List of Colt AR-15 and M16 rifle variants

Last updated

ArmaLite AR-15 with the charging handle located on top of the upper receiver, protected within the carrying handle and a 25-round magazine. ArmaLite AR-15 SPAR 3240 DEC. 17. 2004.png
ArmaLite AR-15 with the charging handle located on top of the upper receiver, protected within the carrying handle and a 25-round magazine.
1973 Colt AR-15 SP1 rifle with "slab side" lower receiver (lacking raised boss around magazine release button) and original Colt 20-round magazine. 1973 Colt AR15 SP1.jpg
1973 Colt AR-15 SP1 rifle with "slab side" lower receiver (lacking raised boss around magazine release button) and original Colt 20-round magazine.
M16A1 rifle with forward assist, raised boss around magazine release button and a 30-round magazine. M16A1 brimob.jpg
M16A1 rifle with forward assist, raised boss around magazine release button and a 30-round magazine.

This article describes the many variations of the Colt AR-15 and M16 rifle family of weapons produced by Colt's Manufacturing Company. Weapons patterned on the original ArmaLite AR-15 design have been produced by numerous manufacturers and have been used by nations around the world, some of which created their own variations. The tables here are split into a variety of categories and provide an overview of different subtypes. For purposes of these tables, bold model numbers are weapons used (or previously used) by the U.S. Military while italic model numbers are weapons for commercial or export sale. See Glossary of terms for an explanation of each column.

Contents

Colt military models

Colt has been the most visible producer of ArmaLite AR-15 pattern weapons, and the military designations M16 and M4 are heavily associated with the company. Colt has an intricate internal nomenclature system for its models, with a variety of suffixes and prefixes. Colt's systems have generally followed the times and though its model numbers originally came without prefixes, with the need to separate weapons made for civilian consumption from those made for military and law enforcement use, military models became prefixed with the code "R0". For the purposes of this table, the R0 nomenclature is obviated as this terminology did not exist in all cases, but it can be understood to be present. Military/LE models are also easily identified by their three-digit code in contrast to the four-digit codes for civilian weapons.

Colt Armalite AR-15

The original Armalite AR-15 models have the charging handle located on top of the upper receiver, protected within the carrying handle.

Colt model no.NameStockHand guardsFire controlRear sightForward assistCase deflectorCaliberBarrel lengthBarrel profileBarrel twistBayonet LugMuzzle device
601 ArmaLite AR-15 A1TriangularS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM20 in.A11:14 (early)
1:12 (late)
YesType 1 Duckbill
Type 2 Duckbill
602 ArmaLite AR-15 (USAF)A1TriangularS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM20 in.A11:12YesType 2 Duckbill

