M-4 Barrel length

[natedog]

I've read that the M-4 Carbine has a 14.5" barrel. Does this number include the length of the flash suppressor? If so, then what is the "actual barrel length" (to the end of the rifling). If not, then how long is the barrel with flash hider?

 

[N3rday]

Legally I believe if the muzzle brake or flash suppressor is welded or otherwise permanently attached, it counts toward the length of the barrel.
As far as I know, the total barrel length, which includes the flash suppressor, is 16". To the end of the rifling I believe it is 14.5".
If anyone is more of an expert, feel free to add or correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[natedog]

I'm talking about the actual Colt M-4 Carbine, not a civilian clone. The military can have whatever barrel length they want.

 

[Jeff White]

Nate,
It's 14.5 inches without the flash suppressor. With the standard A2 flash hider (the manual calls is a compensator) it's just under 16 inches in length,

The civilian M4geries use a 16.1 inch barrel then add the flashhider/Compensator. Some people get a 14.5 M4 military barrel and then silver solder either a vortex or phantom flash hider or one of the aftermarket ones made a little longer to get it up to the 16 inch length necessary for it to be legal. The BATF says even though it's legal length with the vortex on it, it's not legal if it's not permanently attached. Someone may unscrew the vortex and make the rifle into a weapon that would require a tax stamp.

Jeff

 

[444]

"The civilian M4geries use a 16.1 inch barrel then add the flashhider/Compensator. "

One minor point, the Bushmaster M4 clone has a 14.5" barrel with a muzzle brake to extend the barrel length to 16"
http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/weapons/pcwa2x14m4my.asp

 

[M2 Carbine]

They are a ball to shoot but have a heck of a blast.
The compensator directs quite a blast to the sides and back.

 

[Stinkyshoe]

M2
Don't you find the mini-comp sweet? Even though it is as loud as heck, the sight picture hardly changes after each shot...

 

[M2 Carbine]

Ya, I like it.
I noticed how effective it was right away.

The Bushmaster trigger is far better than my AR15 or Deawoo.
So far it's even shooting better than the bigger rifles. (at 100 yards so far)

It's the first BM I've had, I'm impressed.

 

[deadmeat]

I'm fixin to send my bushy m4 to Kurts Kustom firearms for him to remove my mini'y comp and attach his fake flash suppressor. I dont like the comp on the end, too loud! With shipping and installation its gonna run me $92.50. But well worth it to get rid of the comp.

 

[Chipperman]

Mine (a Bushmaster) is 14.5 for the barrel, and the total length with the FS is just under 16".

 

[M2 Carbine]

Chipperman, You mean just OVER 16", didn't you.


BTW,
What kind of groups are you all getting out of that 14.5 inch barrel?

I tried a couple new loads today and was wondering just how small a group I can hope to get with a load the rifle likes.

 

[Chipperman]

"Chipperman, You mean just OVER 16", didn't you. "

Nope.

It's on a Registered Receiver, so I can put whatever I want on top of it.

I only have 2 uppers for it right now, the M4 and a 10.5".

I don't use it for groups, I use it for turning large amounts of money into noise and flash.

 

[M2 Carbine]

Cool Chipperman.

I understand "turning large amounts of money into noise and flash".

My M2 has been known to get rid of days of reloading in seconds.


May we never "grow up"