The Probert Encyclopaedia of Warfare

M4

The M4 is an American carbine, a short-barrelled version of the Armalite AR-15 M16A2 rifle, and with a collapsible stock produced since 1984. All the mechanical components are interchangeable with those of the M16A2, and it will accept any Armalite AR-15 or NATO STANAG 4179 magazines. It is chambered for the 5.56 mm NATO cartridge and has a rate of fire of 700 to 1000 rounds-per-minute. It is also used by the Canadian army under the designation C8.
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