difference between AR-15 and M4?

Answer 1

AR-15 refers to a spefic rifle made by Colt, but has become a colloquial term for any semi-automatic M16, regardless of maker. Sorta like how Bandaid has come to mean any adhesive bandage. I assume this is what you mean.

An AR-15 (or other similar rifle made by a different manufacturer) is a semi-automatic version of the fully-automatic M16 series rifles. Automatic weapons are legal for civilians to own in 42 states, however due to manufacture and importation bans, automatic weapons are extremely costly (starting at $7,000+ for a lower end weapon) and very rare. And there is extra paperwork and hassles needed to own one, making the process very lengthy and annoying. The the semi-auto "civilian" rifles are much easier and affordable for the average shooter to get.

The M4 is a fully-automatic carbine of the M16. A carbine is a shorter, lighter version of a full sized rifle. The M4 has a shorter barrel (usually 16") and a telescoping stock . Compared to the M16's standard 20" barrel and fixed stock.

There are semi-auto versions of the M4 made as well. I have an XM-15E3 which is a physical copy of the M4, however the functionally is different. The XM-15E3 is semi-auto only, while the M4 is fully-automatic and semi-automatic. Other than that they are virtually identical.

Here are some pictures to help explain my answer...

M16- http://www.colt.com/mil/M16.asp

M4- http://www.colt.com/mil/M4.asp

AR-15- http://www.biggerhammer.net/ar15/variants/sp1_rightside_159.jpg

Bushmaster version of the AR-15- http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/weapons/pcwa2s20.asp

Bushmaster XM-15E3 (M4 copy)- http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/weapons/bcwa3f16.asp

Answer 2

The M16 was the first of the rifle type and it was developed by Eugene Stoner. The M16 is the longest of all three and is divided into four categories (M16A1, M16A2, M16A3, M16A4). The M16A1 was the Vietnam/original version while the M16A4 is the newest version. Normally the M16 has just a safe, single, and burst(3) fire modes. The M4 is a variation of the M16 that has a smaller barrel, but is better characterized by a 6-position collapsable stock, which makes it ideal for close quarters battle and special operations teams across the board. Aside from that, it has safe, single, burst(3), and full auto firing modes. The AR-15 is the best of both worlds (in a sense). It is the civilian version of the M16/M4 (depending on the model) and is shown by only safe and single firing modes as fully automatic or burst fire firearms are illegal unless you have a Class III license (very, very, very hard to get). Some AR's come in the shorter M4 version while others in the M16 version. And common in the M4, M16, and AR-15 is the caliber. Almost(and i mean almost) use the 5.56 NATO round, but some AR's can only chamber .223, the civilian round(5.56 is slightly larger). Sorry about the info overload. Hope that answered it.

Answer 3

M4 Ar 15

Answer 4

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RE:
difference between AR-15 and M4?

Answer 5

Basically the difference is the AR15 standard model will have a 20 inch barrel and a fixed stock. The M4 will have a 16 inch (or the 14.5 inch with a long flash suppressor to make it 16 inches over all to be legal for sales in the US with out getting a Federal license to posses a short barreled rifle) the barrel will also have a step down milled into it in front of the front sight (this is for a M203 launcher) and have a telescoping stock that can be quickly adjusted to fit the shooter in different shooting positions and/or wearing body armour.

On the military rifles, I believe, that the M16 has a selector that allows you to switch from one round to 3 shot burst where as the M4 is one shot or full auto. However I am not 100% sure on that.

Answer 6

A carbine is a firearm similar to, but generally shorter and less powerful than, a rifle or musket of a given period. There have been many carbines developed from rifles, being essentially shorter rifles firing the same ammunition, although usually at a lower velocity.

From wikipedia^

The M4 is basically a smaller/shorter version of an AR-15. uses the same ammo and is usually used for CQB and urban operations where the longer rifle may pose handling issues in smaller spaces like in or around building, hallways, alleys and streets. The M4 uses the same ammo, but due to the shorter barrel is it not as powerful (neglible difference) ,which is not really an issue in CQB, since most targets are at close ranges anyways.

Answer 7

What Is A M4

Answer 8

So... from everything I m reading, "technically" the M4 and AR15 are not the same rifle. M4, shorter (14" or 14.5") barrel and full auto. AR15, usually 16" barrel and semi-auto only. Is that about right?

Answer 9

The m4 is a carbine. Its smaller and has full automatic fire, whereas the armys model of the m16A2 is semi suto with a 3 shot burst feature. this is dont to conserve ammunition and preserve accuracy in a firefight.

The M4 is has 2 firing modes. Semi and Full. It is shorter and more maneuverable, but due to using the same ammo at the same firing rate but in a shorter size and in full automatic, it (more often then the m16) is prone to jamming and overheating.

Answer 10

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