80 percent of M-4 rifle parts similar to existing M-16s

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 17): 80 percent of M-4 rifle parts similar to existing M-16s

Having sufficient stocks of spares or replacement parts is one of the best methods to keep your superiority in the field of battle.

And with the arrival of the Remington M-4 automatic rifle in Philippine military service, finding spare parts or replacement materials need to keep this weapon on the firing line will no longer be a problem as 80 percent of its parts are similar with the M-16 automatic rifle now gradually being phased out from the Filipino ground units.

This means that both weapons can interchange parts in case of malfunction or battlefield damage.

This is possible as the M-4 is basically the shortened version of the venerable M-16 rifle, according to the fact sheet forwarded by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

"The M-4 Carbine is a lighter and shorter variant of the M-16A2 assault rifle. The two have roughly 80 percent of their parts in common (and thus) cost efficient," it stressed.

And despite its short length, the M-4 has a point target range of 500 meters and area target range of 600 meters.

This is greater than the 460 maximum effective range of the M-16A1 assault rifle.

Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato earlier said that the M-4 can fire a more heavy shell than the M-16 automatic rifle it is replacing, thus ensuring greater damage to its target.

It can do this due to the so-called "rifle twisting".

"The old M-16s have a 1-in-12 twist while the M-4s have a 1-in-7 twist making it more powerful," he added.

Detoyato stated that the M-4 can be more easily upgraded with modern sighting devices.

"The new M-4s (are) ready for enhancements as it is the A3 model. Its carry handle is removable (thus ensuring) its conversion as 'flattop' rifle with Picattiny rail for night vision gear. It also has a handguard to accommodate TGT designators, flash lights and many other items," he added.

And due to its smaller size than the M-16, Detoyato said the M-4 is more easier to carry in foliage and inside vehicles.

With this characteristics, the weapon is more easier to fire and reload during engagements, he added.

Around 27,300 units, the first batch of the over 63,000 M-4s units acquired for the AFP, were distributed to ground units last Aug. 14

The M-4 is a gas-operated, magazine-fed, selective fire, shoulder-fired weapon with a telescoping stock and 14.5 inch (370 mm) barrel to ease close quarters combat.

It fires the .223 caliber, or 5.56 mm NATO round.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=673792