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4/22/2025 6:21:28 PM EDT
[#1]
Georgian Soldier using UBGL-1 40mm launcher attached to a M4A1 5.56 Carbine, 2023 period.

Attached File


_______________
"If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences."--W.I. Thomas
_____________________
"If you ever really need a gun, you'll need it more than anything else you've ever needed in your life."
4/23/2025 11:16:07 AM EDT
[#2]
Georgian Manufactured UBGL-1 40mm grenade launchers (copy of Bulgarian Arsenal UBGL M7) seen used on XM-15E2 carbines by Georgian Troops, 2010s period.

Attached File
_______________
"If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences."--W.I. Thomas
_____________________
"If you ever really need a gun, you'll need it more than anything else you've ever needed in your life."
4/24/2025 12:25:09 AM EDT
[#3]
Hamas fighter with IDF shorty.


Attached File
"An age of glory passed like a lightning flash. The mandate of heaven passed from you but you didn't see. Times change and power passes. It is the pity of the world."

Song dynasty poet
4/24/2025 1:30:57 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Originally Posted By mlin:
That was not the official photo description. National archives offical description was:
Naval Amphibious Base. A member of Navy Sea-Air-Land (SEAL) Team 5, sights in on a target with his M-4 carbine during a press demonstration. The rifle is equipped with an M-203 grenade launcher.
https://nara.getarchive.net/media/naval-amphibious-base-a-member-of-navy-sea-air-land-seal-team-5-sights-in-on-f28311
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By mlin:
Originally Posted By DocApocalypse:
I know this pic has been posted before, many times in many forums, but you rarely see it with the description.
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/271112/GoCn3SPWsAAfz2__jpg-3511500.JPG
That was not the official photo description. National archives offical description was:
Naval Amphibious Base. A member of Navy Sea-Air-Land (SEAL) Team 5, sights in on a target with his M-4 carbine during a press demonstration. The rifle is equipped with an M-203 grenade launcher.
https://nara.getarchive.net/media/naval-amphibious-base-a-member-of-navy-sea-air-land-seal-team-5-sights-in-on-f28311
@mlin
@DocApocalypse

I don't think this is an XM4.
It's likely a Colt 727 Carbine if this photo was taken in 1993.

The Army gave Colt its first production contracts for M4 carbines in May and July 1993, and M4A1 carbines for United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) operators in February 1994, according to Chris McNab's The M4 Carbine (2021) page 14.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M4_carbine#Development_of_the_M4

My understanding is that NSWC (and probably all of SOCOM, with the possible exception of Rangers) switched from their older (COTS) 727 and 723 carbines to the M4A1 upon delivery in 1995 through 1996ish. Only the Rangers and NSWC had the 727 carbines prior to the transition to the M4A1. Rangers may have already been using the XM4, but I cannot find sources suggesting that (except the 1993 Colt promotional video which features Rangers with both the XM4 and/or the 727, depending on the particular shots) so my theory is that the Rangers merely did some T&E of the XM4, which was filmed and the footage used in Colt's promo video.

https://www.ar15.com/forums/AR-15/XM4-Clone-Information-thread/127-740736/
4/24/2025 10:28:53 AM EDT
[#5]
Yes, it would have been an RO727.
4/29/2025 4:44:58 PM EDT
[#6]
Attached File



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A Danish soldier in Afghanistan during the mid-2000s with an interesting choice of attire.

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_______________
"If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences."--W.I. Thomas
_____________________
"If you ever really need a gun, you'll need it more than anything else you've ever needed in your life."
4/30/2025 2:41:46 PM EDT
[#7]
Experimental XM106 5.56 LMG with quick barrel release function.
Attached File
_______________
"If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences."--W.I. Thomas
_____________________
"If you ever really need a gun, you'll need it more than anything else you've ever needed in your life."
4/30/2025 3:22:14 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Originally Posted By DocApocalypse:
Experimental XM106 5.56 LMG with quick barrel release function.
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/271112/GpzaHRWXIAAxJfp_jpg-3529721.JPG
View Quote


That is something I've actually never seen/heard of before.  Interesting.
A smart man only believes half of what he hears, a wise man knows which half.
5/12/2025 9:23:14 PM EDT
[#9]
An interesting video, although I can't vouch for his facts.

