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Colt M16A4


Automatic Rifle / Assault Rifle


United States | 1990



"The M16A4 is the latest incarnation of the M16 series of automatic rifles which debuted during the Vietnam War - and the current standard issue assault rifle of American forces."

Performance
Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Colt M16A4. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.
1,968 ft
599.8 m | 656.0 yds
Max.Eff.Range
700
Rounds-Per-Minute
Rate-of-Fire
3,110 ft/sec
948 m/sec
Muzzle Velocity
Physical
The physical qualities of the Colt M16A4. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.
1,000 mm
39.37 in
O/A Length
508 mm
20.00 in
Barrel Length
7.50 lb
3.40 kg
Weight
Gas-Operated; Semi-Automatic; Select Fire
Action
5.56x45mm NATO
Caliber(s)
30-Round Detachable Box Magazine
Feed
Iron Front and Rear; Optional Optics
Sights
Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Colt M16A4 Automatic Rifle / Assault Rifle family line.
M16A4 - Base Series Designation; modernized version of the M16A2 series.
Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 05/03/2019 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

The M16A4 is the fourth incarnation of the now-successful M16 series of automatic assault rifles. The M16 system that debuted during the Vietnam War, and all the drawbacks contained therein, has now evolved to become a refined and consequently more lethal version of the original weapon. The M16 is fielded in all its varying forms with armies across the globe - a reach similarly enjoyed by the competing AK-47/74 and all its major variants and derivatives. The M16A4 has replaced the M16A2 series in all US military service branches, though the M16A2 is still available in considerable numbers. The M16A4 is the official standard assault rifle for the US military having seen combat service in all American engagements since its inception in 1990.

The M16A4 differs from the M16A2 mainly by way of a removable carrying handle which can be replaced by a span of universal MIL-STD 1913 rail which can be coupled with a Knight's Armament M5 RAS handguard adapter rail system (the latter creating the M16A4 MWS - "Modular Weapon System" - designation). The M16A4 is a much more modular weapon adaptable to a wide variety of battlefield roles through various mountings that can include specialized optics, flashlights, aimers and grips. Like all of the M16 family firearms, the M16A4 can also fit the M203 40mm grenade launcher under the barrel, increasing the tactical lethality of the operator and offering the weapon system a dual-role capability with direct and indirect methods of attack.



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The M16A4 shares performance statistics on par with the preceding M16A2, itself an evolution of the Vietnam War-era M16A1. Muzzle velocity is approximately 3,110 feet per second. The weapon retains the widely accepted 5.56x45mm NATO standard cartridge through a 30-round capacity detachable box magazine (curved). Weight increases just one pound with a fully-loaded magazine, bringing the overall combat weight of the system to a manageable 8.5lbs. The M16A4 also retains the adjustable front and rear sighting installations allowing for an effective range of about 600 meters. Firing selections are limited to semi- and burst-mode capabilities with a standard safety issued as well (the M1A1 offered full-automatic fire). Like the M16A2, the M16A4 is a gas-operated, rotating bolt (direct impingement) weapon. An optional shoulder strap eases transport.

Despite several promising designs appearing to overtake the M16 line, all have fallen short of US military needs and budget requirements, meaning that the M16A4 should retain a viable presence in the American inventory (as well as its allies) for the foreseeable future.

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Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Colt M16A4. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): Colt Defense - USA
National flag of Greece National flag of Iraq National flag of Malaysia National flag of Turkey National flag of Tunisia National flag of the United Kingdom National flag of the United States

[ Greece; Iraq; Malaysia; Turkey; Tunisia; United Kingdom; United States ]
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Image of the Colt M16A4
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