- AR-15 variants
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This article is a review of many variations of the AR-15 family of weapons. Weapons patterned on the original ArmaLite AR-15 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 in a variety of categories, and provide an overview of different subtypes of the platform. 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
Numbered Colt military models
Colt has been the most visible producer of weapons of the AR-15 pattern, and the military designation M16 is 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 “RO.” For the purposes of this table, the RO 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 model no. Name Stock Fire control Rear sight Forward assist Case deflector Barrel length Barrel profile Barrel twist Hand guards Bayonet Lug Muzzle device 601 AR-15 A1 S-1-F A1 No No 20 in. A1 1:14 (early) or 1:12 (late) Triangular Yes Type 1 Duckbill/Type 2 Duckbill 602 AR-15 A1 S-1-F A1 No No 20 in. A1 1:12 Triangular Yes Type 2 Duckbill 603 XM16E1 A1 S-1-F A1 Yes No 20 in. A1 1:12 Triangular Yes Type 2 Duckbill 603 M16A1 A1 S-1-F A1 Yes No 20 in. A1 1:12 Triangular Yes A1 604 M16 (No XM16 designation) A1 S-1-F A1 No No 20 in. A1 1:12 Triangular Yes A1 605 CAR-15 Carbine A1 S-1-F A1 No No 15 in. A1 1:12 Triangular No Type 2 Duckbill 605A CAR-15 Carbine A1 S-1-F A1 Yes No 15 in. A1 1:12 Triangular No Type 2 Duckbill 605B CAR-15 Carbine A1 S-F-1-3 A1 No No 15 in. A1 1:12 Triangular No Type 2 Duckbill 606 CAR-15 Heavy Assault Rifle M1 A1 S-1-F A1 No No 20 in. HBAR 1:12 Triangular Yes Type 2 Duckbill 606A CAR-15 Heavy Assault Rifle M1 A1 S-1-F A1 Yes No 20 in. HBAR 1:12 Triangular Yes Type 2 Duckbill 606B CAR-15 Heavy Assault Rifle M1 A1 S-F-1-3 A1 Yes No 20 in. HBAR 1:12 Triangular Yes Type 2 Duckbill 607 CAR-15 SMG 1st Generation S-1-F A1 No No 10 in. A1 1:12 Short Triangular No Type 1 and 2 Duckbill and 3.5" Moderator 607A CAR-15 SMG 1st Generation S-1-F A1 Yes No 10 in. A1 1:12 Short Triangular No Type 1 and 2 Duckbill and 3.5" Moderator 607B CAR-15 SMG 1st Generation S-F-1-3 A1 No No 10 in. A1 1:12 Short Triangular No Type 1 and 2 Duckbill and 3.5" Moderator 608 CAR-15 Survival Rifle Tubular S-1-F A1 No No 10 in. A1 1:12 Short Round No Conical or 3.5" Moderator 609 XM177E1 2nd Generation S-1-F A1 Yes No 10 in. A1 1:12 Short Ribbed No 3.5" or 4.5" Moderator 610 XM177 or GAU-5/A 2nd Generation S-1-F A1 No No 10 in. A1 1:12 Short Ribbed No 3.5" or 4.5" Moderator 610B CAR-15 SMG 2nd Generation S-F-1-3 A1 No No 10 in. A1 1:12 Short Ribbed No 3.5" or 4.5" Moderator 611 M16 HBAR A1 S-1-F A1 Yes No 20 in. HBAR 1:12 Triangular Yes A1 611P M16 HBAR (License produced by Elisco Tools) A1 S-1-F A1 Yes No 20 in. HBAR 1:12 Triangular Yes A1 613 M16 A1 S-1-F A1 Yes No 20 in. A1 1:12 Triangular Yes A1 613P M16 (License produced by Elisco Tools) A1 S-1-F A1 Yes No 20 in. A1 1:12 Triangular Yes A1 614 M16 A1 S-1-F A1 No No 20 in. A1 1:12 Triangular Yes A1 614S M16S1 (License produced by Chartered Arms Singapore) A1 S-1-F A1 No No 20 in. A1 1:12 Triangular Yes A1 615 M16 HBAR A1 S-1-F A1 No No 20 in. HBAR 1:12 Triangular Yes A1 616 M16 HBAR A1 S-1-F A1 No No 20 in. HBAR 1:12 Round Yes A1 619 XM177E1 2nd Generation S-1-F A1 Yes No 10 in. A1 1:12 Short Ribbed No 3.5" or 4.5" Moderator 620 CAR-15 2nd Generation S-1-F A1 No No 10 in. A1 1:12 Short Ribbed No 3.5" or 4.5" Moderator 621 M16A1 HBAR A1 S-1-F A1 Yes No 20 in. HBAR 1:12 Triangular Yes A1 629 XM177E2 2nd Generation S-1-F A1 Yes No 11.5 in. A1 1:12 Short Ribbed No 4.5" Moderator 630 