M-16A2 carbines. Colt 727, XM-4 & more. History, parts, & cloning of the rifle from Blackhawk Down.
_______________
"If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences."--W.I. Thomas
_____________________
"If you ever really need a gun, you'll need it more than anything else you've ever needed in your life."
5/12/2025 9:23:39 PM EDT
[Last Edit: DocApocalypse][Edited] [#10]
DUPE
_______________
"If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences."--W.I. Thomas
_____________________
"If you ever really need a gun, you'll need it more than anything else you've ever needed in your life."
5/17/2025 10:12:48 AM EDT
[#11]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Strela:
Hamas fighter with IDF shorty.


https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/6163/HamasIDFRifle_jpg-3524642.JPG
View Quote




 Nice beret
"Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience."
5/20/2025 8:35:39 AM EDT
[#12]
Found this at random. Backstory?
Attached File
_______________
"If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences."--W.I. Thomas
_____________________
"If you ever really need a gun, you'll need it more than anything else you've ever needed in your life."
5/20/2025 8:50:06 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Originally Posted By DocApocalypse:
Found this at random. Backstory?
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/271112/IMG_20250520_063407_jpg-3544589.JPG
View Quote


Holy height over bore, Batman!



5/20/2025 1:47:01 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote History
Originally Posted By DocApocalypse:
Found this at random. Backstory?
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/271112/IMG_20250520_063407_jpg-3544589.JPG
View Quote

Muzzle doesn't look right. AI?
To the everlasting glory of the infantry...
5/20/2025 2:05:52 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Cyclic240B:

Muzzle doesn't look right. AI?
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By Cyclic240B:
Originally Posted By DocApocalypse:
Found this at random. Backstory?
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/271112/IMG_20250520_063407_jpg-3544589.JPG

Muzzle doesn't look right. AI?


Something weird.  Looks more like a grenade launching spigot.  AI usually doesn't get an M4's details that correct otherwise, though.
_______________
"If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences."--W.I. Thomas
_____________________
"If you ever really need a gun, you'll need it more than anything else you've ever needed in your life."
5/20/2025 2:50:02 PM EDT
[Last Edit: SSeric02][Edited] [#16]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Cyclic240B:

Muzzle doesn't look right. AI?
View Quote

Looks like the photo "skipped" at the edge and the peel washer/aft end of the muzzle device was copied over a few times.
5/20/2025 10:15:29 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote History
Originally Posted By DocApocalypse:
Found this at random. Backstory?
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/271112/IMG_20250520_063407_jpg-3544589.JPG
View Quote
Australian SASR in 2001
5/21/2025 9:46:12 AM EDT
[Last Edit: DocApocalypse][Edited] [#18]
Danish military police training at the Grafenwöhr training camp in 2005 armed with Diemaco C8s.

Attached File


British Royal Marines of the Fleet Protection Group armed with L119A2 or C8CQB.

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_______________
"If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences."--W.I. Thomas
_____________________
"If you ever really need a gun, you'll need it more than anything else you've ever needed in your life."
5/21/2025 2:59:31 PM EDT
[#19]
West Bank.

Attached File
_______________
"If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences."--W.I. Thomas
_____________________
"If you ever really need a gun, you'll need it more than anything else you've ever needed in your life."
5/27/2025 5:27:40 PM EDT
[#20]
Is that an aluminum front handguard???
5/27/2025 6:17:56 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote History
Originally Posted By PossumPatrol:


Holy height over bore, Batman!



View Quote


I would have said the same thing, but these days people are paying $200-300 for risers that do the exact same thing.
If you own M&P40 Ser. CPD1915 I will trade you a new M&P40 M2 for it. It belonged to a friend of mind who is deceased.
5/29/2025 5:56:48 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote History
View Quote


Yeah, I’m gonna need info on this hand guard. I’ve wanted an aluminum version of the M4 hand guards for far too long. Yes, I’m weird.
6/4/2025 2:33:38 PM EDT
[#23]
What optic is this?

