The Army's M-4 Carbine


Book Description

This report discusses the M-4 carbine, which is the Army's primary individual combat weapon for infantry units. While there have been concerns raised by some about the M-4's reliability and lethality, some studies suggest that the M-4 is performing well and is viewed favorably by users. The Army is undertaking both the M4 Carbine Improvement Program and the Individual Carbine Competition, the former to identify ways to improve the current weapon, and the latter to conduct an open competition among small arms manufacturers for a follow-on weapon. An integrated product team comprising representatives from the Infantry Center; the Armament, Research, Development, and Engineering Center; the Program Executive Office Soldier; and each of the armed services will assess proposed improvements to the M4. The proposal for the industry-wide competition is currently before the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, and with the anticipated approval, solicitation for industry submissions could begin this fall. It is expected, however, that a selection for a follow-on weapon will not occur before FY2013, and that fielding of a new weapon would take an additional three to four years.




The M4 Carbine


Book Description

The M4 carbine has become one of the defining military firearms of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Developed as a fusion of the XM177E2 Colt Commando and the M16A2 assault rifle, the M4 offered a more convenient battlefield firearm than the full-length M16 variants, and the US Army adopted it as the standard infantry weapon in the 1990s. Today, military and law-enforcement personnel of more than 60 countries have adopted either the M4 or the M4A1 variant, both of which have been tested and proven in major combat operations worldwide. This study describes the development process in detail, from production of the first XM4 prototypes in 1984 through numerous modified types until it emerged into official use as the M4 in 1994. The M4 offered a weapon that was 1lb lighter and 6in shorter than the standard M16A2, yet could still deliver precision semi-auto and full-auto firepower up to an effective range of 500m. Over time, its capabilities have been enhanced by the M4A1 modifications plus an extensive range of tactical accessories, including optical day/night sights, laser/infrared designators, under-barrel grenade launchers and shotgun modules, foregrips, furniture options, mounting rails, and sound suppressors. Numerous M4/M4A1 combat operations are investigated to reveal why the weapon has received such high levels of approval by front-line combat troops, not only in Afghanistan and Iraq, where the M4/M4A1 has been intensively combat-tested, but also in contexts such as Colombia, India, Israel, and the Philippines. Profusely illustrated with photographs and artworks, and drawing its research from the latest declassified documents, this is a complete guide to one of the most important and widely distributed tactical infantry weapons of the last quarter-century.




The Army's M-4 Carbine


Book Description

The Army is undertaking both the M4 Carbine Improvement Program and the Individual Carbine Competition, the former to identify ways to improve the current weapon, and the latter to conduct an open competition among small arms manufacturers for a follow-on weapon. [...] This reduces the number of moving parts in the rifle in comparison to the gas-piston system and offers potential improvements in the weapon's stability when firing; however, it also results in greater amounts of heat and carbon deposits in the receiver, which can lead to the weapon's malfunctioning. [...] The rail along the top of the rifle's receiver lends stability to the weapon and also serves as the mount for weapon attachments. [...] Congressional Research Service 2 The Army's M-4 Carbine: Background and Issues for Congress conventional unit training.10 USSOCOM further noted that the M-4 met or exceeded the Army's specifications for reliability and that the M-4 met the needs of the conventional Army.11 Soldier Weapons Assessment-Operation Iraqi Freedom12 In July 2003, the Army published a report to assess small arms performanc [...] The assessment stated that the M-4 was "by far the preferred individual weapon across the theater of operations"13 and recommended in the "near term replace the M-16 with the M-4 as the standard issue weapon."14 But without any corresponding analytical data, some might question the validity of the Army's assessment.




