1 sight. Would prefer aimpoint and a t grip like on personal weapon. Unfortunately my so called supervisor in his wisdom had a block installed on all of them. So semi only and never allowed to go to any schools with our issues. Must take personals. A piston assembly would be better.

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  • Dsc_0185_max30
    Cujocop, Sun, 20 Apr 2008 21:22:06 UTC.

    Colt still makes GREAT solid reliable firearms. I LOVE MINE and I even compete with it on occassions.

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  • Mandalorian_crest_max30
    vanguard69, Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:08:39 UTC.

    This is the best rifle EVER!!!!!

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  • Your_ass_max30
    kiddjoe, Sun, 04 May 2008 00:57:05 UTC.

    love this weapon, nuff said

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  • Michael_and_leo_max30
    CHIEF601, Sun, 04 May 2008 01:03:08 UTC.

    never owned one but have shot one on several occasions. great patrol rifle

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  • 78942_max30
    Wolvarine, Sun, 04 May 2008 04:43:35 UTC.

    Awesome Weapon!

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