American assault rifle rifle M4 specifications, the history of creation

Professional soldiers and professional mercenaries, and conventional weapons enthusiasts always interested in not only the products of concern "Kalashnikov", Tula arms and "TSNIITOCHMASH". Since the days of the Cold War remained in Russian human habit to monitor what is being done overseas. Fortunately, information on major weapon samples, standing in the US Army, is readily available. Our article tells you about the M4 rifle. The information provided will certainly be of interest to those who want to learn more about the main competitor of native AK.

The difficulties of translation

A Russian fighter ever call automatically SVD like and say "Rifle" about the "Kalash". But this is more a matter of habit.

But speaking about the weapons of foreign manufacture, to define clear boundaries difficult. Any rifle that has an automatic shooting function abroad called the word rifle. Therefore, the model M4 weapons can be termed as a rifle or machine gun. But for the Russian language is much more accustomed to the use of the first option. M4, as well as its predecessor, the M16, taken dignify rifle.

The history of the M4

Once a leader in the US armed forces occupied the M16A2 rifle. But for all its virtues, she has one huge drawback - its dimensions are huge. Long barrel allows you to aim fire at long range, but, for example, for combat in the forest undergrowth, these weapons were simply unusable because of their slowness. It caused a lot of criticism and stock - awkward, bulky, fragile. Rifle literally impossible to drop, and so that the opponent can kick butt, and speech could not be. As a result, Americans bothered to put up with the shortcomings of the M16, and they come for a new development. The first result was "Colt-177", but he did not stay long in the sun ranks - in the early 80s of last century, the biggest party of all available samples was sold to Israel (where, incidentally, is still used today).

Since then, America has not been involved in large-scale wars. But even in urban environments the old machine was uncomfortable. It complained about not only the special forces, but also the infantry. If infantryman could still adjust to the length of the barrel, then for weapons crews of combat vehicles, artillery calculations, auxiliary troops and convoys clearly needed more maneuverable weapon. M4 rifle designed specifically for these units.

has attracted a new sample of the weapon with relatively small dimensions and a shortened barrel and special forces command. Initially, the M4 has been put into service only in some troops: special forces, intelligence. Later, these weapons become widespread, winning glory of the best assault rifles of American manufacturing.

At the present time, when the US military used in operations primarily combat vehicles, marines and special forces, it is a weapon can be seen in the hands of an absolute majority of the military.

Design Features rifle M4

What are the advantages of the new weapons compared with the prototype? The first step, it was decided to shorten the giant trunk. The effective range of fire is, of course, affect not the best way. But special forces soldiers, leading the fight in the city, and do not need to shoot at a few hundred meters of the goals. For the benefit of ease of use, it was quite possible to waive this option. Have been altered iron sights: the fly moved closer to fully and arrow.

Bulky butt was replaced with telescopic length adjustment. Handguard also become shorter.

These are the main differences between the new model from the M16A2 rifle. But what remains unchanged is caprices. Like its predecessor, the M4 is afraid of sand and dust. Rough handling can lead not only to a breakdown and misfires, but also for a complete withdrawal from the system. The rifle needs regular cleaning and lubrication. In the desert, this question is especially. Places with high humidity Armed with this rifle soldier should be avoided, too.

Press and cinema instantly react to novelty, however, according to many soldiers who have experience with different kinds of weapons, great fame M4 somewhat exaggerated.

The performance characteristics of

But do not assume that this development failure. To clearly appreciate the benefits of this weapon, become familiar with its performance characteristics.

M4 weighs only 2, 7 kg - it is not enough for a full-fledged fighting machine. For this indicator, "American" is clearly ahead of the vast majority of foreign analogues. At the fully buttstock length is 840 mm.

This calculated value as the number of rounds per minute, is also impressive: it can reach 700-950 units. The speed with which the bullet leaves the barrel, - 920 m / s.

Characteristics M4 allow hitting the target located at a distance of six meters of the arrow.

Used caliber munition 5, 56. (The cartridge 5, 56h45 .223 Remington).

It is necessary to mention one more feature. The photo shows the location of the base relative to the butt of the barrel bore axis. These parts lie on a line, which greatly improves accuracy, by minimizing bounce weapon when fired. Of course, much depends on the skill of hand, but also feature weapons affect the result.

Additional equipment

Assault rifle can be supplied depending on the tasks. With M4 compatible the following additional equipment:

• M203 grenade launcher barrel-attached 40 mm;
• laser illumination device and target AN / PEQ-2;
• lantern;
• belt;
• Tactical handle;
• muffler.

Bayonet is not provided. Wiper arms (as, for example, on most AK modifications) are not.

Optics and sights

In the ranks of the US military rarely used practice firing with regular sights (front sight and rear sight). This embodiment is used only in case the output of the system or loss of optical devices.

M4 rifle, usually doukomplektovyvayut optical sight ACOG. Compatible with these weapons and other sights, including night vision.

Another popular option - Reflex Sight Aimpoint CompM2.

According to professionals, additional optics improves accuracy. But effective range, of course, is not affected.

Country-operators

M4 rifle stands in service not only in the US Armed Forces. Today, it is a weapon used for the army, police and special forces in at least forty countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Afghanistan, Australia, Portugal, Poland, Georgia, Serbia, Kazakhstan and others.

Shopping

The developers have provided for automatic M4 two options shop. They are exactly the same, but have different capacity. Depending on the task, a fighter can choose to store 20 or 30 rounds. However, nothing new in this regard is not specifically developed for the new rifle. These shops were used for the M16. It is worth noting, they have a relatively low weight and excellent margin of safety. Damage to the store is not easy. After the fall or hitting it continues to supply cartridges as if nothing had happened. The springs are powerful, but charging is not impeded. The slot attaches easily store, has skills with weapons fighter will deal with the problem intuitively, even if it would pick up weapons for the first time.

Comparison with competitor

American M4 rifle just could not avoid comparisons with the Russian Kalashnikov. However, creating surveys, both sides show some bias, comparing the new development with older rival.

For the sake of objectivity, it should be noted that each of these weapons has its advantages. For example, the weight of the new AK-12 (without magazine) is 3, 2 kg, old modification even harder.

Gas equipment on these types of weapons are different. AK slide frame has a gas piston, this is not to M4 - propellant gases are discharged directly into the receiver, and then the shutter stem is guided under the influence of their back rotates shutter frame, unlocking the trunk.

Those who are accustomed to the "Kalash", quickly adjust to American small round rod, switch modes of fire. But in the opinion of the other side, check on AK huge. In principle, the professional is not difficult to adapt himself.

Russian caliber cartridge 5, 45 is comparable with the American munition 5, 56. As used for AK-47 and AK-12 cartridge 7, 62, of course, has other characteristics: the larger mass hitting force penetrative ability. In a world-caliber cartridges 5, 45 and 5, 56 equally distributed. Kalashnikov various modifications can detect all sorts of types of butts: folding to the right, forward folding, retractable. Optional "Kalash" can be equipped with five-speed. The US has a telescopic rifle butt.

The obvious advantage of the Russian machine is its stark simplicity. Jokes that AK can shoot well after immersion in water, mud, snow and sand, are well-founded (however, this does not mean that you can despise weapons).

Like the new AK-12, M4 is equipped with a standard Picatinny rail.

Outlook

M4 Machine - does not finish milestone. Already developed and tested an upgraded model of the M4A1. Specially set SOPMOD M4 was created for her. The rifle is equipped with GP, target designators, optics and various types of multiplicity, quick silencer. Currently, these weapons worth some armed special forces of the USA.