Description

The M4 series 5.56 mm Carbine is a compact version of the M16A2 Rifle and is equipped with a collapsible stock, an adaptor rail system, and a backup iron sight.

The M4A1 is fully automatic and incorporates an ambidextrous fire control selector. The weapon can be mounted with the M203A2 Grenade Launcher, M320A1 Grenade Launcher, or the M26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System. The weapon has received many performance-based design improvements since its inception. In 2014, the Army decided to update its service rifle inventory from a mix of M16A2/A4 Rifles and M4 Carbines to an inventory of 5.56 mm M4A1 Carbines.

The M4 Product Improvement Program (PIP) converts fielded M4s to M4A1s by adding a heavy barrel, a fully automatic capable trigger mechanism, and an ambidextrous fire control assembly. The Army will achieve pure fleet of the M4A1 in FY22 via PIP and new production. Soldiers can add or remove accessories such as the laser rangefinder, infrared illuminator/pointer, and thermal sights as the mission dictates without the use of special tools.

Specifications

• Caliber: 5.56 mm
• Weight:
  • M4: 7.75 pounds with sling and loaded magazine
  • M4AI: 8.63 pounds with sling and loaded magazine
• Length:
  • 30.57 inches (retracted)
  • 33.82 inches (extended)
• Barrel length: 14.5 inches