GAU-5A/A 2nd Generation S-1-F A1 No No 11.5 in. A1 1:12 Short Ribbed No 4.5" Moderator 633 Colt SMG 2nd Generation S-1-F A1 No Yes 7 in. A1 1:10 Short Round No None 634 Colt SMG 2nd Generation Conflict between S-1 and S-1-F A1 No Yes 10 in. A1 1:10 Short Ribbed No A2 635 Colt SMG 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Generation S-1-F A1 No Yes 10 in. A1 1:10 Short Ribbed No A2 635S Colt SMG 2nd Generation S-1-F A1 No Yes 10 in. A1 w/ integral silencer 1:10 Short Ribbed No A2 639 XM177E2 2nd Generation S-1-F A1 Yes No 11.5 in. A1 1:12 Short Ribbed No 4.5" Moderator or A1 639 Colt SMG 2nd S-1-3 A1 No Yes 10 in. A1 w/ integral silencer 1:10 Short Ribbed No A2 640 XM177E2 2nd Generation S-1-F A1 No No 11.5 in. A1 1:12 Short Ribbed No 4.5" Moderator or A1 645 M16A1E1/M16A2 A2 S-1-3 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 645E M16A2E1 Flattop (w/ flip down front sight) S-1-3 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 646 M16A2E3/M16A3 A2 S-1-F A2 Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 649 GAU-5A/A 2nd Generation S-1-F A1 No No 11.5 in. A1 1:12 Short Ribbed No 4.5" Moderator 650 M16A1 carbine A1 S-1-F A1 Yes No 14.5 in. A1 1:12 Short Ribbed Yes A1 651 M16A1 carbine A1 S-1-F A1 Yes No 14.5 in. A1 1:12 Short Ribbed Yes A1 652 M16A1 carbine A1 S-1-F A1 No No 14.5 in. A1 1:12 Short Ribbed Yes A1 653 M16A1 carbine 2nd Generation S-1-F A1 Yes No 14.5 in. A1 1:12 Short Ribbed Yes A1 653P M16A1 carbine (License produced by Elisco Tools) 2nd Generation S-1-F A1 Yes No 14.5 in. A1 1:12 Short Ribbed Yes A1 654 M16A1 carbine 2nd Generation S-1-F A1 No No 14.5 in. A1 1:12 Short Ribbed Yes A1 655 M16A1 Special High Profile A1 S-1-F A1 (used with special raised carry handle scope mount) Yes No 20 in. HBAR 1:12 Triangular Yes A1 656 M16A1 Special Low Profile A1 S-1-F Flattop Yes No 20 in. HBAR 1:12 Triangular Yes A1 701 M16A2 A2 S-1-F A2 Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 702 M16A2 A2 S-1-3 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 703 M16A2 A2 S-1-F A2 Yes Yes 20 in. A1 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 705 M16A2 A2 S-1-3 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 707 M16A2 A2 S-1-3 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. A1 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 711 M16A2 A2 S-1-F A1 Yes No and Yes 20 in. A1 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 713 M16A2 A2 S-1-3 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 715 M16A2 (License produced by Diemaco/Colt Canada as the C7) A2 S-1-F A1 Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 719 M16A2 A2 S-1-3 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. A1 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 720 XM4 Carbine 3rd Generation S-1-3 A2 Yes Yes 14.5 in. M4 1:7 Short Ribbed Yes A2 723 M16A2 carbine 3rd Generation S-1-F A1 Yes Yes 14.5 in. A1 1:7 Short Ribbed Yes A1 725 M16A2 carbine (License produced by Diemaco/Colt Canada as the C8) 3rd Generation S-1-F A1 Yes Yes 14.5 in. A1 1:7 Short Ribbed Yes A2 725A M16A2 carbine 3rd Generation S-1-F A1 Yes Yes 14.5 in. A1 1:7 Short Ribbed Yes A2 725B M16A2 carbine 3rd Generation S-1-F A1 Yes Yes 14.5 in. A2 1:7 Short Ribbed Yes A2 726 M16A2 carbine 3rd Generation S-1-F A1 Yes Yes 14.5 in. A1 1:7 Short Ribbed Yes A1 727 M16A2 carbine 3rd Generation S-1-F A2 Yes Yes 14.5 in. M4 1:7 Short Ribbed Yes A2 728 M16A2 carbine 3rd Generation S-1-F A2 Yes Yes 14.5 in. M4 1:7 Short Ribbed Yes A2 733 M16A2 Commando/M4 Commando 3rd or 4th Generation S-1-F A1 