The M4 Carbine

Auteurs

• Chris McNab

Paramètres

• Loisirs et maison

En savoir plus sur le livre

The M4 carbine has emerged as a defining military firearm of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Developed from the XM177E2 Colt Commando and the M16A2 assault rifle, the M4 provided a more convenient battlefield option than the full-length M16 variants, leading to its adoption by the US Army as the standard infantry weapon in the 1990s. Today, over 60 countries utilize the M4 or its M4A1 variant, both of which have proven effective in major combat operations worldwide. This study details the development process, starting with the first XM4 prototypes in 1984 and culminating in its official use as the M4 in 1994. The M4 is 1lb lighter and 6in shorter than the M16A2, yet delivers precision semi-auto and full-auto firepower up to 500m. Its capabilities have been enhanced through M4A1 modifications and a range of tactical accessories, including optical sights, laser designators, grenade launchers, foregrips, and sound suppressors. The study investigates numerous combat operations to explain the weapon's high approval ratings among front-line troops in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other regions like Colombia, India, Israel, and the Philippines. Richly illustrated with photographs and artworks, this guide draws on the latest declassified documents to provide a comprehensive overview of this vital tactical infantry weapon.

Achat du livre

• Année de publication: 2021
• Reliure: (souple)