Whats the difference between M4 Style and Std Carbine?

[peepshowal]

that's a gr8 link, Al!!
I didn't know the "4" is also stamped on the barrel.
luv the handle btw

It's a sticky on the ar15.com Retro Forum. There's also the USGI M16 Variation Guide: http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.htm...f=123&t=241681 This one does not yet go all the way to current rifles, but still a lot of great stuff.
The guy who puts these together, Ekie, is a fantastic wealth of knowledge.

[bwiese]

Oh, BTW...

Many "M4" carbines from bottom feeder vendors (as well as Bushmaster!, maybe Armalite and DPMS as well) do not have the "F"-marked front sight base and use regular A2 rifle sight bases.

These may or may not work with Colt-compatible carry handles - there's a lotta crap out there. Buy the carry handle from the vendor that sold you your rifle.

I will note that many of the small 'quality' vendors & specialty boutique vendors (CMMG, BravoCompanyUSA, Denny's/Global Tactical, MSTN, etc etc.) do get this right.

[SgtBulldog]

Now would one consider a mid-length to be a rifle or a carbine?