or A2 Yes Yes or No 11.5 in. A1 or A2 1:7 Short Ribbed No A1 or A2 733A M16A2 Commando/M4 Commando 3rd or 4th Generation S-1-3 A1 or A2 Yes Yes or No 11.5 in. A1 or A2 1:7 Short Ribbed No A1 or A2 734 M16A2 Commando 3rd Generation S-1-F A1 or A2 Yes Yes or No 11.5 in. A1 or A2 1:7 Short Ribbed No A1 or A2 734A M16A2 Commando 3rd Generation S-1-3 A1 or A2 Yes Yes or No 11.5 in. A1 or A2 1:7 Short Ribbed No A1 or A2 735 M16A2 Commando/M4 Commando 3rd or 4th Generation S-1-3 A1 or A2 Yes Yes or No 11.5 in. A1 or A2 1:7 Short Ribbed No A1 or A2 737 M16A2 A2 S-1-3 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. HBAR 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 738 M4 Commando Enhanced 4th Generation S-1-3-F A2 Yes Yes 11.5 in. A2 1:7 Short Ribbed No A1 or A2 741 M16A2 A2 S-1-F A2 Yes Yes 20 in. HBAR 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 742 M16A2 (Standard w/ bipod) A2 S-1-F A2 Yes Yes 20 in. HBAR 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 745 M16A2 (Standard w/ bipod) A2 S-1-3 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. HBAR 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 746 M16A2 (Standard w/ bipod) A2 S-1-3 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. HBAR 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 750 LMG (Colt/Diemaco project) A2 S-F A2 Yes Yes 20 in. HBAR 1:7 Square LMG Yes A2 777 M4 Carbine 4th Generation S-1-3 A2 Yes Yes 14.5 in. M4 1:7 M4 Yes A2 778 M4 Carbine Enhanced 4th Generation S-1-3-F A2 Yes Yes 14.5 in. M4 1:7 M4 Yes A2 779 M4 Carbine 4th Generation S-1-F A2 Yes Yes 14.5 in. M4 1:7 M4 Yes A2 901 M16A3 A2 S-1-F Flattop Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 905 M16A4 A2 S-1-3 Flattop Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 920 M4 Carbine 3rd and 4th Generation S-1-3 Flattop Yes Yes 14.5 in. M4 1:7 M4 Yes A2 921 M4E1/A1 Carbine 4th Generation S-1-F Flattop Yes Yes 14.5 in. M4 1:7 M4 Yes A2 921HB M4A1 Carbine 4th Generation S-1-F Flattop Yes Yes 14.5 in. M4 HBAR 1:7 M4 Yes A2 925 M4E2 Carbine 3rd or 4th Generation S-1-3 Flattop Yes Yes 14.5 in. M4 1:7 M4 Yes A2 927 M4 Carbine 4th Generation S-1-F Flattop Yes Yes 14.5 in. M4 1:7 M4 Yes A2 933 M4 Commando 4th Generation S-1-F Flattop Yes Yes 11.5 in. A1 or A2 1:7 Short Ribbed No A2 935 M4 Commando 4th Generation S-1-3 Flattop Yes Yes 11.5 in. A1 or A2 1:7 Short Ribbed No A2 938 M4 Commando Enhanced 4th Generation S-1-3-F Flattop Yes Yes 11.5 in. A2 1:7 M4 No A2 977 M4 Carbine 4th Generation S-1-3 Flattop Yes Yes 14.5 in. M4 1:7 M4 Yes A2 941 M16A3 A2 S-1-F Flattop Yes Yes 20 in. HBAR 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 942 M16A3 (Standard w/ bipod) A2 S-1-F Flattop Yes Yes 20 in. HBAR 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 945 M16A2E4/M16A4 A2 S-1-3 Flattop Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 950 LMG (Colt/Diemaco project) A2 S-F Flattop Yes Yes 20 in. HBAR 1:7 Square LMG Yes A2 "977" M4 Carbine 4th Generation S-1-3 Flattop Yes Yes 14.5 in. M4 1:7 M4 Yes A2 978 M4 Carbine Enhanced 4th Generation S-1-3-F Flattop Yes Yes 14.5 in. M4 1:7 M4 Yes A2 979 M4A1 Carbine 4th Generation S-1-F Flattop Yes Yes 14.5 in. M4 1:7 M4 Yes A2 Colt model no. Name Stock Fire control Rear sight Forward assist Case deflector Barrel length Barrel profile Barrel twist Hand guards Bayonet Lug Muzzle device Numbered Colt civilian models
Colt’s civilian line 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” prefix. Currently, Colt Defense has no line targeted specifically at the private civilian market.
