Originally Posted By EMSintraining: Would there be anything better than the basic black nylon silent sling for an XM4 build? I've got my XM4 upper just about done (Except I haven't knocked out the front sling to install side swivel yet) But that's next. Lower receiver itself hasn't shipped yet but I have all the parts lined up so that'll be a real quick and easy build once it is shipped.
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If you want to be period correct, you could add the strap from a top sling adapter kit to lengthen the silent sling. You could also rig up an Alice adjuster to make the sling adjustable. Guys were rigging up there own stuff that way back then.
Found this photo of XM4 from US National Archives.
A student at the Scout Sniper Instructor School armed with an M16A2 carbine rifle moves through the woods while on patrol during a field training exercise. Quantico, VA. 1987
Great Pic! I have never seen that barrel on the XM4 in actual use. Only the pics taken on a table or background. Cool also cause the uniform and gear are from when I went in at MCRD and Pendleton in 1987. ETA: Green Mountain used to sell that barrel profile. I thought about buying one but never did.
I have ARs in many different configurations, but I think this is my favorite. H&R A2 upper, Colt SOCOM 14.5" p/w barrel, Microbest BCG, RRA side sling mount, M4 handguards, PSA M4 lower.