First batch of M-4 automatic rifles now in PHL -- Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 4): First batch of M-4 automatic rifles now in PHL -- Army

Armored personnel carriers (APCs), seen by some nervous citizens in South Harbor, Manila Friday morning, were not there to foil possible coup plotters, but to escort the first shipment of Remington M-14 automatic rifles which will be the Philippine Army (PA)'s replacement to venerable M-16 automatic rifle that has faithfully served the country for the past 40 years.

This was confirmed by PA spokesperson Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato in a message to the PNA.

"Around 27,200 units were delivered to us last Friday. We did not just divulged at the time for security reasons. All of these weapons are in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City now," he said.

After some test and inspections, Detoyato said the weapons will be issued to front line units.

Further deliveries are expected until the end of the year until the PA's 63,000 M-4 order is completed.

Each M-4 is worth P38,402.10 each and the entire order of 63,000 units is worth P2.4 billion.

Detoyato said the M-4 is a very versatile weapon and very ideal for close-quarter battle as it fires a more heavy shell than the M-16 automatic rifle it is replacing, thus ensuring greater damage to target.

The PA spokesperson said that the older M-16s cannot fire these rounds 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 said.

Detoyato stated that while both weapons have the same range (around 500 meters), 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.

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=669209