The Official US Army Rifle and Carbine Handbook - Updated: a Marksmanship Guide for M4 and M16 Series Weapons


Book Description

BECOME AN EXPERT RIFLEMAN Thoroughly revised to conform to today's marksmanship requirements and combat realities, this comprehensive handbook provides the aspiring or seasoned M4, M16 or Armalite series operator with a tremendous resource for getting the best from their rifle or carbine and honing their shooting skills. Providing all members of the profession of arms with critical information on weapon, optics and ammunition functionality and capabilities, and the functional elements of the shot process, this book is the single most effective and highly-regarded guide to the modern rifle available today. Intended for use on the range, it is also an invaluable reference while deployed. BUILD RELIABLE COMPETITION AND COMBAT-READY DRILLS, SKILLS & REFLEXES Complete and unabridged Full-size edition: LARGE 8.5" x 11" FORMAT: clear, detailed text & illustrations. The indispensable manual for service personnel, civilian contractors, law enforcement, competition shooters, hunters, preppers, and more. Created and trusted by the United States Army Maneuver Center of Excellence. Essential reference for the bookshelf or range bag of any M16, M4 or AR-series rifle operator. "Batteries last hours, books last decades. Get the print edition!" The Handbook contains: WEAPON SAFETY & CONTROL RIFLE AND CARBINE PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION: ARMY STANDARD SERVICE RIFLE, UPPER AND LOWER RECEIVERS, CYCLE OF FUNCTION, COOLING AIMING DEVICES: UNITS OF ANGULAR MEASUREMENT, OPTICS, THERMAL SIGHTS, POINTERS/ILLUMINATORS/LASERS MOUNTABLE EQUIPMENT: ADAPTIVE RAIL SYSTEM, MOUNTABLE WEAPONS, MOUNTABLE AIMING DEVICES, MOUNTABLE ACCESSORIES EMPLOYMENT: THE SHOT PROCESS, TARGET ACQUISITION STABILITY: SUPPORT, MUSCLE RELAXATION, NATURAL POINT OF AIM, RECOIL MANAGEMENT, SHOOTER-GUN ANGLE, FIELD OF VIEW, CARRY POSITIONS, STABILIZED FIRING, FIRING POSITIONS AIM: COMMON ENGAGEMENTS, COMMON AIMING ERRORS, COMPLEX ENGAGEMENTS, TARGET & ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS CONTROL: TRIGGER & BREATHING CONTROL, WORKSPACE MANAGEMENT, CALLING THE SHOT, RATE OF FIRE, FOLLOW-THROUGH, MALFUNCTIONS, TRANSITION TO SECONDARY WEAPON MOVEMENT: TECHNIQUES, FORWARD, RETROGRADE, LATERAL AND TURNING MOVEMENT AMMUNITION BALLISTICS COMPLEX ENGAGEMENTS DRILLS ZEROING QUALIFICATION STANDARDS 10-METER BORESIGHT OFFSETS & 25-METER ZERO OFFSETS Current edition note: this publication supersedes the old FM 3-22.9 and FM 23-9. Search for 'CARLILE MILITARY LIBRARY' to find more TOP-FLIGHT, SQUARED-AWAY publications for your professional bookshelf! Information purposes only. Proudly published in the U.S.A. by CARLILE MEDIA.




Toward Combined Arms Warfare


Book Description




Rifle Marksmanship


Book Description

Rifle Marksmanship is the newly revised, official guide to planning and executing training on the M16-series rifles (M16A1, M16A2, M16A3, and M16A4) and M4 carbine. This handbook is developed by the US Army for commanders, leaders, and instructors to help create training programs and materials for soldiers to complete the United States Army rifle marksmanship program. It offers a comprehensive guide to the specifics and capabilities of each weapon and an introduction to the fundamentals of marksmanship, followed by complete guidance through each of the five stages of rifle marksmanship training. Topics covered include: Weapon Characteristics, Accessories, and Ammunition Range Safety and Risk Management Preliminary Marksmanship and Mechanical Training Advanced Optics, Lasers, and Iron Sights 10-Meter Target Offsets and 25-Meter Zero Offsets Training Aids, Devices, and Scorecards Replete with information and training materials for learners and instructors, this handbook provides the guidance for all shooters, whether in combat or in hunting and recreation, to operate their rifles with deadly proficiency.




