HISTORY
Although the M16 served well as our main battle rifle, warfare evolved to require changes in its size and adaptability. During the Vietnam War, the need for a more compact firearm led to the development of the CAR-15. Its 10-inch barrel did not stabilize the 5.56 round, and the muzzle blast was ferocious! Something more practical had to be developed.
Starting in 1994, the basic M4 design included a 16-inch barrel, collapsible stock, Picatinny rail, and fire control that evolved from fully automatic to three-shot burst and back again. Clearly, the military was narrowing its configuration to something that could fit in and exit from a vehicle quickly, defend and attack in close quarters, and be accurate to 600 yards. By 2016, both the U.S. Army and Marines were fielding the M4 as their primary firearm. The semi-auto version is my subject for review now.
Related Review: Colt M4 LE Trooper – A Solid Base For Your Next AR-15
MY IMPRESSIONS
Hefting the M4, I notice its compactness. It is also light and handy like my Winchester 92 lever-action carbine. Light and handy, it begs to be fired from the hip with stock collapsed. With the stock extended, it tells me it can reach out hundreds of yards if needed. I like the feel of the grip and forearm, which give me the two-hand control I need. However, the short length of pull forces me to hold my eye closer to the rear sight than I like.
This carbine is basic and comes with a Magpul MBUS backup rear sight. Although adequate for shooting at closer ranges, a red dot or scope would be my personal choice for this little carbine. However, this sight does allow me to adjust for windage, and the standard post front sight can be adjusted for elevation. The rear sight's fold-down peeps give me the choice of two apertures for close work or long-range precision work.
The M4 has many standard features. The forward assist will force the bolt into battery if delayed by dirt or sand in the receiver. The prominent shell deflector directs empty cases away from the shooter, while a standard birdcage flash hider keeps exposed gun flash to a minimum. Two sling swivels and a bayonet lug are also included, and the gun has an ejection port dust cover.
I like the checkering on the butt plate. It grips my shoulder well to prevent slipping. Like any AR-15-style rifle, the M4 will accept magazines of various styles and capacities. I will test fire it with standard 20- and 30-round magazines for reliability and functioning.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Weight: 6.5 pounds
- Length: 32 to 35.5 inches
- Barrel: 16 inches
- Width: 3 inches
- Length of Pull: Max 13.5 inches
- Trigger: 7 pounds, 6 ounces
- Picatinny Rail: 6 inches
- Sights: Magpul MBUS polymer folding backup rear, front standard post adjustable for elevation
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MSRP: $1000.99
RANGE TIME
Wintertime in Arizona does not stop those aliens from leaving root beer jugs behind. I see targets from 10 to 40 yards waiting to be engaged. The Colt M4 loads easily, and I am using the larger rear aperture to engage the closer targets. I’ll be using PMC Bronze full metal jacket 55-grain and PMC XTAC Match 77-grain ammo today.
Shooting a powerful rifle like the M4 demonstrates its hitting power at 10 yards. The 2-liter jugs break apart when hit by full metal jacket projectiles, and the soda cans explode dramatically. This would make a good home defense gun or close-range hunting rifle as-is. Despite the basic style of sights, it is quite accurate up close.
Now for a few shots at 40 yards. My steel plate milk-bottle-shaped target rings when hit – many times. It is helpful to use the smaller rear aperture hole for this distance. First shot hits are also possible on the two root beer jugs at that distance – not bad for a standard carbine.
Rapid firing at boulders beyond 40 yards with the double 30 round magazines shows no signs of jamming. Despite some fast trigger work, the little carbine does not rise. I can stay on target in the offhand position quite well despite the standard grade trigger. No jams, failures to feed or eject were encountered in today’s test.
PROS & CONS