Russian Army SSO operator using former Georgian Bushmaster XM-15E2 5.56 Carbine. Russia captured several hundred of such rifles during the 2008 Russo-Georgian war, they were well received by the Russian Military in general.

Attached File
_______________
"If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences."--W.I. Thomas
_____________________
"If you ever really need a gun, you'll need it more than anything else you've ever needed in your life."
6/4/2025 2:34:46 PM EDT
[#24]
Aimpoint Comp M4.
6/16/2025 6:39:34 PM EDT
[#25]
GWOT.  Other than that, I don't know.

Attached File


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_______________
"If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences."--W.I. Thomas
_____________________
"If you ever really need a gun, you'll need it more than anything else you've ever needed in your life."
7/8/2025 10:05:29 AM EDT
[#26]
Attached File
_______________
"If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences."--W.I. Thomas
_____________________
"If you ever really need a gun, you'll need it more than anything else you've ever needed in your life."
7/20/2025 9:27:54 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote History
Originally Posted By DocApocalypse:
View Quote

These 12” barreled 203’s don’t look half bad on a 14.5”.
Originally Posted By McGuy,
No matter how much you hate the media, it's not enough.
Originally Posted By Guitargod1985,
How much crack did you have to smoke to reach that conclusion, a $20 rock or Whitney Houston level shit?
7/21/2025 5:53:36 PM EDT
[#28]
Attached File
_______________
"If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences."--W.I. Thomas
_____________________
"If you ever really need a gun, you'll need it more than anything else you've ever needed in your life."
7/21/2025 11:49:18 PM EDT
[#29]
What was the reason of going from12” to 9” barrel?
Originally Posted By McGuy,
No matter how much you hate the media, it's not enough.
Originally Posted By Guitargod1985,
How much crack did you have to smoke to reach that conclusion, a $20 rock or Whitney Houston level shit?
7/21/2025 11:59:32 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote History
Originally Posted By mstennes:
What was the reason of going from12” to 9” barrel?
View Quote
It's shorter, lighter, handier, and there's no disadvantage in performance.
7/22/2025 12:30:53 PM EDT
[#31]
Attached File
_______________
"If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences."--W.I. Thomas
_____________________
"If you ever really need a gun, you'll need it more than anything else you've ever needed in your life."
7/28/2025 5:32:01 PM EDT
[#32]
This photo was labeled simply "Badass Green Beret"

Attached File
_______________
"If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences."--W.I. Thomas
_____________________
"If you ever really need a gun, you'll need it more than anything else you've ever needed in your life."
8/7/2025 6:56:05 PM EDT
[#33]
Attached File

Attached File

Attached File

_______________
"If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences."--W.I. Thomas
_____________________
"If you ever really need a gun, you'll need it more than anything else you've ever needed in your life."
8/15/2025 9:42:25 AM EDT
[#34]
M231 Firing Port Weapon in use, 1981 period.

Attached File
_______________
"If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences."--W.I. Thomas
_____________________
"If you ever really need a gun, you'll need it more than anything else you've ever needed in your life."
8/19/2025 12:34:06 PM EDT
[Last Edit: DocApocalypse][Edited] [#35]
Recent picture of Colt M933 "Commando" in use with the Ukrainian Naval Infantry.

Attached File


Colt M933 "Commando" 5.56 Carbine used by Ukrainian Naval Infantryman during training, August 2024.

Attached File
_______________
"If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences."--W.I. Thomas
_____________________
"If you ever really need a gun, you'll need it more than anything else you've ever needed in your life."
8/19/2025 12:59:57 PM EDT
[Last Edit: backbencher][Edited] [#36]
Quote History
Originally Posted By DocApocalypse:  M231 Firing Port Weapon in use, 1981 period.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/271112/GyZCN5zXEAMQlmi_jpg-3607585.JPG
View Quote


Was the M231 actually issued w/ the collapsible stock?  All it needed was an Aimpoint & a standard FCG & BCG, and we might never have had the M4.

