I see this term used all the time, what the heck is this exactly.  I thought it was just a 14.5" gun with an adjustable stock, but now im not to sure anymore.

Technically, the "M4" is a military designation for a select-fire assault rifle with a 14.5" barrel (with a particular barrel profile, including a "step" in the front), collapsible stock, flat-top (mostly) and a detatchable A2 flash supressor.

In the civilian market, a lot of different models are sold as "M4" types (there was recently a trademark lawsuit by Colt to try to keep the "M4" name to themselves, which they lost) - which look like th emilitary version - with the characterstic barrel profile.  Some of them ar 16" vesion, with detachable A2 flas supressors, some are 14.5" version with permanently attached phantom or elongated A2-style fals supressors.  Some others are 14.7" versions with a permanently attached A2.  (Because a 14.5" barrel with a detachable flash supressor is considered an NFA firearm, and cannot be owned unless you pay a $200 tax stamp, and fill out various ATF forms - which is a hassle, and not allowed in all states anyway).

Ultimately, the "M4" styles you can buy are just variations on 14.5"-16" ARs that are meant to be similar to the military version.

It will also have M4 Feedramps, side sling swivel, Barrel cut downs for a gernade launcher and a Pony on the Rollmark

It will also have a 1/7 twist barrel

In the alternative, "M4" is Benelli's designation for various versions of the military M1014 Joint Service Combat Shotgun.






I know it's not what you meant, but I thought I'd throw it in anyway.  It is, afterall, the "M4" that's actually legal for a civilian to own.

Quoted: I see this term used all the time, what the heck is this exactly.  I thought it was just a 14.5" gun with an adjustable stock, but now im not to sure anymore.

If it isnt this it isnt an M4




CALIBER   5.56X45mm NATO (.223 Rem)
WEIGHT WITHOUT MAG 5.9 lb (2.68 kg)
EMPTY 30 ROUND MAG 0.25 lb (0.11 kg)
LOADED 30 ROUND MAG 1.0 lb (0.45 kg)
OVERALL LENGTH
Stock Retracted 33 in (84 cm)
29.8 in (76 cm)
BARREL LENGTH 14.5 in (37 cm)
BORE CHARACTERISTICS Hard Chrome Lined, 6 Lands & Groves, 1 Twist in 7 in (178 mm), Right Hand
METHOD OF OPERATION Gas; Direct System; Locking bolt
MUZZLE VELOCITY 2900 ft/sec (884 m/sec)
MUZZLE ENERGY 1645 Joule
EFFECTIVE RANGE 600 m
FRONT SIGHT Adjustable front
REAR SIGHT M16A4 target style sight adjustable for windage and elevation to 600m
SIGHT RADIUS 14.5 in (37 cm)
CYCLIC RATE OF FIRE 700-950 rpm
FIRE CONTROL SELECTION Safe - Semi - Full Auto
UPPER RECEIVER Flat Top With Detachable Carrying Handle

Colt M4 Carbine is a versatile weapon system with proven combat utility and performance providing the operator with the confidence required to accomplish any mission. Featuring a 14.5 in. (37 cm) barrel it is designed for use wherever lightness, speed of action, mobility and fire power are required. It can be comfortably carried, yet be instantly available to provide the power, accuracy and range of a 5.56mm Rifle. Proven in military operations, it stands alone as a first-line weapon system. Colt M4 Carbine is today's weapon of choice; the weapon of the 21st century soldier.

The M4 Carbine is an extremely accurate and effective weapon under all practical field applications. It is a favorite with both first line infantry operations as well as special forces, unit commanders and vehicle crews. Available with a Safe/Semi/Full Auto 3-position selector (model R0977) the M4 Carbine is today’s weapon of choice.

The M4 Carbine features a redesigned 4-position sliding buttstock allowing it to adapt to soldiers of different sizes and physical characteristics as well as various firing positions or clothing variations. Almost all mechanical components are interchangeable with those of the M16 rifle, ensuring quality, commonality of parts and reduced maintenance costs.

The M4 Carbine barrel is designed to accept the M203 Grenade Launcher which can easily be assembled to the carbine offering the user both point and area firing capabilities. Also, all US and NATO rifle grenades can be fired without any supplementary equipment.

Colt Defense LLC is the sole source supplier of the M4 Carbine to the US military and the only manufacturer worldwide that meets or exceeds all US military specifications for the weapon.

In keeping wiht the unhelpful nature of my posts in general, here's another version of the "M4":

Quoted: It will also have M4 Feedramps, side sling swivel, Barrel cut downs for a gernade launcher and a Pony on the Rollmark

My M4gery doesn't have the feed ramps

And since I'm in a particularly unhelpful mood at the moment, here's another M4: the closest known globular cluster:

That is a sick looking shotgun!!  Dang expensive too!!  I want one!!

Quoted: In the alternative, "M4" is Benelli's designation for various versions of the military M1014 Joint Service Combat Shotgun. www.benelliusa.com/innovations/images/innovation-m4.jpg I know it's not what you meant, but I thought I'd throw it in anyway.  It is, afterall, the "M4" that's actually legal for a civilian to own.

Actually, the fact that there are all these other "M4"s out there significantly contributed to Colt's losing its claim on the "M4" trademark.  There is a military designation "M4" that applies to, among other things, a particular configuration of an AR-15 series rifle (as described by other posters).  There is also a general descriptive term "M4" that applies to a certain AR "look" that is characterized by possessing many of the features of the military M4, as DK-Prof described.

Quoted: That is a slick looking shotgun!! Quoted: In the alternative, "M4" is Benelli's designation for various versions of the military M1014 Joint Service Combat Shotgun. www.benelliusa.com/innovations/images/innovation-m4.jpg I know it's not what you meant, but I thought I'd throw it in anyway.  It is, afterall, the "M4" that's actually legal for a civilian to own.

Minor typo.  Fixed it for you.

Quoted: I think it would at least have to have the M4 profile barrel, otherwise it's more of a CAR.

In ordinary usage, that seems to be about the only thing that's really required.

It's a guy watching his slice, "Ummmmmm..." and then realizing it's going to hit some grandma on the next fairway over, "FOUR!!"

Also an M4



M4A2 Smoke Pot ....

I dont know..............but here is 4 M's............
MMMM



Travis

M4,CAR,SHORTY

THEY ARE ALL GOOD

I have a M4 type LMT 14.5!

and have a A! shorty but with a stinking 14.7ish HBAR soon switch out to LW

Now all I need is a CAR/XM

Is a M-4 a CAR that's all grown up?

Quoted: I think it would at least have to have the M4 profile barrel, otherwise it's more of a CAR.

An M4 is a CAR.

Nevermind. Someone beat me with the tank pic.

Here U goar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=118&t=242923

I believe a Colt LE6920 is about as close to an m4 as you can if I am not mistaken-what do you think?

Quoted: I believe a Colt LE6920 is about as close to an m4 as you can if I am not mistaken-what do you think?

I'd say the LE6921 would be closer, since it's an SBR.

I always thought it was a little more than a M3 but less than a M5?  Hey wait those are BMW's do they make a M4

Quoted: I always thought it was a little more than a M3 but less than a M5?  Hey wait those are BMW's do they make a M4

Used to.  My doctor had one.

Quoted: pony on the Rollmark

To bad the judge didn’t seem to think so

..back at ya

Quoted: Quoted: I think it would at least have to have the M4 profile barrel, otherwise it's more of a CAR. An M4 is a CAR.

M3, M4 and M5 are all CARS!