Colt M16 Rifle, M4 Carbine based weapons

Colt model no.NameStockHand guardsFire controlRear sightForward assistCase deflectorCaliberBarrel lengthBarrel profileBarrel twistBayonet LugMuzzle device
603 XM16E1
M16A1
A1TriangularS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM20 in.A11:12YesType 2 Duckbill or A1 Birdcage
603M16S1 (produced by Chartered Industries of Singapore)A1TriangularS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM20 in.A11:12YesA1 Birdcage
603KM16A1 (produced by Daewoo Precision Industries)A1TriangularS-1-FA1Yes (conical)No.223 REM20 in.A11:12YesA1 Birdcage
604 M16 A1TriangularS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM20 in.A11:12YesA1 Birdcage
605 CAR-15 Dissipator A1TriangularS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM15 in.A11:12NoType 2 Duckbill
605ACAR-15 Dissipator (bolt assist)A1TriangularS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM15 in.A11:12NoType 2 Duckbill
605BCAR-15 Dissipator (burst control)A1TriangularS-F-1-3A1NoNo.223 REM15 in.A11:12NoType 2 Duckbill
606 CAR-15 HBAR A1TriangularS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM20 in.HBAR1:12YesType 2 Duckbill
606ACAR-15 HBAR (bolt assist)A1TriangularS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM20 in.HBAR1:12YesType 2 Duckbill
606BCAR-15 HBAR (burst control)A1TriangularS-F-1-3A1YesNo.223 REM20 in.HBAR1:12YesType 2 Duckbill
607 CAR-15 SMG 1st GenerationShort TriangularS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM10 in.A11:12NoType 1 and 2 Duckbill and 3.5" Moderator
607ACAR-15 SMG (bolt assist)1st GenerationShort TriangularS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM10 in.A11:12NoType 1 and 2 Duckbill and 3.5" Moderator
607BCAR-15 SMG (burst control)1st GenerationShort TriangularS-F-1-3A1NoNo.223 REM10 in.A11:12NoType 1 and 2 Duckbill and 3.5" Moderator
608 CAR-15 Survival Rifle TubularShort RoundS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM10 in.A11:12NoConical or 3.5" Moderator
609 XM177E1 Commando2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM10 in.A11:12No3.5" or 4.5" Moderator
610 XM177 (GAU 5/A) Commando SMG2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM10 in.A11:12No3.5" or 4.5" Moderator
610BGAU 5/A2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-F-1-3A1NoNo.223 REM10 in.A11:12No3.5" or 4.5" Moderator
611M16A1 HBARA1TriangularS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM20 in.HBAR1:12YesA1 Birdcage
611PM16A1 HBAR (produced by Elisco Tools)A1TriangularS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM20 in.HBAR1:12YesA1 Birdcage
613M16A1 (export variant, FMS)A1TriangularS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM20 in.A11:12YesA1 Birdcage
613PM16A1 (produced by Elisco Tools)A1TriangularS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM20 in.A11:12YesA1 Birdcage
615 M16 HBAR A1TriangularS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM20 in.HBAR1:12YesA1 Birdcage
616 M16 HBAR A1RoundS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM20 in.HBAR1:12YesA1 Birdcage
619XM177E1 Commando (export variant, FMS)2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM10 in.A11:12No3.5" or 4.5" Moderator
620XM177 (GAU 5/A) Commando (export variant, FMS)2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM10 in.A11:12No3.5" or 4.5" Moderator
621 M16A1 HBAR A1TriangularS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM20 in.HBAR1:12YesA1 Birdcage
629 Colt XM177E2 2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM or 5.56 NATO11.5 in.A11:12No4.5" Moderator
630 GAU 5/A 2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM11.5 in.A11:12No4.5" Moderator
633 Colt SMG 2nd GenerationShort RoundS-1-FA1NoYes9mm NATO7 in.A11:10NoNone
634 Colt SMG 2nd GenerationShort RibbedConflict between S-1 and S-1-FA1NoYes9mm NATO10 in.A11:10NoA1 Birdcage
635 Colt SMG 2nd, 3rd, or 4th GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1NoYes9mm NATO10 in.A11:10NoA1 Birdcage
635SD Colt SMG 2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1NoYes9mm NATO10 in.A1 w/ integral silencer 1:10NoNone
639 XM177 Commando 2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM11.5 in.A11:12No4.5" Moderator or A1
639 Colt SMG 2ndShort RibbedS-1-3A1NoYes9mm NATO10 in.A1 w/ integral silencer 1:10NoA2 Compensator
640 XM177 Commando 2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM11.5 in.A11:12No4.5" Moderator or A1
645 M16A1E1 A1RibbedS-1-3A1 or A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2 Compensator
645E M16A2E1 A2RibbedS-1-3Flattop (w/ flip down front sight)YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2 Compensator
646 M16A2E3 A2RibbedS-1-FA2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2 Compensator
649 GAU 5/A 2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM11.5 in.A11:12No4.5" Moderator
650 M16A1 carbine/CAR15 A1Short RibbedS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM14.5 in.A11:12YesA1 Birdcage
651 M16A1 carbine/CAR15 A1Short RibbedS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM14.5 in.A11:12YesA1 Birdcage
652 M16A1 carbine/CAR15 A1Short RibbedS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM14.5 in.A11:12YesA1 Birdcage
653 M16A1 carbine/CAR15 2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM14.5 in.A11:12YesA1 Birdcage
653P M16A1 carbine/CAR15 (License produced by Elisco Tools)2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM14.5 in.A11:12YesA1 Birdcage
654 M16A1 carbine/CAR15 2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM14.5 in.A11:12YesA1 Birdcage
655 M16A1 Special High Profile A1TriangularS-1-FA1 (used with special raised carry handle scope mount)YesNo.223 REM20 in.HBAR1:12YesA1
656 M16A1 Special Low Profile A1TriangularS-1-FFlattopYesNo.223 REM20 in.HBAR1:12YesA1 Birdcage
701 M16A2 A2RibbedS-1-FA2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2 Compensator
702 M16A2 A2RibbedS-1-3A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2 Compensator
703 M16A2 Prototype A2RibbedS-1-FA2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A11:7YesA2 Compensator
705 M16A2 A2RibbedS-1-3A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2 Compensator
707 M16A2 A2RibbedS-1-3A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A11:7YesA2 Compensator
