carbine length barrels make it even crappier.
Actually, the Brits are right happy with their new L119A1 version of the M4, made in Canada, and with a 16-inch barrel instead of the 14.5-inch barrel of the M4.
The M855 *green tip* ammunition used in the M4 was of course originally intended for use in 20-inch barreled M16A2s. And, when fired from the shorty M4 14.5-inch barrel, makes exactly the same *icepick* wounds that the M193 ball ammunition used in the M16A1 did when run from a 10.5-inch barreled XM177E2 or *CAR-15.*
Those who fail to remember history are doomed to repeat it. And of course, the more things change, the more that they remain the same.
And the Israelis are using a 14.5-inch barrel on their new Tavor bullpup rifles. Sad, but at least all they'll need will be a barrel change, simple on the Tavor.