R series models
Colt model no. Name Stock Fire control Rear sight Forward assist Case deflector Barrel length Barrel profile Barrel twist Hand guards Bayonet Lug Muzzle device R6000 AR-15 Sporter (SP1) A1 S-1 A1 No No 20 in. A1 1:12 Triangular Yes Type 2 Duckbill or A1 R6001 AR-15 Sporter Carbine (SP1 Carbine) 2nd Generation S-1 A1 No No 16 in. A1 1:12 Short Ribbed Yes A1 R6002 AR-15 Sporter (SP1; Bundled with 3x scope) A1 S-1 A1 No No 20 in. A1 1:12 Triangular Yes A1 R6003 AR-15 Sporter Carbine (SP1 Carbine; Bundled with 3x scope) 2nd Generation S-1 A1 No No 16 in. A1 1:12 Short Ribbed Yes A1 R6004 AR-15 Sporter (SP1; Bundled with Colt Reflex Sighting System) A1 S-1 A1 No No 20 in. A1 1:12 Triangular Yes A1 R6420 AR-15A2 Sporter II Carbine 3rd Generation S-1 A2 Yes No 16 in. A1 1:7 Short Ribbed Yes A2 R6430 Sporter Lightweight (9 mm) 3rd Generation S-1 A1 No Removable 16 in. A1 1:10 Short Ribbed Yes A1 R6450 AR-15 9 mm Carbine 3rd Generation S-1 A1 No No 16 in. A1 1:10 Short Ribbed Yes A1 R6500 AR-15A2 Sporter II A2 S-1 A2 Yes No 20 in. A2 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 R6510 AR-15A2 Sporter II (Special export model in .222 Remington) A2 S-1 A2 Yes No 20 in. A2 1:12 Ribbed Yes A2 R6520 AR-15A2 Government Carbine 3rd Generation S-1 A2 Yes Yes 16 in. A1 1:7 Short Ribbed Yes A2 R6521 AR-15A2 Government Carbine (Special export model with receiver block and large pin upper receiver) 3rd Generation S-1 A2 Yes Yes 16 in. A1 1:7 Short Ribbed Yes A2 R6530 Sporter Lightweight .223 3rd Generation S-1 A2 Yes Yes 16 in. A1 1:7 Short Ribbed No A2 R6550 AR-15A2 Government A2 S-1 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 R6550CC AR-15A2 Government (w/ factory camouflage finish) A2 S-1 A2 Yes No 20 in. A2 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 R6550K AR-15A2 Government (w/ factory installed .22 Long Rifle conversion kit) A2 S-1 A2 Yes No 20 in. A2 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 R6551 Sporter Target A2 S-1 A2 Yes No 20 in. A2 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 R6600 AR-15A2 HBAR A2 S-1 A2 Yes No 20 in. HBAR 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 R6600DH AR-15A2 Delta HBAR (bundled w/ Tasco 3–9x scope and cheekpiece) A2 S-1 A2 Yes No 20 in. HBAR 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 R6600K AR-15A2 HBAR (w/ factory installed .22 Long Rifle conversion kit) A2 S-1 A2 Yes No 20 in. HBAR 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 R6601 Sporter Match HBAR A2 S-1 A2 Yes No 20 in. HBAR 1:7 Ribbed No A2 R6601DH Sporter Match Delta HBAR (bundled w/ Tasco 3–9x scope and cheekpiece) A2 S-1 A2 Yes No 20 in. HBAR 1:7 Ribbed No A2 R6700 Sporter Competition HBAR A2 S-1 Flattop Yes No 20 in. HBAR 1:9 Ribbed No A2 R6700CH Sporter Competition HBAR (bundled w/ Tasco 3–9x scope and cheekpiece) A2 S-1 Flattop Yes No 20 in. HBAR 1:9 Ribbed No A2 R6700S Sporter Competition HBAR (bundled w/ Tasco 3–9x scope) A2 S-1 Flattop Yes No 20 in. HBAR 1:9 Ribbed No A2 R6701 Sporter Competition HBAR (Special limited