708 M16A2 EnhancedA2RibbedS-1-3-FA2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A11:7YesA2 Compensator
711 M16A2 A2RibbedS-1-FA1YesNo and Yes5.56 NATO20 in.A11:7YesA2 Compensator
713 M16A2 A2RibbedS-1-3A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2 Compensator
715 M16A2 (License produced by Diemaco/Colt Canada as the C7)A2RibbedS-1-FA1YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2 Compensator
719 M16A2 A2RibbedS-1-3A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A11:7YesA2 Compensator
720 XM4 Carbine 2nd Generation or 3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-F, S-1-3A1 or A2Earlier No, Later YesEarlier No, Later Yes5.56 NATO14.5 in.A1 (Before), M4 (Current)1:7YesA1 or A2 Compensator
723 Colt 723 Delta Carbine 3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1Earlier No, Later YesEarlier No, Later Yes5.56 NATO14.5 in.Earlier A1, Later M41:7YesA2 Compensator
725 M16A2 carbine (License produced by Diemaco/Colt Canada as the C8)3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1YesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.A11:7YesA2 Compensator
725A M16A2 carbine 3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1YesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.A11:7YesA2 Compensator
725B M16A2 carbine 3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1YesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.A21:7YesA2 Compensator
726 M16A2 carbine 3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1YesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.A11:7YesA1 Birdcage
727 M16A2 Government Carbine 3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA2YesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2 Compensator
728 M16A2 carbine 3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA2YesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2 Compensator
733 M16A2 Commando 3rd or 4th GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1 or A2YesYes or No5.56 NATO11.5 in.A1 or A21:7NoA1 or A2
733A M16A2 Commando 3rd or 4th GenerationShort RibbedS-1-3A1 or A2YesYes or No5.56 NATO11.5 in.A1 or A21:7NoA1 or A2
734 M16A2 Commando 3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1 or A2YesYes or No5.56 NATO11.5 in.A1 or A21:7NoA1 or A2
734A M16A2 Commando 3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-3A1 or A2YesYes or No5.56 NATO11.5 in.A1 or A21:7NoA1 or A2
735 M16A2 Commando 3rd or 4th GenerationShort RibbedS-1-3A1 or A2YesYes or No5.56 NATO11.5 in.A1 or A21:7NoA1 or A2
737 M16A2 A2RibbedS-1-3A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7YesA2
738 M16A2 Commando Enhanced 3rd or 4th GenerationShort RibbedS-1-3-FA2YesYes5.56 NATO11.5 in.A21:7NoA1 or A2
741 M16A2 A2RibbedS-1-FA2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7YesA2
742 M16A2 (Standard w/ bipod)A2RibbedS-1-FA2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7YesA2
745 M16A2 (Standard w/ bipod)A2RibbedS-1-3A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7YesA2
746 M16A2 (Standard w/ bipod)A2RibbedS-1-3A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7YesA2
750 Colt M16 Automatic Rifle (Colt/Diemaco project)A2Square LMGS-FA2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7YesA2
777 M4E1 Carbine 4th GenerationM4S-1-F [1] A2YesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2
778 M4 Carbine Enhanced 4th GenerationM4S-1-3-FA2YesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2
779 M4 Carbine 4th GenerationM4S-1-3 [1] A2YesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2
901 M16A3 A2Ribbed, Rail/RISS-1-FFlattopYesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2
905 M16A4 A2Ribbed, Rail/RISS-1-3FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2
920 M4 Carbine 4th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-3FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2
921 M4A1 4th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-FFlattopYesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2
921HB M4A1 4th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-FFlattopYesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M4 HBAR1:7YesA2
925 M4E2 3rd or 4th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-F (Earlier), S-1-3 (Later)FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2
927 M4 Government Carbine 4th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-FFlattopYesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2
933 M4 Commando 4th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-FFlattopYesYes5.56 NATO11.5 in.A1 or A21:7NoA2
935 M4 Commando 4th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-3FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO11.5 in.A1 or A21:7NoA2
938 M4 Commando Enhanced 4th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-3-FFlattopYesYes5.56 NATO11.5 in.A21:7NoA2
941 M16A3 A2Ribbed, Rail/RISS-1-FFlattopYesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7YesA2
942 M16A3 (Standard w/ bipod)A2Ribbed, Rail/RISS-1-FFlattopYesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7YesA2
945 M16A4 A2Ribbed, Rail/RISS-1-3FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2
950 Colt Automatic Rifle (Colt/Diemaco project)A2Square LMGS-FFlattopYesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7YesA2
977 M4A1 4th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-F [1] [2] FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2
977HB M4A1 4th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-FFlattopYesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M4 HBAR1:7YesA2
978 M4 Carbine Enhanced 4th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-3-FFlattopYesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2
979 M4 Carbine 4th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-3 [1] [2] FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2
991 Colt SMG 4th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-FFlattopNoYes9mm NATO10.5 in.A11:10NoA1 Birdcage
992 Colt SMG 4th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-3FlattopNoYes9mm NATO10.5 in.A11:10NoA1 Birdcage
Colt model no.NameStockHand guardsFire controlRear sightForward assistCase deflectorCaliberBarrel lengthBarrel profileBarrel twistBayonet LugMuzzle device