U.S. Carbine, Caliber .30, M1 Field Manual


Book Description

The United States Carbine, Caliber .30, M1 is a lightweight, semi-automatic longarm that became a standard firearm for the U.S. military during World War II. It was widely used by U.S. and foreign military, police forces, and has also been a popular civilian firearm.The first M1 carbines were delivered in mid-1942, with priority given to troops in Europe. The M1 was highly praised for its small size, light weight and firepower, especially by troops who were unable to use a full size rifle as their primary weapon. The .30 Carbine cartridge was adequate in both muzzle energy and muzzle velocity. The .30 Carbine had a round-nose 110 gr bullet, in contrast to the spitzer bullet designs found in most full power rifle cartridges of the WWII era. A total of over 6.5 million M1 carbines and variants were manufactured, making it the most popular small arm for the American military during World War II.Created in 1942, this field manual reveals a great deal about the M1's design and capabilities. Intended as a manual for those charged with operation, it details many strategies for attaining outstanding marksmanship. Originally labeled restricted, this manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form. Care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.







Rifle Marksmanship M16-/M4-Series Weapons (FM 3-22. 9)


Book Description

This manual provides guidance for planning and executing training on the 5.56-millimeter M16-series rifle (M16A1/A2/A3/A4) and M4 carbine. It is a guide for commanders, leaders, and instructors to develop training programs, plans, and lessons that meet the objectives or intent of the United States Army rifle marksmanship program and FM 7-0. This manual is organized to lead the trainer through the material needed to conduct training during initial entry training (IET) and unit sustainment training. Preliminary subjects include discussion on the weapon's capabilities, mechanical training, and the fundamentals and principles of rifle marksmanship. Live-fire applications are scheduled after the Soldier has demonstrated preliminary skills. This manual was revised to include references to new materiel and systems. This revision includes-The new Army total marksmanship training strategy, to include specific strategies for the United States Army Reserve (USAR) and the Army National Guard (ARNG); Information about the advanced combat optical gunsight (ACOG), the AN/PEQ-15 advanced target pointer/illuminator aiming light (ATPIAL), various thermal sights, and the MK 262 round; Information about the alternate qualification record fire courses (known distance [KD] record fire, 25-meter scaled target alternate course, 15-meter scaled target alternate course); Information about the rapid magazine change and barricade transition fire for short-range marksmanship (SRM); Changes to all of the scorecards; and Updated terminology.




Field Manual Fm 3-22.9 Rifle Marksmanship M16- and M4- Series Weapons W/Change 1 February 10, 2011 US Army


Book Description

This manual provides guidance for planning and executing training on the 5.56-millimeter M16-series rifle (M16A1/A2/A3/A4) and M4 carbine. It is a guide for commanders, leaders, and instructors to develop training programs, plans, and lessons that meet the objectives or intent of the United States Army rifle marksmanship program and FM 7-0.This manual is organized to lead the trainer through the material needed to conduct training during initial entry training (IET) and unit sustainment training. Preliminary subjects include discussion on the weapon's capabilities, mechanical training, and the fundamentals and principles of rifle marksmanship. Live-fire applications are scheduled after the Soldier has demonstrated preliminary skills.Ch1 – Marksmanship TrainingCh2 – Weapon Characteristics, Accessories, and AmmunitionCh3 – Troubleshooting and DestructionCh4 – Preliminary Marksmanship and Mechanical TrainingCh5 – Downrange FeedbackCh6 – Field FireCh7 – Advanced Rifle MarksmanshipCh8 – Advanced Optics, Lasers, and Iron SightsA – Training Aids, Devices, and ExercisesB – ScorecardsC – Night FiringD – Range Safety and Risk ManagementE – Range Procedures and Range Operations ChecklistF – 10-Meter Target Offsets and 25-Meter Zero OffsetsThis manual was revised to include references to new materiel and systems. This revision includes—- The new Army total marksmanship training strategy, to include specific strategies for the United States Army Reserve (USAR) and the Army National Guard (ARNG).- Information about the advanced combat optical gunsight (ACOG), the AN/PEQ-15 advanced target pointer/illuminator aiming light (ATPIAL), various thermal sights, and the MK 262 round.- Information about the alternate qualification record fire courses (known distance [KD] record fire, 25-meter scaled target alternate course, 15-meter scaled target alternate course).- Information about the rapid magazine change and barricade transition fire for short-range marksmanship (SRM).- Changes to all of the scorecards.- Updated terminology.