ETA:  Why is there a Forward Assist on the open bolt M231?   That's an XM231 or someone's been monkeying around in the arms room.
I sell firearms produced by the finest child labor in the world, be it Filipino, Muslim, Mormon, Arizonan, or Texan.
10/1/2025 4:51:02 PM EDT
[#37]
IDF Golani Brigade

Attached File
_______________
"If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences."--W.I. Thomas
_____________________
"If you ever really need a gun, you'll need it more than anything else you've ever needed in your life."
10/14/2025 11:30:57 AM EDT
[Last Edit: DocApocalypse][Edited] [#38]
Old school picture of British SAS with M16A1 Carbine model with AN/PVS-4 night vision scope mounted on the carry handle.

Attached File




M4A1 setup of a US Army Ranger from 1995 - ITT Night Ranger 4x night vision scope and a GCP-2 laser designator strapped to the right side of the handguard.

Attached File


XM177 upper/M16 lower combination used during the Vietnam War.

Attached File
_______________
"If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences."--W.I. Thomas
_____________________
"If you ever really need a gun, you'll need it more than anything else you've ever needed in your life."
10/15/2025 10:23:45 AM EDT
[#39]
US Air Force 24th Special Tactics Squadron member using a Colt Model 723 5.56mm carbine with GCP laser designator strapped to the handguard, Somalia, 1993 period.

Attached File


US Soldier using CAR-15 carbine with Armson OEG red dot sight, Vietnam, 1970s period.

Attached File


Dutch Marine using Colt Canada C8 5.56mm Carbine with HK AG36 UBGL and ELCAN optic, 2006 period.

Attached File
_______________
"If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences."--W.I. Thomas
_____________________
"If you ever really need a gun, you'll need it more than anything else you've ever needed in your life."
10/17/2025 4:50:25 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote History
Originally Posted By DocApocalypse:
US Air Force 24th Special Tactics Squadron member using a Colt Model 723 5.56mm carbine with GCP laser designator strapped to the handguard, Somalia, 1993 period.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/271112/G3TfoU1XwAE6vlj_jpg-3642113.JPG

US Soldier using CAR-15 carbine with Armson OEG red dot sight, Vietnam, 1970s period.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/271112/G3Td7F3WoAEDvXs_jpg-3642115.JPG

Dutch Marine using Colt Canada C8 5.56mm Carbine with HK AG36 UBGL and ELCAN optic, 2006 period.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/271112/G3TsPvrWsAAM530_jpg-3642116.JPG
View Quote

That Vietnam dude was HIGH speed. Chinese chest rig, VFG and red dot. Very cool.
Why is the sky blue?
What makes the green grass grow?
10/18/2025 6:33:56 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote History
Originally Posted By DocApocalypse:
US Air Force 24th Special Tactics Squadron member using a Colt Model 723 5.56mm carbine with GCP laser designator strapped to the handguard, Somalia, 1993 period.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/271112/G3TfoU1XwAE6vlj_jpg-3642113.JPG
View Quote


Interesting. That 723 has an A2 upper receiver and skinny barrel.
10/18/2025 10:34:38 AM EDT
[Last Edit: SSeric02][Edited] [#42]
Quote History
Originally Posted By JoshNC:


Interesting. That 723 has an A2 upper receiver and skinny barrel.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By JoshNC:
Originally Posted By DocApocalypse:
US Air Force 24th Special Tactics Squadron member using a Colt Model 723 5.56mm carbine with GCP laser designator strapped to the handguard, Somalia, 1993 period.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/271112/G3TfoU1XwAE6vlj_jpg-3642113.JPG


Interesting. That 723 has an A2 upper receiver and skinny barrel.

But, what's the source for the description? Did someone actually run the serial number and see what the gun was produced as? Was the upper swapped later for some reason? Also, is that an actual photo from the mission, or is that a photo from the display that was at the US Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum at Fort Bragg?
10/19/2025 8:38:16 AM EDT
[#43]
Quote History
Originally Posted By SSeric02:

But, what's the source for the description? Did someone actually run the serial number and see what the gun was produced as? Was the upper swapped later for some reason? Also, is that an actual photo from the mission, or is that a photo from the display that was at the US Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum at Fort Bragg?
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By SSeric02:
Originally Posted By JoshNC:
Originally Posted By DocApocalypse:
US Air Force 24th Special Tactics Squadron member using a Colt Model 723 5.56mm carbine with GCP laser designator strapped to the handguard, Somalia, 1993 period.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/271112/G3TfoU1XwAE6vlj_jpg-3642113.JPG


Interesting. That 723 has an A2 upper receiver and skinny barrel.