Colt military models without model numbers

In rare instances some Colt models have been produced without in house model numbers, or at least one which is readily apparent.

NameStockHand guardsFire controlRear sightForward assistCase deflectorCaliberBarrel lengthBarrel profileBarrel twistBayonet LugMuzzle device
M16 PIP A2RibbedS-1-F, S-1-3A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA1 or A2
Colt Advanced Combat Rifle Retractable ACRACR TypeS-1-3 or S-1-FFlattopYesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7NoACR compensator
M231 FPW FPW WireShort RoundS-FNoneNoNo.223 REM15.6 in.HBAR1:12NoA1
M231 Recoil Operated Rifle NoneShort RoundS-FNoneNoNo.233 REM15.6 in.HBAR1:12NoA1
Colt Advanced Piston Carbine 4th Generation RetractableMonolithicS-1-FFlattopYesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.Fluted1:7YesA2

Diemaco/Colt Canada models

The Canadian company Colt Canada (formerly Diemaco) licensed production of a rifle (Colt Model 715) and carbine (Colt Model 725), but later went on to produce an entire line of AR-15/M16 pattern weapons developed independently. In May 2005, Colt's Manufacturing Company acquired Diemaco, and the name was changed to Colt Canada.

Colt model no.Diemaco modelStockHand guardsFire controlRear sightForward assistCase deflectorCaliberBarrel lengthBarrel profileBarrel twistBayonet LugMuzzle device
715 C7 A2RibbedS-1-FA1YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2
N/A C7A1 A2RibbedS-1-F Weaver YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2
N/A C7A2 Canadian 3rd GenerationRibbedS-1-FWeaverYesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2
750 Colt/Diemaco LMG/LSW A2Square LMGS-FA2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7NoA2
N/A LSW A2Square LMGS-FWeaverYesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7NoA2
725 C8 3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1YesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.A11:7YesA2
N/A C8A1 Canadian 3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FWeaverYesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.A11:7YesA2
N/A C8FTHB Canadian 3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FWeaverYesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.A21:7YesA2
N/A SFW Canadian 3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FWeaverYesYes5.56 NATO16 in.SFW1:7YesA2
N/A C8CQB Canadian 3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FWeaverYesYes5.56 NATO10 in.A21:7YesA2
N/A PDW Canadian 3rd GenerationN/AS-1-FWeaverYesYes5.56 NATO5.7" in.A21:7NoA2

Non-factory military models

NameBase weaponStockHand guardsFire controlRear sightForward assistCase deflectorCaliberBarrel lengthBarrel profileBarrel twistBayonet LugMuzzle device
GUU-5/P GAU-5/A or GAU-5A/A2nd or 3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1YesNo5.56 NATO14.5 in.A1 or M41:7YesA1 or A2
GUU-5/P GAU-5/A or GAU-5A/A2nd or 3rd GenerationM4S-1-FA2 or FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2
Mekut'zarModel 6533rd Generation or IsraeliShort RibbedS-1-FA1YesNo5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2
Mekut'zrarModel 6532nd Generation or IsraeliShort RibbedS-1-FA1YesNo5.56 NATOVariable; 9" averageA11:12NoVarious

