What AR15 does the military use?

What AR15 does the military use?

The AR-15 is a popular platform for civilian use, with many variants available in the market. However, what about the military? Do they use the same civilian AR-15 rifles? The answer is no, and in this article, we will explore what the military uses.

Difference between Military and Civilian AR-15

The military and civilian AR-15s are different in several ways. The civilian AR-15 is a semi-automatic rifle, while the military version is selective-fire, meaning it can be set to fire automatically or semi-automatically. The military version is also built with more heavy-duty materials, such as forged steel and titanium, to withstand the rigors of combat.

Primary Military AR-15 Used by the US Military: M4 and M4A1

The primary AR-15 used by the US military is the M4 and M4A1. These rifles are designed for close-quarters combat and are issued to individual soldiers in various branches of the military. The main difference between the M4 and M4A1 is the trigger group, with the M4 being a two-stage trigger and the M4A1 being a single-stage trigger.

Features of M4 and M4A1

Here are the key features of the M4 and M4A1:

• Colt Canada C7 rifle: The M4 is based on the Colt Canada C7 rifle, a Canadian-made AR-15 platform.
• Length: The M4 measures 33 inches (84 cm) in length, while the M4A1 measures 36.5 inches (93 cm).
• Weight: The M4 weighs around 6.5 pounds (2.9 kg), while the M4A1 weighs around 7.2 pounds (3.3 kg).
• Caliber: Both rifles fire 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition.
• Barrel length: The M4 has a 14.5-inch (37 cm) barrel, while the M4A1 has a 16-inch (41 cm) barrel.
• Silencer: Both rifles come with a standard silencer or suppressor to reduce sound and muzzle flash.

Other Military AR-15 Variants

In addition to the M4 and M4A1, the US military also uses other AR-15 variants, including:

• M16A2: A select-fire rifle that fires 3-round burst and single shot.
• M249 SAW: A light machine gun that fires in automatic.
• Mk 18 Mod 0 Special Operations Forces (SOF) Combat Assault Rifle (CAR): A longer-barreled version designed for special operations forces.
• HK416 and HK417: German-made AR-15 variants used by some special operations units.

Conclusion

The military uses different AR-15 variants, each with its own set of features and specifications. The primary AR-15 used by the US military is the M4 and M4A1, which is designed for close-quarters combat and is issued to individual soldiers. These rifles have distinct features compared to the civilian AR-15 market, including heavy-duty construction, selective-fire capabilities, and specific caliber and barrel lengths.

Table Comparison of Military and Civilian AR-15

Here is a comparison table highlighting the key differences between the military and civilian AR-15:

By understanding what the military uses, AR-15 enthusiasts can appreciate the differences and similarities between the military and civilian variants.