Originally Posted By Augee:

The easiest visual discriminator of whether you're looking at a SOPMOD equipped M4A1 or an MWS M4 is usually the identity of who is holding it.  If it's a SOF troop, it's probably a SOPMOD M4[A1].  If it's a conventional troop, it's probably an M4 MWS.

SOPMOD = SOF
MWS = Conventional

The SOPMOD program was initially fielded in 1996, and the two have not significantly converged or crossed over at all since then, and there is almost no commonality between systems used in the two.   They are separate lines of development and evolution managed by two totally different components (Army and Navy).

SOPMOD is run by NSWC-Crane to equip SOF M4A1 Carbines with accessories.  There are two distinct "blocks" as identified by NSWC-Crane PowerPoints as the primary source of information, however, there was a "transitional period" of several years in which carbines with items from both blocks were used.  Because of a PowerPoint slide that was published (IIRC?) 2006 showing a block labeled "phased replacement," it has become the colloquial term for "transitional" configurations.

"Block x" does NOT refer, in an "official" sense to a specific configuration of rifle.  It refers to specific modifications (read accessories) to the SOF M4A1 weapon system that are managed by Crane.

Colloquially we refer to M4A1s with accessories from the first block of the SOPMOD program as "Block 1," while using "Block 2" to describe carbines with the RIS II, one of the last components of the second block of the SOPMOD program to be fielded.  Carbines with the accessories/features of both blocks of the SOPMOD program, but without the RIS II, we refer to as "Phased Replacement."  It is important to note, however, that this colloquial classification is generally limited to this thread, and others both here and on other sites that feed off of it.

The important thing to understand is that the SOPMOD program is almost always limited to SOF only, and 99% of the time, the "actual" weapon in question will be an M4A1, not an M4.

The M4 is a conventional forces weapon system, and is totally separate from the SOPMOD program and SOF modifications, though they were "inspired" by the SOPMOD program, almost every single actual item is different.

The M4 is managed by the Army overall through TACOM, though the Marine Corps also manages their own programs through their own directorates for their specific incarnation of the M4.

The M4 is a conventional forces platform, and is upgraded through modular weapon system (MWS) upgrades.  There are no specific blocks, increments, or generations, and their specifics vary by time period, unit, and MTOE.

~Augee

Originally Posted By wayfaerer320:
@LsuJon

You've seen Duck Tales I'm sure - Scrooge McDuck:

https://i.gifer.com/KhZT.gif

Originally Posted By LsuJon:
That was an early morning cartoon thing, just never knew his name haha... sorry I wasn't born sooner guys

Originally Posted By DiscipulusArmorum:
@Combat_Diver

Quick question - I know you said recently you've been getting a lot of FN bolts as replacement parts. Just wondering if you've also seen/used any FN-made small parts like detents, springs, pins, etc. ?

Originally Posted By Combat_Diver:
Guns get checked before and after deployment at home station.  Once here I keep an eye on them and gauge as needed.  I generally make 2 inspections of their guns during a 6 month deployment.  If close, I replace.

CD

Originally Posted By GHPorter:

Anyway, just out of curiosity, to CD and anyone else who has had to inspect a couple hundred rifles at a time: what’s the PM interval for fielded weapons in deployed environments

Originally Posted By Mikelemons409:
Yes, yes it is, I ordered mine yesterday. A NXS but not far off

Originally Posted By wissota4:

Big old titties. Lol

Originally Posted By APSArmament:


Technically pre/post and annual service is still required.

Weapons would still be brought in for specific issues, of course.

We would perform "fly away" missions to smaller, unsupported FOBs to do service inspections of entire units equipment. I always enjoyed working aviation units weapons. Had a blast working a helo units weapons at Fenty. Great guys to work with and they took care of us.

Originally Posted By NeedsMoreMausers:
Good folks,

Think I've decided on going with a magpul AFG, BUT is there a more clone correct version in regards to the afg or afg2.

Also, with the picatinny rails....I feel like the OG would work better/feel better....however what are your thoughts and experiences? Thanks!

Originally Posted By rhs77430:
Is an aimpoint comp m2 (M68 CCO) technically "clone correct" for block ii or no?

Originally Posted By LsuJon:
They have been seen but it's not a block II issued optic. Sooooo Technically yes?

Originally Posted By Virginia_Shooter:
Anyone here used the FN ambi selectors? Any real difference between those and the colts? (Other than them being Colt obv)

Originally Posted By DBrock07:
Any in the wild pics of 2.5-10 x24 with NF rings? I have this setup for a seal recce build but couldn't resist putting it on the block II. I really like it but not sure if its correct.

https://i.imgur.com/K594FLF.jpg

Originally Posted By 3ACR_Scout:
If anyone needs one, AU just got some of the Colt ambi selectors back in stock:

Colt Ambidextrous Semi-Auto Safety Selector - $44

They got some last week but sold out in a few hours, so these probably won't last long.