Colt civilian models

Colt's civilian line of semi-automatic Colt AR-15 rifles is identified by a four digit code following a specific prefix. Initially all Colt civilian weapons were listed with an “R” prefix, with this changing to “AR” following the passage of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban in 1994. Colt also produced a line of weapons aimed at target shooters under the “MT” prefix, which stood for Match Target, as well as, the Colt Accurized Rifle, which was the only model to feature the CR prefix. Most recently with the shift in marketing policy by Colt Defense, these weapons have been given the “LE” and "LT" prefix. The "LT" series is modified version of the Colt 6720 featuring a lightweight "pencil" barrel with a free floating rail system. Only 1500 of the "LT" series were produced. Currently, Colt Defense has no line targeted specifically at the private civilian market.

R series models

Colt model no.NameStockHand guardsFire controlRear sightForward assistCase deflectorCaliberBarrel lengthBarrel profileBarrel twistBayonet LugMuzzle device
R6000AR-15 Sporter (SP1)A1TriangularS-1A1NoNo.223 REM20 in.A11:12YesType 2 Duckbill or A1
R6001AR-15 Sporter Carbine (SP1 Carbine)2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1A1NoNo.223 REM16 in.A11:12YesA1
R6002AR-15 Sporter (SP1; Bundled with 3× scope)A1TriangularS-1A1NoNo.223 REM20 in.A11:12YesA1
R6003AR-15 Sporter Carbine (SP1 Carbine; Bundled with 3× scope)2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1A1NoNo.223 REM16 in.A11:12YesA1
R6004AR-15 Sporter (SP1; Bundled with Colt Reflex Sighting System)A1TriangularS-1A1NoNo.223 REM20 in.A11:12YesA1
R6007AR-15 Sporter (SP1 Coltguard electroless nickel)A1TriangularS-1A1NoNo.223 REM20 in.A11:12YesA1
R6010AR-15 Sporter (SP1)A1TriangularS-1A1NoNo.222 REM20 in.A11:12YesA1
R6420AR-15A2 Sporter II Carbine3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1A1YesNo & Yes5.56 NATO16 in.A11:7YesA2
R6430Sporter Lightweight (9 mm)A2Short RibbedS-1A1NoRemovable9mm NATO16 in.A11:10YesA1
R6450AR-15 9 mm Carbine3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1A1NoNo & Removable9mm NATO16 in.A11:10YesA1
R6500AR-15A2 Sporter IIA2RibbedS-1A1YesNo & Yes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2
R6510AR-15A2 Sporter II (Special export model in .222 Remington)A2RibbedS-1A2YesNo.222 REM20 in.A21:14YesA2
R6520AR-15A2 Government Carbine3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1A2YesYes5.56 NATO16 in.A11:7YesA2
R6521Colt Carbine (AR-15A2 Government Carbine) (Special export model with receiver block and large pin upper receiver)3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1A2YesYes5.56 NATO16 in.A11:7Yes/NoA2
R6530Sporter Lightweight .2233rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1A2YesYes5.56 NATO16 in.A11:7NoA2
R6550AR-15A2 GovernmentA2RibbedS-1A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2
R6550CCAR-15A2 Government (w/ factory camouflage finish)A2RibbedS-1A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2
R6550KAR-15A2 Government (w/ factory installed .22 Long Rifle conversion kit)A2RibbedS-1A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2
R6551Sporter TargetA2RibbedS-1A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2
R6600AR-15A2 HBARA2RibbedS-1A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7YesA2
R6600DHAR-15A2 Delta HBAR (bundled w/ Tasco 3–9x scope and cheekpiece)A2RibbedS-1A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7YesA2
R6600KAR-15A2 HBAR (w/ factory installed .22 Long Rifle conversion kit)A2RibbedS-1A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7NoA2
R6601Sporter Match HBARA2RibbedS-1A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7NoA2
R6601DHSporter Match Delta HBAR (bundled w/ Tasco 3–9x scope and cheekpiece)A2RibbedS-1A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7NoA2
R6700Sporter Competition HBARA2RibbedS-1FlattopYesYes.223 REM
5.56 NATO
20 in.HBAR1:9NoA2
R6700CHSporter Competition HBAR (bundled w/ Tasco 3–9x scope and cheekpiece)A2RibbedS-1FlattopYesYes.223 REM
5.56 NATO
20 in.HBAR1:9NoA2
R6700SSporter Competition HBAR (bundled w/ Tasco 3–9x scope)A2RibbedS-1FlattopYesYes.223 REM
5.56 NATO
20 in.HBAR1:9NoA2
R6701Sporter Competition HBAR (Special limited edition production run)A2RibbedS-1FlattopYesYes.223 REM
5.56 NATO
20 in.HBAR1:9NoA2
R6721AR-15A3 Tactical Carbine4th GenerationShort RibbedS-1A2YesYes.223 REM
5.56 NATO
16 in.HBAR1:9YesA2
R6724Sporter Competition HBARA2RibbedS-1FlattopYesYes.223 REM
5.56 NATO
24 in.HBAR1:9NoA2
R6731AR-15A3 Competition HBARA2Short RibbedS-1A2YesYes.223 REM
5.56 NATO
16 in.HBAR1:9NoA2
R6750Sporter Competition HBAR (bundled w/ bipod)A2RibbedS-1A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.Super-Heavy1:7NoA2
R6821Sporter Carbine (7.62×39mm)3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1A2YesYes7.62×39mm16 in.HBAR1:12NoA1
R6830Sporter Lightweight (7.62×39mm)A2Short RibbedS-1A2YesYes7.62×39mm16 in.HBAR1:12NoA1