edition production run) A2 S-1 Flattop Yes Yes 20 in. HBAR 1:9 Ribbed No A2 R6721 AR-15A3 Tactical Carbine 4th Generation S-1 A2 Yes Yes 16 in. HBAR 1:9 Short Ribbed Yes A2 R6724 Sporter Competition HBAR A2 S-1 Flattop Yes No 24 in. HBAR 1:9 Ribbed No A2 R6731 AR-15A3 Competition HBAR A2 S-1 A2 Yes Yes 16 in. HBAR 1:9 Short Ribbed No A2 R6750 Sporter Competition HBAR (bundled w/ bipod) A2 S-1 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. Super-Heavy 1:7 Ribbed No A2 R6821 Sporter Carbine (7.62x39mm) 3rd Generation S-1 A2 Yes Yes 16 in. HBAR 1:12 Short Ribbed No A1 R6831 Sporter Lightweight (7.62x39mm) 3rd Generation S-1 A2 Yes Yes 16 in. A1 1:12 Short Ribbed No A1 AR series models
Colt model no. Name Stock Fire control Rear sight Forward assist Case deflector Barrel length Barrel profile Barrel twist Hand guards Bayonet Lug Muzzle device AR6320 AR-15 Lightweight 4th Generation S-1 A1 Yes Yes 16 in. A1 1:9 Short Ribbed Yes A2 AR6450 AR-15 9 mm Carbine 4th Generation S-1 A1 No Removable 16 in. A1 1:10 Short Ribbed Yes A1 AR6520 AR-15A2 Government Carbine 4th Generation S-1 A2 Yes Yes 16 in. A1 1:7 Short Ribbed Yes A2 AR6520SP AR-15A2 Government Carbine 4th Generation S-1 A2 Yes Yes 10 in. A2 1:7 Short Ribbed Yes A2 AR6525 AR-15A2 Government Carbine 4th Generation S-1 A2 Yes Yes 16 in. A2 1:9 Short Ribbed Yes A2 AR6721 AR-15A3 Tactical Carbine 4th Generation S-1 Flattop Yes Yes 16 in. HBAR 1:9 Short Ribbed Yes A2 AR6721SP AR-15A3 Tactical Carbine 4th Generation S-1 Flattop Yes Yes 10 in. HBAR 1:9 Short Ribbed Yes A2 MT and CR series models
Colt model no. Name Stock Fire control Rear sight Forward assist Case deflector Barrel length Barrel profile Barrel twist Hand guards Bayonet Lug Muzzle device CR6724 Colt Accurized Rifle A2 S-1 Flattop Yes Yes 24 in. Stainless HBAR 1:9 FF Tube No None MT6400 Match Target M4 4th Generation S-1 Flattop Yes Yes 16 in. M4 1:7 M4 No None MT6400C Match Target M4 4th Generation S-1 Flattop Yes Yes 16 in. M4 1:7 M4 No Factory compensator MT6530 Match Target Lightweight A2 S-1 A2 Yes Yes 16 in. A1 1:7 Short Ribbed No None MT6551 Match Target Rifle A2 S-1 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Ribbed No None MT6601 Match Target HBAR A2 S-1 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. HBAR 1:7 Ribbed No None MT6601C Match Target HBAR A2 S-1 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. HBAR 1:7 Ribbed No Factory compensator MT6700 Match Target Competition HBAR A2 S-1 Flattop Yes No 20 in. HBAR 1:9 Ribbed No None MT6700C Match Target Competition HBAR A2 S-1 Flattop Yes No 20 in. HBAR 1:9 Ribbed No Factory compensator MT6731 Match Target Competition HBAR II A2 S-1 Flattop Yes Yes 16 in. HBAR 1:9 Short Ribbed No None MT6830 AR-15A2 Government Carbine (Post-Ban LE Only) 3rd Generation S-1 A2 Yes Yes 16 in. HBAR 1:12 Short Ribbed Yes A2 LE series models
