Carbine, 5.56 mm, M4

Carbine, 5.56 mm, M4
An M4A1 with Rail Adapter System (RAS), vertical forward grip and ACOG sight
Type	Carbine, assault rifle
Place of origin	United States
Service history
In service	1994–present
Used by	See Users below
Wars	War in Afghanistan (2001–present) War in Iraq (2003–2011) Colombian Armed Conflict Operation Enduring Freedom 2008 South Ossetia war Syrian civil war
Production history
Manufacturer	Colt Defense U.S. Ordnance Remington Arms Company
Produced	1994–present
Variants	M4A1, CQBR (Mk. 18 Mod 0)
Specifications
Weight	6.36 lb (2.88 kg) empty 6.9 lb (3.1 kg) with 30 rounds
Length	33 in (840 mm) (stock extended) 29.75 in (756 mm) (stock retracted)
Barrel length	14.5 in (370 mm)
Cartridge	5.56×45mm NATO
Action	Gas-operated, rotating bolt (Direct impingement)
Rate of fire	700–950 round/min cyclic[1]
Muzzle velocity	2970 ft/sec (884 m/sec)[2]
Effective range	500 m for a point target and 600 m for an area target[3]
Feed system	30 round box magazine or otherSTANAG magazines.
Sights	Iron or various optics