Question on M4's

[dukesean]

So I have no experience with EBRs, and am considering getting one with my tax rebate check, but have a couple questions.

What is the difference between an M4 and an AR15? I thought the M4 has a shorter barrel and is therefore more compact than the AR15, but I seem to see the two terms used interchangeably. Am I missing something here?

Any other differences? Maybe in the upper receiver?

[WEC]

The M4 is the current manifestation of the M16. Yes, shorter barrel. Technically, M4's are supposed to have select fire, but you could find some marked M4 which are semi-auto only. The AR-15 is just the "general" name for the rifle.

[ELB]

Once you start digging into the AR-15 arena, you will discover there is a whole 'nother world of terms associated with that rifle. Like said above, it is a Barbie doll for guys. And some gals. The best all-round post I have ever run across for explaining most, if not all, of the terms, is this one:

So you want to buy an AR-15, huh? at officer.com.

Good luck. I studied up on this myself awhile back -- then I bought an AK-47.

[TexasComputerDude]

this is a great website for AR related stuff that someone on this very forum linked me to when I first started looking for my first AR.

http://forums.officer.com/showthread.php?t=81462


edit: and apparently I pulled an obama and didn't read before posting, lol.

[Backslider]

It's Barbie-doll for guys ;)

That's the most apt analogy I've heard in a long time.

I plan on stealing it.

[iratollah]

Steal this:

[Backslider]

I had to redo the poster in a zombie font. :)

[Purplehood]

So I have no experience with EBRs, and am considering getting one with my tax rebate check, but have a couple questions.

What is the difference between an M4 and an AR15? I thought the M4 has a shorter barrel and is therefore more compact than the AR15, but I seem to see the two terms used interchangeably. Am I missing something here?

Any other differences? Maybe in the upper receiver?

The only difference I noticed between the M-4 I carried and the AR-15 I just bought is the word Bushmaster on my purchase. It even came with the little plastic block you stick in the chamber that we always used on Marine Corps ranges. As noted in the extremely coolicious pic above, you can really doll-up an AR-15 though.

[Lodge2004]

It's Barbie-doll for guys ;)

That's the most apt analogy I've heard in a long time.

I plan on stealing it.

When that poster first came out and I showed it to my daughter, she added that 1911's must be "Barbie for men...the Classic edition". Would make a cool set of posters if anybody out there has the talent to create one.

[RECIT]

There are many different variations of AR configuration. I have an A2 style myself with full length hand guards, a fixed carry handle on the upper receiver, fixed stock and a 20" barrel. The M4 configuration has 16" barrel, flat top or fixed carry handle, mid-length hand guards 7" or so, and a collapsible stock. The feed ramps on the M4 are different than an older A2 style as well. The M4 feeds ramps for the ammo are part of the barrel on the M4 where they are part of the receiver on the A2 style. A few simple differences, they all get the job done. Handle a few, notice some differences and see what fits you personally. On another note, I have an AK too and the ergonomics are horrible. I am actually changing my stock on my AK to fit an AR type stock for comfort and control.

[Chuck TX]

WARNING: Once you start getting into EBR's you won't be able to stop.

[longhorn_92]

WARNING: Once you start getting into EBR's you won't be able to stop.

I love this! You are absolutley correct about that!!!