M16 or M4 - AR15.COM

Posted: 10/20/2002 11:51:21 PM EDT

hey y'all,

just wondering as me and me friend have got an argument going, what is America's current standard assualt rifle, is it the M16(A2, A4?) or the M4 Carbine?

cheers

Posted: 10/20/2002 11:55:41 PM EDT

[#1]

It's the standard issue infantry rifle, rather than "assault rifle".
M16A2, I believe.

Posted: 10/21/2002 12:16:50 AM EDT

[#2]

The current standard is the M16A2, which is teh carry handle version with updated sights and the "round" handguard ararngement vice the "triangular" version.

The M16A3 and A4 are both special issue weapons. I know the A4 is the flattie, but can someone remind me about the A3? I don't recall offhand...

The M4 is also known as the "commando," which should tell you who gets those. There are, as I recall, A2 and A4 versions - carry handle and flattop. Could someone please enhance my recall on this as well?

Frankly, tho, I'd like to see the AR10 as general issue and bring back the Colt LMG concept in .308 as well - would be an OUTSTANDING weapons arrangement for fire teams!

FFZ

Forgot - The M16A1 is also in common use with the ARNG - you should have been seeing quite a few in airports for about a year or so...

FFZ

Posted: 10/21/2002 12:23:37 AM EDT

[#3]

A3 is full auto, as opposed to burst only.

There are the M4 and M4A1 versions. The first is burst, the second is auto, with 4 ounces more steel under the handguards.

I saw M16A2s, M4s, and M9s. No M16A1s. They must have been mostly replaced in WA, AZ, NV.

The Army is switching to the M4. Sad but true.

Posted: 10/21/2002 12:44:08 AM EDT

[#4]

Paratroopers carry Commandos.

Posted: 10/21/2002 12:52:21 AM EDT

[#5]

The commando is technically an 11.5 inch rifle. Colt still makes it. The military model of the Vietnam era had a long suppressor on it. Yes, a sound suppressor. Or so I have been told.

Posted: 10/21/2002 12:56:38 AM EDT

[#6]

Paratroopers don't carry technical commandos.

Posted: 10/21/2002 1:06:28 AM EDT

[#7]

The XM177E1 and XM177E2 were short (11.5") barreled SMG versions of the M16 issued in Viet Nam. They had 5" or so sound suppressors on the muzzle.

Scott

Posted: 10/21/2002 1:15:55 AM EDT

[#8]

Thats the one im talking about.

Posted: 10/21/2002 1:35:17 AM EDT

[#9]

Paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division.

[img]http://community.webshots.com/r1/4/53/26/13545326FnOIqvkTKn_ph.jpg[/img]

Posted: 10/21/2002 2:53:57 AM EDT

[#10]

For the US Army (or so my understanding goes) the standard service weapon is the M16A2.

The M4 carbine is the standard weapon for SOCOM troops, and line troops in Light Infantry/Airborne/Air Assault/Ranger units. It is also being issued to some armor crews and support troops.

The current version of the "Commando" is not an XM177E2; it is merely an M4 with an 11.5" bbl and a standard compensator (flash hider with no bottom cuts). It is used by some military units (the really special ones) according to Colt, but is primarily marketed and sold as an entry weapon to LE. The really cool ones have the enhanced 4-position selector (Safe-Semi-Burst Auto).

Posted: 10/22/2002 4:05:29 AM EDT

[#11]

hey again,

thanks for the info... seems like this has turned into a discussion which is better, M16 or M4? say why if ya want to, to keep this discussion alive.

laters

Posted: 10/22/2002 5:47:39 AM EDT

[#12]

I dont think any Guard unit has A1s any more. I have only seen A2s and M9s in the Guard.

Posted: 10/22/2002 7:54:21 AM EDT

[#13]

Quoted:
I dont think any Guard unit has A1s any more. I have only seen A2s and M9s in the Guard.

View Quote

If that were true then the US Army would not be producing and stockpiling M193 - they would only buy M855.

The non-combat oriented units in the Guard and Reserve probably still have their M16A1s.

Posted: 10/22/2002 8:05:46 AM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:
I dont think any Guard unit has A1s any more. I have only seen A2s and M9s in the Guard.

View Quote

I [i]BELIEVE[/i] I have seen airport guards (ANG) using Alpha Ones. Not positive, though.....

Scott

Posted: 10/22/2002 8:22:00 AM EDT

[#15]

When Reserve and Guard units were "protecting" us at security checkpoints at U.S. airports, I noticed some mint M-16's being carried by either AFR or ANG personnel. Note I said M-16, not M-16A1. No forward assist, 3 prong suppressor, etc. It was really neat to see one in that condition. When they get phased out, I'm sure they'll melt them down, instead of converting them to semi-auto and selling them through CMP (currently illegal). What a shame.

-Dave

Posted: 10/22/2002 5:39:22 PM EDT

[#16]

Saw some A1s being carried by medical folks six months ago at JRTC. Dunno which unit or component(AD, NG or USAR).
Most Army combat units are going to the M4 and its 14.5 incher . Did see some M16A4 flattops at JRTC as well though. My preference is the M16A2.

Posted: 10/22/2002 7:58:10 PM EDT

[#17]

Quoted:
hey again,

seems like this has turned into a discussion which is better, M16 or M4?

View Quote

Geez thanks for opening Pandora's box![:D]

Next time just ask what hand guard you prefer.
Round or Triangular? LOL [BD]

Posted: 10/22/2002 8:00:10 PM EDT

[#18]

[img]http://www.gggaz.com/images/A2StyleBUIS/A2StyleBUIS.jpg[/img]

Posted: 10/22/2002 8:51:42 PM EDT

[#19]

I thought awhile ago I heard that the USMC was trying to convert all troops to the M4.

Anyone else hear that?

Posted: 10/22/2002 9:06:57 PM EDT

[#20]

i think the current standard is still the M16A2 for the US Army. My little brother was issued an A4 in his combined BCT/AIT (MOS 11C). My national guard unit is on flat-top M4s. [i]It's part of an enhanced infantry brigade, so we get top-of-the-line brand new stuff that the "typical" ARNG Infantry company probably doesn't. Dunno for sure, though.[/i] My personal ideal in the AR platform would either be a flat-top safe/semi/full M16 (the A3, IIRC), or a flat-top safe/semi/full AR in 7.62NATO. Aimpoint ML2 with the carry handle as backup.

everything in italics is the edit

Posted: 10/22/2002 9:16:44 PM EDT

[#21]

The Marines reportedly settled on the M16A4.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - M16 or M4

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