Colt model no. Name Stock Fire control Rear sight Forward assist Case deflector Barrel length Barrel profile Barrel twist Hand guards Bayonet Lug Muzzle device LE1020 Gas Piston Carbine 4th Generation S-1 Flattop Yes Yes 16 in. M4 1:7 Rail System Yes A2 LE1033 Gas Piston Commando 4th Generation S-1 Flattop Yes Yes 11.5 in. A2 1:7 Rail System Yes A2 LE6920 Law Enforcement Carbine (Also produced under license by Colt Canada) 4th Generation S-1 Flattop Yes Yes 16 in. M4 1:7 M4 Yes A2 LE6920HB Law Enforcement Carbine 4th Generation S-1 Flattop Yes Yes 16 in. M4 HBAR 1:7 M4 Yes A2 LE6921 M4LE Carbine 4th Generation S-1 Flattop Yes Yes 14.5 in. M4 1:7 M4 Yes A2 LE6921CQB M4LE Carbine 4th Generation S-1 Flattop Yes Yes 10.5 in. M4 HBAR 1:7 M4 Yes A2 LE6921HB M4LE Carbine 4th Generation S-1 Flattop Yes Yes 14.5 in. M4 HBAR 1:7 M4 Yes A2 LE6921SP M4LE Carbine 4th Generation S-1 Flattop Yes Yes 10 in. M4 HBAR 1:7 M4 Yes A2 LE6933 M4LE Commando 4th Generation S-1 Flattop Yes Yes 11.5 in. A2 1:7 Short Ribbed Yes A2 LE6940 Monolithic Advanced Law Enforcement Carbine 4th Generation S-1 Flattop Yes Yes 16 in. M4 1:7 Monolithic Rail System Yes A2 LE6941 Law Enforcement Carbine (direct impingement version of LE1020) 4th Generation S-1 Flattop Yes Yes 16 in. M4 1:7 Rail System Yes A2 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.
Name Stock Fire control Rear sight Forward assist Case deflector Barrel length Barrel profile Barrel twist Hand guards Bayonet Lug Muzzle device M16 PIP/M16A1E1 A2 S-1-F or S-1-3 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Ribbed Yes A1 or A2 M16 ACR/M16A2E2 Retracable ACR S-1-3 Flattop Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 ACR Type No ACR compensator XM231 FPW Wire S-F None No No 15.6 in. A1 1:12 Short Round No A1 M231 None S-F None No No 15.6 in. A1 1:12 Short Round No A1 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 model Stock Fire control Rear sight Forward assist Case deflector Barrel length Barrel profile Barrel twist Hand guards Bayonet Lug Muzzle device 715 C7 A2 S-1-F A1 Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 N/A C7FT A2 S-1-F Weaver Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 N/A C7A2 Canadian 3rd Generation S-1-F Weaver Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Ribbed Yes A2 750 Colt/Diemaco LMG/LSW A2 S-F A2 Yes Yes 20 in. HBAR 1:7 Square LMG No A2 N/A LSW A2 S-F Weaver Yes Yes 20 in. HBAR 1:7 Square LMG No A2 725 C8 3rd Generation S-1-F A1 Yes Yes 14.5 in. A1 1:7 Short Ribbed Yes A2 N/A C8FT Canadian 3rd Generation S-1-F Weaver Yes Yes 14.5 in. A1 1:7 Short Ribbed Yes A2 N/A C8FTHB Canadian 3rd Generation S-1-F Weaver Yes Yes 14.5 in. A2 1:7 Short Ribbed Yes A2 N/A SFW Canadian 3rd Generation S-1-F Weaver Yes Yes 14.5 in. SFW 1:7 Short Ribbed Yes A2 N/A C8CQB Canadian 3rd Generation S-1-F Weaver Yes Yes 10" in. A2 1:7 Short Ribbed Yes A2 N/A PDW Canadian 3rd Generation S-1-F Weaver Yes Yes 5.7" in. A2 1:7 N/A No A2 Colt Canada model changes and comments
When Diemaco became Colt Canada the marketing names for a number of products were changed, though some remained the same. Those that changed are listed below, with comments on what major changes Colt Canada made the models.
