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Posted: 11/22/2004 5:37:23 PM EDT
| Here's a stupid question, but I can't find a definitive source and I'm sure there is one out there - What is the difference between each generation of AR, IE A2, A4, M4? I didn't grow up around rifles and have recently started learning about ARs. |
| Check this out.....Biggerhammer There is a lot of info on this site about AR's, it might help you. |
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The "Quick and Dirty Version" and I am sure 20 people will jump all over me for minor inaccuracies, but it will get you started! M16. Introduced around 1964-65 or so, 20" barrel, triangular hanguards, solid buttstock w/o trapdoor storage in butt, no forward assist, three prong flash hider, integral carry handle. Semi and full automatic. M16E1, M16A1. Introduced around 1967 or so, 20" chrome lined barrel, triangular handguards, early ones had solid buttstock but after about 1972 they used the trapdoor buttstock, "teardrop" forward assist, A1 style flash hider, integral carry handle. Semi and full automatic. XM177, XM177E1, XM177E2, "CAR-15", "Colt Commando" with minor variations, these essentially are M16's or M16E1's/A1's with 10.5" or 11.5" barrels, a 4" flash supressor or "sound moderator" (some early versions had the normal flash shider) and a telescoping stock. Semi and full auto. M16A2. Introduced around 1982 or so, 20" chrome lined barrel that is a larger diameter in front of front sight, round hanguards and pistol grip with "finger bump", slightly longer buttstock (5/8") made of much stonger plastic with trapdoor storage, round button forward assist, A2 style flash hider (no openeings on underside), integral carry handle with elevation adjustable rear sight. Semi and three round burst. There are a LOT of variations here, but they all were intended for the same purpose. M4. Introduced early to mid 1990's. 14.5" chrome lined barrel with a unique "wasp waist" cut in front of the front sight to facilitate mounting the M203 on the shorter barrel. A2 flash hider, some versions have A1 or A2 integral carry handle but current ones use bolt on carry handles or rear sights on an A3 "flattop" receiver. Some earlier onees had "CAR-15" style telescoping stocks all are slowly being converted over to "M4" type telescoping stocks. M4 is semi and full auto, M4A1 is semi and three round burst. M16A3/A4. Introduced late 1990's, essentially an M16A2 except that it uses the same "Flattop" receiver mentioned above. M16A3 is semi and full auto, M16A4 is semi and three round burst (I may have those backwards). SPR. Special purpose rifle. Essentially a fancy M16 family weapon with a much better grade barrel measuring 18" and a special muzzle brake, and usually mounting optics. OK, that should give you plenty to research. Test on Friday in classroom 556.  |
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