Whats the difference between M4 Style and Std Carbine?

[Flux Capacitor]

I know our troops use M4's and its based upon the M16, but whats the difference between the two?

Does Armalite have an M4?

[tiger222]

M4 is a carbine. M16 is a rifle.

M4 = 14.5" bbl
M16A2-A4 =20" bbl

M4 collapsing stock
M16 fixed

Armalite has their version of an M4 called their SOF series. the closest you can get to one however is a CMMG M4 with their pinned A2 comp on a 14.7" bbl.

[Flux Capacitor]

M4 is a carbine. M16 is a rifle.

M4 = 14.5" bbl
M16A2-A4 =20" bbl

M4 collapsing stock
M16 fixed

Armalite has their version of an M4 called their SOF series. the closest you can get to one however is a CMMG M4 with their pinned A2 comp on a 14.7" bbl.

Oh. So basically a shorty M16 with a adjustable stock eh? Cool.

[anothergunnut]

Perhaps the question is what is the difference between an M4gery and a CAR? I know the M4gery has a stepped barrel for a grenade launcher and different handguards. Anything else?

[slick_711]

The CAR-15s were the original M16 carbine, to include the XM-177.

So I guess some of the differences between the CAR-15 (using the XM-177 as a specific example) and the modern M4 would be:

older style smaller 2 position collapsible stock
the CARs had a much shorter barrel (~10"), but a 3-5" flash hider
the XM-177 was of course an A1 receiver, so FA instead of the M4s 3rd.Burst
A1 upper receiver & front sight


ETA: To further answer the OP the only difference generically between an M4 and an M16 is the length. You'll see other variances but those alterations can apply to either really. Both can mount the 203, both can be built on A1 (full auto) or A2 (3rd. burst) receivers, either could have a collapsible stock but typically only the M4s will have collapsible stocks. In many cases these rifles will vary unit to unit, especially in the SOCOM units where rifles are built and customized for specific users & missions, I know a few GBs who had M4s built on A1 receivers despite all the modern production M4s being A2 (semi-auto).

You could say in general that the M4s are more of a patrolman's carbine while the M16s tend to be rear echelon. That's partly a factor of how many M4s there were to field, although the weight and fire output differences factor in as well. Full-auto is useful in some cases (particularly defensive situations), but its a waste of ammo so it is discouraged, particularly in the field where ammo is a commodity. Also, I never did go overseas or see action, so this is based purely on my stateside service, research, and second hand accounts... so if someone who knows better says otherwise I concede. Although I think this is all pretty correct info.

[deez]

M4s also have the feed ramp cuts.

[boosterboy]

M4 is a carbine. M16 is a rifle.

M4 = 14.5" bbl
M16A2-A4 =20" bbl

M4 collapsing stock
M16 fixed

Armalite has their version of an M4 called their SOF series. the closest you can get to one however is a CMMG M4 with their pinned A2 comp on a 14.7" bbl.

M4 generally has shorter barrel, shorter gas tube, shorter buffer spring, faster cyclic rate, shorter sight radius, different buffer weight, telestock, and M4 feed ramps.

[ETD1010]

M4's also have a fatter hand guard, no?

[bwiese]

M4's also have a fatter hand guard, no?

Yes, fatter and double heat shields when compared with the predecessor same-length CAR15 handguards.

[supersonic]

M4s also have the feed ramp cuts.

so if i buy a 1-8" twist 20" BBL from DPMS for OLL build, the barrel extension won't include the twin ramps? what's the difference- is there only 1 (or none?) on non-M4's? Advantages/disadvantages? Thanx.
S.S.

[Sydwaiz]

It will still have feedramps, all ARs do. M4 feedramps are deeper and actually extend into the upper receiver. If your barrel extension has M4 ramps, you will need an M4 specific upper receiver. Don't worry, a 1-8 DPMS barrel won't have M4 ramps. The advantage to the M4 ramps is more reliable feeding. It's neat to have but not needed for casual shooting.

[desertram800]

M4's also have a flat top reciever. Many of the "M4"s that you see troops using are actually M16A2's with carry hande, that are bastardized by given
the shorter barrels and collapsable buttstocks. We just modified our already existing M16's to better suit our needs. A true M4 has a flat top reciever, collapsible butt stock, M4 feedramps, 14.5" barrel. 99% of the M16A2/M4 wannabes that I see have 16" barrels too. It's kind of a "get what you can and use it", especially nowadays with conflict everywhere and the demand for weapons is so high that the military is getting parts from all kinds of companies. I saw everything from colt, LMT, bushmaster, armalite, and the one with the dragon, I can't remember what it's called. Some people had 14.5" barrels, some had 16" barrels. Oh yeah, difference between the CAR handguards and M4 handguards: the CAR handguards taper down towards the front, while the M4 ones remain level, allowing you to actually mount something on them if you want.

[xrMike]

I've always wanted to ask this, and this seems like the right thread... So what's the difference between an M4 and an M4gery?

[gn3hz3ku1*]

m4gery is a "fake" m4.. i think its because someone copyrighted the term m4. so all in all the gun community stuck back and just called it m4gery as in forgery..

then there are the guys who hate clones decided its ok to have a m4gery. a bit different but something to think about?

[deez]

A real M4 is made by Colt. Everything else is an M4gery.