M16A4 Carbine

The M16A4 is a 5.56mm x 45mm gas operated assault rifle. It is the most recent variant of the venerable AR-15 design in use with the U.S. military.

The fourth-generation M16A4 is essentially a M16A2 but with a flat-top receiver with MIL-STD-1913 rail, and a handguard with optional M5 Adapter Rail System for the mounting of a range of accessories (see 2nd image below).

The M16A4 is the primary rifle of the United States Marine Corps and is in use in select Army units.

While most U.S. Special Operations Forces tend to favor its smaller cousin, the M4A1, or other 5.56mm carbines over the M16A4, the weapon is still in use with units such as USMC F.A.S.T. and supporting arms such as MARSOC's Marine Special Operations Support Group (MSOSG).

M16A4 Specifications

weight:	7.18 lb (empty) 8.79 lb (30 rounds loaded)
length:	39.5 inches
barrel length:	20 inches
trigger:	safe / semi-auto / burst
rate of fire :	700-950 rpm cyclic
muzzle velocity :	3,100 feet per second
effective range :	550 meters (point target) 800 meters (area target)
caliber :	5.56mm x 45mm NATO
magazine :	30 round / STANAG