But, what's the source for the description? Did someone actually run the serial number and see what the gun was produced as? Was the upper swapped later for some reason? Also, is that an actual photo from the mission, or is that a photo from the display that was at the US Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum at Fort Bragg?


Agreed on all points. I’ve never seen a 723 with a true A2 upper. That’s it’s an A2 upper with a skinny barrel makes me think it’s an air force mixmaster gun.
10/19/2025 11:27:52 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote History
Originally Posted By JoshNC:


Agreed on all points. I’ve never seen a 723 with a true A2 upper. That’s it’s an A2 upper with a skinny barrel makes me think it’s an air force mixmaster gun.
View Quote

That was my first thought or some mad invention built in the back of the arms room.
Originally Posted By McGuy,
No matter how much you hate the media, it's not enough.
Originally Posted By Guitargod1985,
How much crack did you have to smoke to reach that conclusion, a $20 rock or Whitney Houston level shit?
10/24/2025 11:08:03 AM EDT
[#45]
US Air Force Security Forces pose with Colt Model 610 5.56mm Carbines, 1991 period.

Attached File
_______________
"If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences."--W.I. Thomas
_____________________
"If you ever really need a gun, you'll need it more than anything else you've ever needed in your life."
10/26/2025 5:33:19 AM EDT
[#46]
I would like to thank Doc....and Combat Diver, for creating and continuing this thread.

It's an absolutely amazing wealth of photographs, knowledge, and history.

I literally stayed up til 03:30 scrolling through this thread.

Some of the older pics from the 89-95 period brought a smile to my face.

The pics from 02-05 brought back some forgotten memories.

And thanks to all the others posting their thoughts, and insights, in this thread.



.



Occid Vel Occisus Est !!
10/27/2025 10:25:07 AM EDT
[Last Edit: DocApocalypse][Edited] [#47]
US Marine Corps Force Recon member with Colt Model 933 5.56mm Carbine, 1999 period.
Attached File


Mexican Federal Agent using Colt R6520 5.56 Carbine (police model with 16-inch barrel) with 100 round beta c-drum, 2000s period.
Attached File





Another picture of Mexican Federals using Colt R6520 in the same configuration, 2010s period.
Attached File


US Navy SEAL using Colt Model 727 5.56mm Carbine with M203 UBGL, 1990s period.

Attached File
_______________
"If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences."--W.I. Thomas
_____________________
"If you ever really need a gun, you'll need it more than anything else you've ever needed in your life."
10/27/2025 10:35:36 AM EDT
[#48]
Caption was a cobra pilot being rescued in Vietnam in 1972 by a SAR helo.

I'm not up on all the various models but assume he could be holding a 177

10/30/2025 2:25:05 PM EDT
[Last Edit: DocApocalypse][Edited] [#49]
Only produced in very small numbers from what I understand.

Attached File


USMC Force Recon fighter using Colt M4A1 rifle with ACOG optic and Vietnam-Era KAC Mk2 silencer, 2000s period.

Attached File
_______________
"If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences."--W.I. Thomas
_____________________
"If you ever really need a gun, you'll need it more than anything else you've ever needed in your life."
11/9/2025 3:46:56 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote History
Originally Posted By DocApocalypse:
Recent picture of Colt M933 "Commando" in use with the Ukrainian Naval Infantry.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/271112/Gyunj4JWcA86hAG_jpg-3610251.JPG

Colt M933 "Commando" 5.56 Carbine used by Ukrainian Naval Infantryman during training, August 2024.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/271112/GWlXIfqWwAAYqdT_jpg-3610253.JPG
View Quote


Interesting to see commercial marked lowers with full auto FCG.
Judging by the .750 gas block journal those seems to be a recent production guns.

Anyway pic thread:
Colt piston carbine issued to Italian sf


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