AR series models

Colt model no.NameStockHand guardsFire controlRear sightForward assistCase deflectorCaliberBarrel lengthBarrel profileBarrel twistBayonet LugMuzzle device
AR6320AR-15 Lightweight4th GenerationShort RibbedS-1A1YesYes.223 REM
5.56 NATO
16 in.A11:9YesA2
AR6450AR-15 9 mm Carbine3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1A1NoRemovable9mm NATO16 in.A11:10YesA1
AR6520AR-15A2 Government Carbine4th GenerationShort RibbedS-1A2YesYes5.56 NATO16 in.A11:7YesA2
AR6520SPAR-15A2 Government Carbine4th GenerationShort RibbedS-1A2YesYes5.56 NATO10 in.A21:7YesA2
AR6525AR-15A2 Government Carbine4th GenerationShort RibbedS-1A2YesYes.223 REM
5.56 NATO
16 in.A21:9YesA2
AR6530AR-15
Lightweight
A2Short RibbedS-1A2YesYes.223 REM
5.56 NATO
16 in.A11:7YesA2
AR6551AR-15
Target Model
A2RibbedS-1A2YesYes.223 REM
5.56 NATO
20 in.A21:7YesA2
AR6601AR-15
Match HBAR
A2RibbedS-1A2YesYes.223 REM
5.56 NATO
20 in.HBAR1:7YesA2
AR6700AR-15
Competition HBAR
A2RibbedS-1FlattopYesYes.223 REM
5.56 NATO
20 in.HBAR1:9YesA2
AR15A4AR-15A4 RifleA2RibbedS-1FlattopYesYes.223 REM
5.56 NATO
20 in.A21:7YesA2
AR6720AR-15A4
Lightweight LE Carbine
4th GenerationShort RibbedS-1FlattopYesYes.223 REM
5.56 NATO
16 in.A11:7YesA2
AR6721AR-15A3 Tactical Carbine4th GenerationShort RibbedS-1FlattopYesYes.223 REM
5.56 NATO
16 in.HBAR1:9YesA2
AR6721SPAR-15A3 Tactical Carbine4th GenerationShort RibbedS-1FlattopYesYes.223 REM
5.56 NATO
10 in.HBAR1:9YesA2
AR6951Colt 9 mm Carbine4th GenerationShort RibbedS-1FlattopNoYes9mm NATO16.1 in.A21:10YesA1 Birdcage