Diemaco model Colt Canada model Comments C7FT C7A1 Colt Canada offers this rifle with either a Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail type sight base LSW LSW Colt Canada offers this rifle with either a Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail type sight base C8FT C8A1 Colt Canada offers this rifle with either a Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail type sight base C8FTHB C8A2 Colt Canada offers this rifle with either a Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail type sight base SFW SFW Colt Canada offers this rifle with either a Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail type sight base C8CQB CQB Colt Canada offers this rifle with either a Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail type sight base Non-factory military models
Name Base weapon Stock Fire control Rear sight Forward assist Case deflector Barrel length Barrel profile Barrel twist Hand guards Bayonet Lug Muzzle device GUU-5/P GAU-5/A or GAU-5A/A 2nd or 3rd Generation S-1-F A1 Yes No 14.5 in. A1 or M4 1:7 Short Ribbed Yes A1 or A2 GUU-5/P GAU-5/A or GAU-5A/A 2nd or 3rd Generation S-1-F A2 or Flattop Yes Yes 14.5 in. M4 1:7 M4 Yes A2 Mekut'zar Model 653 3rd Generation or Israeli S-1-F A1 Yes No 14.5 in. M4 1:7 Short Ribbed Yes A2 Mekut'zrar Model 653 2nd Generation or Israeli S-1-F A1 Yes No Variable; 9" average A1 1:12 Short Ribbed No Various Glossary of terms
Stock
Fixed Stocks
- A1: Fixed stock as used on M16 and M16A1. May or may not have a trapdoor to store a cleaning kit
- A2: Improved stock used on M16A2. Longer by 5/8"
- Tubular: Fixed tubular buttstock, similar to the 2nd Generation retractable unit, using a receiver extension and triangular rear with buttplate
Retractable Stocks
- 1st Generation: 2-position sliding stock that resembled a shortened fixed buttstock
- 2nd Generation: 2-position aluminum retractable stock
- 3rd Generation: 2-position fiberlite retractable stock. Introduced 1985
- Canadian 3rd Generation: 4-position fiberlite retractable stock fitted with rubber buttpad
- 4th Generation: 4-position nylon retractable stock. Introduced 2002, designed by Picatinny Arsenal engineer Lily Ko with reinforced ribs, an angled buttplate, and a rear sling swivel
- Retractable ACR: Similar in design to the so-called "Crane Stock" (initially fabricated by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division) essentially a 3rd generation unit with integrated cheek-rest
- FPW Wire: Retractable wire stock similar in appearance to the stock used on the M3 submachine gun
- Israeli: Rebuilt 3rd Generation stocks with 6 positions instead of 2
Fire control
- S-1: The selector is Safe (S) – Semi-Automatic (1)
- S-F: The selector is Safe (S) – Fully Automatic (F)
- S-1-F: The selector is Safe (S) – Semi-Automatic (1) – Fully Automatic (F)
- S-1–3: The selector is Safe (S) – Semi-Automatic (1) – 3-Round Limiter (3)
- S-F-1–3: The selector is Safe (S) – Fully Automatic (F) – Semi-Automatic (1) – 3-Round Limiter (3). First Generation 4 position group
- S-1–3-F: The selector is Safe (S) – Semi-Automatic (1) – 3-Round Limiter (3) – Fully Automatic (F). Second Generation 4 position group
Rear sight
- A1: "Field sights" in which the rear sight is only adjustable for windage
- A2: Rear sight adjustable for both windage and elevation
- Flattop: Indicates carry handle and rear sight has been replaced with a MIL-STD-1913 rail. A detachable carry handle can be attached to the rail which features either A1 (Diemaco/Colt Canada) or A2 (Colt) sights
- Weaver: Indicates carry handle and rear sight has been replaced with a Weaver-type rail. A detachable carry handle can be attached to the rail which features either A1 (Diemaco/Colt Canada) or A2 (Colt) sights
