COLT SPORTER M4 CARBINE
Posted Jun 14, 2023
The Colt Sporter M4 Carbine is one of the most sought-after, reliable, and dependable assault-style firearms made in the United States. While it looks like an AR-15, this rifle has been specially engineered to be more accurate, able to support attachments, and to function reliably in a wide variety of environments. It is a popular choice among law enforcement and security personnel due to its dependability, accuracy, and easy handling.
The Colt Sporter M4 Carbine is the latest configuration of Colt’s iconic AR-15. It is chambered for standard 5.56 NATO and boasts a 16-inch barrel, lightweight aluminum alloy lower receiver, and could typically be had with either a direct-gas-impingement or gas piston operating system. The direct-gas-impingement operating system uses the gas created from firing a round, while the gas piston system provides a smoother, cleaner cycle. The gas piston operating system is favored by many shooters, as it is less prone to dirt and debris buildup and requires less frequent cleaning.
The M4 Carbine utilizes a detachable magazine, typically 30-rounders. This enables fast reloading and allows the shooter to carry more ammunition than a fixed magazine. Additionally, the detachable magazine design allows for the addition of an External Magazine Release Lever, allowing magazines to be drawn and unlocked without needing to operate the bolt handle.
The Colt Sporter M4 Carbine is outfitted with a fixed front sight, often referred to as an F-marked front sight, and a folding adjustable rear sight. This allows for both a range-of-motion and accuracy when shooting. The F-marked front sight is adjustable, as a user can adjust the post in or out, allowing for different aiming points dependant on the range. This sight system also enables the use of a magnified optic or night vision optics.
The combination of the aluminum alloy lower receiver and composite upper receiver yields a light-weight rifle that offers superior balance and comfort in firing. The Colt Sporter M4 Carbine also features a collapsible stock, enabling the user to extend it from its collapsed position to a length best suited for their body type. This allows for greater comfort in use, particularly for individuals with specific body shapes or sizes.
The Colt Sporter M4 Carbine is optimized for M4-style accessories, including lights, lasers, grenade launchers, and other items. It uses a top rail mount allowing for easy and secure attachment of compatible items. Additionally, it features multiple sling attachment points allowing for more options to carry and easily transition the rifle from one shoulder to the other.
The Colt Sporter M4 Carbine lives up to its reputation for reliability, accuracy, and ease of use. I have personally used this rifle in multiple environments and for various tasks, and it has proven itself to be a dependable weapon. In my experience, it was very easy to keep on target, even with the standard M4 sights. The ease of use is especially evident when the shooter is transitioning to a new target or re-adjusting their grip. The rifle’s light weight allows it to quickly and easily move with the shooter.
Despite its light weight construction, this rifle is no slouch when it comes to durability. The combination of its aluminum upper receiver and composite lower receiver has proven to be an excellent combination to resist dirt, dust, and debris. Additionally, the gas system is relatively maintenance-free, needing only some lubricant and general housekeeping.
The Colt Sporter M4 Carbine is an excellent rifle for anyone looking for a reliable, accurate, and dependable carbine. From law enforcement and security personnel to recreational shooters, this carbine will serve you well. Its features make it very adaptable to various situations, without compromising accuracy and reliability. For anyone in the market for an AR-style carbine, the Colt Sporter M4 Carbine is an excellent choice.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Reliable and efficient direct impingement gas system
-Lightweight and maneuverable
-Doesn’t require a lot of maintenance
-Uses an easily detachable box magazine
-Wide selection of aftermarket parts and accessories
-Uses 5.56 NATO ammunition, which is widely available
Cons:
-It has a shorter barrel than other assault weapons meaning less accuracy at long range
-It is louder than most other configurations due to the lack of muzzle break
-The limited magazine size of 10 or 30 rounds can be restrictive when it comes to continuous shooting
-The carrying handle can limit what type of scopes and optics can be mounted
Who Should Buy
The COLT SPORTER M4 CARBINE is an AR-15 style rifle designed for sport and tactical shooting. As such, it should only be bought by those who have the proper training and experience to safely handle and use the rifle for its intended purposes. This rifle is not suitable for beginners or children due to its high force and recoil. Individuals should also verify that their local laws permit them to own and use this type of weapon. Furthermore, it is important to note that this rifle requires additional accessories such as sights, stocks, and magazines to function properly.
Comparisons
| ------------------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------- |
| COLT SPORTER M4 CARBINE | Springfield Armory Hellion Bullpup |
| ------------------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------- |
| 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington | 6.5 Grendel |
| 16.1” | 18” |
| 6.9lbs | 8.6lbs |
| 32.2”-35.5” | 28.5” |
| ------------------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------- |
| COLT SPORTER M4 CARBINE | Palmetto State Armory PA-10 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------- |
| 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington | .308 Winchester |
| 16.1” | 20” |
| 6.9lbs | 9.4lbs |
| 32.2”-35.5” | 38.5” |
| ------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------- |
| COLT SPORTER M4 CARBINE | Palmetto State Armory PSAK47 Classic |
| ------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------- |
| 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington | 7.62x39mm |
| 16.1” | 16” |
| 6.9lbs | 8.1lbs |
| 32.2”-35.5” | 35.25” |
Features / Specs
• 5.56x45 NATO caliber
• 16.1” chrome-lined barrel
• 1 in 7" twist rate
• M4 feed ramps
• Matte black phosphate finish
• A2 flash hider
• Six-position adjustable M4 stock
• Standard A2 pistol grip
• Accepts AR-15 magazines
• Overall length – 32.5” (collapsed) 36.2" (fully extended)
• Empty weight – 7lbs 8oz
Popular Accessories
Some of the most popular accessories for the Colt Sporter M4 Carbine include a barrel stabilizing kit, an optics mount, a muzzle brake or compensator, an adjustable stock, and an adjustable trigger. A Picatinny rail system can also be an excellent addition, as it allows you to mount a variety of optics and accessories such as scopes, laser sights, and flashlights. Magazines should also be chosen carefully depending on the type of ammunition being used.
Accuracy
The Colt Sporter M4 Carbine is one of the most popular and reliable assault-style rifles available today. It is a lightweight, air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed, shoulder-fired weapon. Its maximum effective range is 600 meters. It has an impressive accuracy rating, with groups usually forming in the 1 to 2 inch range at 100 yards with match-grade ammunition. It is also capable of achieving sub-MOA (minute of angle) accuracy with the right components and load, making it suitable for long-range shooting. Overall, it is an extremely reliable weapon, and its accuracy makes it a great choice for both recreational and professional shooters.
