[i]The first soldiers have begun receiving the upgraded M4 carbine, the M4A1 — the same weapon used for decades in special forces units.
The 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas, is the first to get the converted weapons, Amy officials announced Wednesday. The new features of the deadlier weapon include a heavy barrel, ambidextrous fire control and a new fully-automatic drop-in trigger option to replace the M4’s “burst” setting. The barrel’s weight allows the weapon to better resist heat and cook-off, allowing a sustained rate of fire.
“Those piece-parts are part of conversion kits currently being applied at Fort Riley, and that increased capability not only includes an increased rate of fire, resistance to cook-off, but improved ergonomics,” said Product Manager for Individual Weapons Lt. Col. Shawn Lucas.[/i]
I don’t think this is as big of an upgrade as they are making it out to be. I never once thought I needed my M4 to be heavier or make empty faster. Burst was a really cool feature and made 30rnds last.
I definitely wouldn’t have minded a full auto trigger in my rifles when I was in. Not necessarily for the fun switch but for a better trigger pull. Those burst triggers were awful.
Because the extended latch makes it easy to accidentally bump the lever and disengage the charging handle.
I have a BCM mod4 installed on my rifle. The first time I took it out in dense brush looking for a fox that had been stealing my chickens, the extended handle was bumped several times. Anytime I lowered the rifle to my side (no sling) the latch bumped against my pants and disengaged the charging handle.
My dogs and I were out there looking for a fox that has killed half my chicken flock. Having to keep an eye on my charging handle should be the least of my worries.
The extended charging handles might be good for range work, but I was not impressed when it came to using the rifle in dense brush, hanging vines, climbing over creek banks, and the such.
I am probably going to go back to the plain ole charging handle if the BCM keeps giving me problems.
I was always wishing (without much hope) that they would adopt the mid-length gas system and 16" barrel. I know it wouldn’t make much difference, but I just am not convinced that the 1.5" is greatly helpful in CQB enough to sacrifice velocity benefits using the M855. Also, it seems like the mid-length would last a bit longer, and slow up their auto fire enough to make it more controllable.
I know its a lot of fix for a relative non issue, but it is still a wish.
I bought my wife a mod 4 for her rifle. I liked it so much I bought one for myself. The only place I used her rifle was at the sandpit.
When I used my rifle with the mod 4 latch for a practical application, like looking for predators that had been killing my chickens, I was less than impressed.
As long as you are not crouching, dogs bumping up against you, climbing over a creek bank, moving around vines and dense brush, the BCM extended handles might be fine. I am going to go after that fox again and will see if the latch keeps getting bumped loose.
A few days ago the dogs went crazy at 9pm and 2am in the morning. I figure it is still coming around.
Some ideas like the extended charging handle seem nice on the range, but do not work so good in the woods or brush.
Well I will disagree and I know for a fact that there are guys using them overseas on their weapons. Most every AR I have put my hands on, required deliberate action to pull the charging handle back. YMMV.
Lots of people use lots of things overseas. That is the classic garbage company line when one dude or PLT, CO, ODA, etc. buys something…“currently in use by XXX!”
BCM sells a neat charging handle, but LOTS if people opt to remove larger latches after a few patrols/TICs after the larger latch pulls their gun out of battery.
The move is a smart one on the part of the Army. Hardly anyone ever uses any mode of fire other than SEMI. As mentioned, BURST equipped guns have horrendous trigger pulls. Going to AUTO makes sense if for no other reason than that benefit. No one wants extra weight, but at least the SOCOM profile barrel is a step in right direction as it is not backwards like the Gov’t profile is.