Barrel Profile
- ArmaLite Early ArmaLite AR-15 ultra-lightweight 'Hollywood' turned-down profile barrel, 1:14 twist only
- A1: Also referred to as the "lightweight" or "pencil" profile. Government-specified barrel profile increased to between 0.675 and 0.575 inches
- A2: Also referred to as the "government" or "gov't" profile. Barrel profile for which the portion of the barrel in front of handguards is thickened to 0.715 inches
- HBAR: A barrel that in some portion is thicker than government-profile, usually underneath the handguards
- M4: Government barrel profile with small portion reduced to 0.575 inches to mount M203 grenade launcher
- M4 HBAR: M4 barrel with portion under handguard thickened for sustained automatic fire
- Super Heavy: Special Colt bull target/match barrel
- SFW: Special Forces Weapon profile, A2 profile with "fat" portion forward of the sight triangle
Barrel twist
- 1:14: 1 right hand twist every 14 inches
- 1:12: 1 right hand twist every 12 inches (305 mm)
- 1:10: 1 right hand twist every 10 inches
- 1:9: 1 right hand twist every 9 inches
- 1:7: 1 right hand twist every 7 inches (177.8 mm)
Handguards
- Triangular: Triangular rifle handguards
- Short Triangular: Carbine length triangular handguards
- Round: Smooth round rifle handguards[citation needed]
- Short Round: Carbine length smooth round handguard
- Ribbed: Ribbed round rifle handguards
- Short Ribbed: Carbine length ribbed handguards
- Square LMG: Special heavy handguards with integral vertical grip for use during sustained fire
- FF Tube: Free-Float Tube
- M4: Oval carbine handguards with double heatshields
- Rail System: Handguards are replaced with a Rail Integration System
Muzzle device
- Type 1 Duckbill: Original three-prong flash hider
- Type 2 Duckbill: Also referred to as "three prong." A larger three-prong flash hider
- A1: Also referred to as the "Birdcage" flash hider
- A2: Birdcage flash hider with bottom slots closed off to act as muzzle compensator and to prevent dust from being blown into the shooters face while in the prone position
- 3.5" Moderator or 4.5" Moderator: Either the 3.5-inch or 4.5-inch baffled moderators
- Conical: A conical flash suppressor
- ACR Compensator: Special anti-rise muzzle device developed specifically for the Colt ACR
- Factory Compensator: Colt Factory muzzle brake compliant with the restrictions of the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban
References
- Bartocci, Christopher R. (2004). Black Rifle II: The M16 into the 21st Century. Cobourg, Canada: Collector Grade Publications Inc.. ISBN 0-88935-348-4.
- Dockery, Kevin. Special Warfare Special Weapons. Chicago, IL: Emperor's Press, 1997. ISBN 1-883-47600-3.
- Gervasi, Tom. Arsenal of Democracy III: America's War Machine, the Pursuit of Global Dominance. New York, NY: Grove Press, Inc, 1984. ISBN 0-394-54102-2.
- Long, Duncan. The Complete AR-15/M16 Sourcebook. Boulder, CO: Paladin Press, 2001. ISBN 0-87364-687-8.
- Stevens, R. Blake; Edward C. Ezell (2004) [1987]. The Black Rifle: M16 Retrospective. Modern U.S. Military Small Arms (Second Enhanced Edition ed.). Cobourg, Canada: Colector Grade Publications Inc.. ISBN 0-88935-115-5.
See also
AR-10 • AR-15 • AR-57 • AR-831 • C7/C8 • CAR • CAR-15 • CM901 • Colt 9mm SMG • CQ • CQBR • GPC • HK416 • HK417 • LR300 • MSSR • M110 • M16 • M16K • M231 • M27 • M4 • M4A2/A3 • M6 • M468 • OA-93 • REC7 • Recon Rifle • SDM-R • SAM-R • Shrike • SOAR • SPR • SR-25 • SR-47 • SR-556 • T-14 • T-15 • T-16 • T-17 • T65 • T86 • T91
Categories:- Assault rifles
- Colt's Manufacturing Company
- Firearms of the United States
- Rifles of the United States
- 5.56 mm firearms
- Semi-automatic rifles
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