COLT M4 CARBINE

Posted Jun 16, 2023

Introduction

The Colt M4 Carbine is one of the most recognizable and popular weapons in the world today. It's used by military forces around the globe and has become a staple of tactical operations due to its wide range of accessories and its excellent performance. The Colt M4 also has a dedicated following among civilian shooters who appreciate its strong reputation for accuracy and reliability. Before we dive into the details of the M4, let's take a quick look at its history.

History

The Colt M4 Carbine was first developed in the early 1990s as a shorter and lighter variant of the M16A2 assault rifle. It was initially intended to replace the M16A2 in various roles for the US military, and it did so in 1995. The M4 quickly proved itself to be an invaluable part of the military toolkit, providing an array of features that greatly improved usability and practicality. As a result, the M4 has become one of the most widely used firearms in the world.

Design and Features

The Colt M4 Carbine is a gas-operated, magazine-fed, semi-automatic rifle. This means it uses gases from the burning of the propellant to cycle the action and fire successive rounds. This also means that it is semi-automatic, with the user being able to fire consecutive rounds by pulling the trigger multiple times. The M4 is fed using AR-15 type magazines, which are usually 30 rounds in capacity but can hold up to 60 rounds. It is capable of both semi-automatic and three-round burst fire. The M4 has a telescoping buttstock and a 14.5-inch barrel, making it a bit shorter than the original M16. It is also equipped with the carry handle and adjustable iron sights found on the M16.

Performance

The Colt M4 Carbine is acclaimed for its accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Its gas-operated system provides a smooth firing action, and its 14.5-inch barrel results in good accuracy at both close and medium ranges. It is capable of shooting both 5.56x45mm NATO and .223 Remington ammunition, making it very versatile. The M4 is reliable in all conditions and has excellent ergonomics that enable shooters to get off quick follow-up shots. It has a surprisingly low recoil, given the power of the 5.56mm caliber cartridge, making it an ideal choice for beginners or smaller shooters.

Ammunition and Accessories

The Colt M4 Carbine is chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO and .223 Remington ammunition. It is compatible with most popular accessories for the AR-15 platform, such as optics, bipods, foregrips, magazine extensions, suppressors, lasers, flashlights, and more. Its adjustable iron sights allow shooters to quickly and effectively sight in the rifle and make more accurate shots at medium and long ranges. The M4 is also equipped with an M1913 Picatinny rail for mounting various accessories.

Price

The Colt M4 Carbine is a quality, reasonably priced rifle. It typically retails for around $900-$1,200, though this range can be higher or lower depending on the seller and the condition of the rifle. Most models come with a 30-round magazine, though some may come with an additional magazine or a more durable metal magazine.

Conclusion

The Colt M4 Carbine is an excellent rifle that has earned its place as one of the most popular firearms in the world. It is accurate, reliable, and easy to use, and its wide range of features and accessories make it suitable for many different types of shooting. There is no doubt that the Colt M4 Carbine is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, affordable rifle.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Extremely reliable since its design is based on the M16 rifle which has been around for decades

• Lightweight so easy to carry in the field

• Features a short-stroke gas piston system which ensures reliability and accuracy

• Modular design allows for easy customization depending on the task or mission

• High-capacity magazine options available

• Easy to maintain

Cons:

• Many versions do not include the ability to fire in burst or full autos

• Limited range and power when compared to rifles like the M14 or AR-10

• Magazine size is limited compared to other rifles in its class

• Price tag is usually more expensive than other rifles in its class

Who Should Buy

The Colt M4 Carbine is designed first and foremost for military and law enforcement use. It is not intended for civilian use and is not recommended for those who are not trained in the use of firearms. It is an extremely powerful and precise weapon that can cause serious harm if mishandled. Therefore, those who do not have the required training or are not in a situation in which the use of firearms is necessary should not purchase this weapon.

Comparisons

PALMETTO STATE ARMORY PA-10	PALMETTO STATE ARMORY PSAK47
6.36 lb	8.2 lb
5.56mm NATO	.308 Win	7.62x39mm
3,100 fps	2,700 fps	2,400 fps
30 rounds	20 rounds	30 rounds
1:7 inch	1:10 inch	1:10 inch

Features / Specs

• Caliber: 5.56x45 NATO / .223 Remington

• Barrel Length: 14.5 inches

• Weight (without magazine): 6.36 lb.

• Length: 32.5 in (collapsed)/ 36 in (extended)

• Capacity: 30 Rounds

• Operating System: Gas Impingement

• Rate of Fire: 800 rounds/min

• Muzzle Velocity: 2,900 ft/sec

• Effective Range: 600 Meters

Popular Accessories

The most popular accessories for the Colt M4 Carbine include optics (red dot sights, magnified scopes, laser sights, and night vision), grips, handguards (quad rail, plain rail, and drop-in handguards), stocks (fixed, adjustable or collapsible), vertical foregrips, selector switches, muzzle brakes/flash suppressors, flashlights/lasers, and magazine couplers.

Accuracy

The Colt M4 Carbine is a highly accurate and reliable rifle that is used by military forces around the world. It is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, which means it is accurate and reliable out to 800 yards. This makes it an ideal rifle for self-defense, target shooting, and hunting. It is considered to be extremely accurate in close-quarters combat, making it one of the best military service rifles in the world. The M4 Carbine has a one minute of angle (MOA) accuracy of 2.25 inches or less at 100 yards, which means it is capable of very precise shooting. With proper maintenance and careful use, the Colt M4 Carbine is capable of delivering consistent groups with maximum accuracy and effectiveness.