MT and CR series models

Colt model no.NameStockHand guardsFire controlRear sightForward assistCase deflectorCaliberBarrel lengthBarrel profileBarrel twistBayonet LugMuzzle device
CR6724Colt Accurized RifleA2FF TubeS-1FlattopYesYes.223 REM
5.56 NATO
24 in.Stainless HBAR1:9NoNone
CR6720Colt Accurized RifleA2FF TubeS-1FlattopYesYes.223 REM
5.56 NATO
20 in.Stainless HBAR1:9NoNone
CRM16A1M16A1 Retro ReissueA1TriangularS-1A1YesNo5.56 NATO20 in.A11:12YesType 2 Duckbill
MT6400Match Target M44th GenerationM4S-1FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO16 in.M41:7NoNone
MT6400CMatch Target M44th GenerationM4S-1FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO16 in.M41:7NoFactory compensator
MT6430Match Target LightweightA2Short RibbedS-1A1NoYes9mm Luger16 in.A11:10NoNone
MT6530Match Target LightweightA2Short RibbedS-1A2YesYes5.56 NATO16 in.A11:7NoNone
MT6551Match Target RifleA2RibbedS-1A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7NoNone
MT6601Match Target HBARA2RibbedS-1A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7NoNone
MT6601CMatch Target HBARA2RibbedS-1A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7NoFactory compensator
MT6700Match Target Competition HBARA2RibbedS-1FlattopYesYes.223 REM
5.56 NATO
20 in.HBAR1:9NoNone
MT6700CMatch Target Competition HBARA2RibbedS-1FlattopYesNo.223 REM
5.56 NATO
20 in.HBAR1:9NoFactory compensator
MT6731Match Target Competition HBAR IIA2Short RibbedS-1FlattopYesYes.223 REM
5.56 NATO
16 in.HBAR1:9NoNone
MT6830AR-15A2 Government Carbine (Post-Ban LE Only)3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1A2YesYes.223 REM16 in.HBAR1:12YesA2

LE series models

Colt model no.NameStockHand guardsFire controlRear sightForward assistCase deflectorCaliberBarrel lengthBarrel profileBarrel twistBayonet LugMuzzle device
LE1020Gas Piston Carbine4th GenerationRail SystemS-1FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO16 in.M41:7YesA2
LE1033Gas Piston Commando4th GenerationRail SystemS-1FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO11.5 in.A21:7YesA2
LE6920Law Enforcement Carbine (Also produced under license by Colt Canada)4th GenerationM4S-1FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO16 in.M41:7YesA2
LE6920 SOCOMLaw Enforcement Carbine (US military reproduction)4th GenerationKnights armament RASS-1Matech rear sightYesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.SOCOM1:7YesExtended A2
LE6920HBLaw Enforcement Carbine4th GenerationM4S-1FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO16 in.M4 HBAR1:7YesA2
LE6921M4LE Carbine4th GenerationM4S-1FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2
LE6921CQBM4LE Carbine4th GenerationM4S-1FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO10.5 in.M4 HBAR1:7YesA2
LE6921HBM4LE Carbine4th GenerationM4S-1FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M4 HBAR1:7YesA2
LE6921SPM4LE Carbine4th GenerationM4S-1FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO10 in.M4 HBAR1:7YesA2
LE6933M4LE Commando4th GenerationShort RibbedS-1FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO11.5 in.A21:7YesA2
LE6940Monolithic Advanced Law Enforcement Carbine4th GenerationMonolithic Rail SystemS-1FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO16 in.M41:7YesA2
LE6941Law Enforcement Carbine (direct impingement version of LE1020)4th GenerationRail SystemS-1FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO16 in.M41:7YesA2

LT series models

Colt model no.NameStockHand guardsFire controlRear sightForward assistCase deflectorCaliberBarrel lengthBarrel profileBarrel twistBayonet LugMuzzle device
LT6720-RTalo Special Edition4th GenerationRail SystemS-1FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO16 in.Lightweight pencil barrel1:7NoA2

CE series models

Colt model no.NameStockHand guardsFire controlRear sightForward assistCase deflectorCaliberBarrel lengthBarrel profileBarrel twistBayonet LugMuzzle device
CE1000Expanse4th GenerationA2S-1FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO16 in.Lightweight pencil barrel1:7NoA2
CE2000Expanse4th GenerationA2S-1FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO16 in.Lightweight pencil barrel1:7NoA2

Glossary of terms

Stock

Fixed Stocks

Retractable Stocks

Handguards

Fire control

Rear sight

Barrel profile

Barrel twist

Note: Metric measurements are rounded upwards to the nearest digit.

Muzzle device

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Colt's Manufacturing Company. "M4 Carbine Law Enforcement Datasheet" . Retrieved 26 November 2019.
  2. 1 2 Colt's Manufacturing Company. "Colt M4 Carbine". Archived from the original on 2016-03-22. Retrieved 26 November 2019.

Bibliography

See also