Marines choose M-16A4 as infantry rifle

Stars and Stripes ^ | Thursday, October 24, 2002 | Mark Oliva

[SlickWillard]

M-4 (Colt model 727)

M-16A4 Rifle With RIS, Handgrip & Aimport M68 Scope

[Frohickey]

Those sure look like Homeland Defense rifles.

When is it available for sale to the militia?

[Redbob]

Bang!

[Texas_Jarhead]

I want one - I'd prefer one with the M-203

[JRandomFreeper]

Does the A4 have the 3 round burst selector? or is it truly full auto?

/john

[EBUCK]

When is it available for sale to the militia?

As soon as they figure out how to demilitarize that M-203, 40mm grenade launcher (shown under the M-4), I imagine.

EBUCK

[EBUCK]

I think I read that it had the same selector functions as the A-2. After the first three a fella just starts wasting ammo anyway.

EBUCK

[dcwusmc]

Bump and Semper fi.

I want Ma Deuce and a real Blooper. THOSE were some fine weapons! Add those to my Garand and my M1911, and I would have a FINE arsenal!

[Mason]

When is it available for sale to the militia?

You troublemaker, you.

[PaulJ]

This'll bring some work to my hometown of West Hartford, CT- home of Colt firearms.

[JRandomFreeper]

Depends on your philosophy whether or not they're wasted. I don't like full auto at all, and would only use it at very close range before being overrun, otherwise, I prefer semi-auto.

Doesn't matter, as it will be years before the reserve units see the new gear. Which is fine with me.

/john

[Texas_Jarhead]

yea, the blooper is one of my favorites - firing it reminds me of a video game

[SERE_DOC]

Murphy's Rules for Combat #7: When in doubt, empty the magazine

[EBUCK]

But you can't even own carry in your state can you? (real question, not a ribbin')

EBUCK

[EBUCK]

My philosophy, being a former Marine, is one shot=one kill, Kinda hard to do that on full auto. But I see your point, would be nice to have the option if needed.

EBUCK

[philetus]

As soon as they figure out how to demilitarize that M-203, 40mm grenade launcher (shown under the M-4), I imagine.


Since you can't have one and definately can't shoot one,
We'll go with Martha Stewarts " Legally assorizing the M-4.

Take a paper towel roll and paint the inside flat black and the outside grey, glue black 6 gauge wire that you have flattened slightly with a hammer, tightly together around half of the tube.
Then design mounting brackets with a spare coathanger.

You'll be the hit of the firing range.
Your friends wont know the difference and just keep telling them you haven't been able to locate any rounds.
If someone says they have one, remember a urgent dental appointment.

Caution: Keep out of rain.

[Raven6]

Hate to rain on the parade PaulJ, but that will only happen if Colt's happens to win the contract. The current production M4 is being manufactured by Fabrique Nationale.

I own an original Colt Commando (a/k/a the "XM-177" or "shorty") and also a Fabrique Nationale M4 (and yes, I own them both legally.) While I appreciate the quality and workmanship from the old Colt days - FN is currently making a better weapon.

Believe me, I would rather see the Colt's Firearms' quality from back in the old days, along with the "Rampant Colt" logo, in and on the new weapons. There just seems to be something wrong with the idea of FN making a rifle made famous by Colt.

Just my opinion: While I appreciate the fact that the Corp wants to maintain its own image, I don't think the M16A4 is the best choice. Yes, I know every Marine is a rifleman, but the advantages of the M4 carbine's smaller size would seem to outweigh the often claimed accuracy benefit (not mentioned, and actually denied in the article) of the extra 5.5 inches of barrel and the full stock on the M16A4. I find the statement of more malfunctions with the M4 carbine completely unbelievable. I have personally taught classes and run numerous courses (still do... it's a living) on the M4 and have not found them to be any less reliable than the M16. What I have found to be the case is this: The full size M16 in any variation (A1, A2, A3, or A4) is rather cumbersome in M.O.U.T., especially when trying to move in and out of buildings by means other than a door. The M4 and the Commando are real sweethearts in a close quarters situation and anytime you need to "get small" in order to move in and out of an area.

Okay - I coming down off the soapbox now...

Stay armed,
Raven6

[Captiva]

did they consider a rifle caliber? (.308 or 30-06)

[Q6-God]

I don't know what your talking about with non Colt M-4s. I had the pleasure of taking mine out of the box in the arms room when our news ones arrived. Mine's a Colt and so is the single mag. that came with it.

[montomike]

Can you buy these in California? </stupidity off>