Bushmaster M4-type Carbine

The Bushmaster M4 or M4A3 is a semi-automatic or select-fire carbine manufactured by Bushmaster Firearms International, modeled on the AR-15. It is one of the Bushmaster XM15 line of rifles and carbines.

Bushmaster M4-type carbine
TypeAssault rifle
Semi-automatic carbine (M4gery)
Place of originUnited States
Service history
WarsWar in Afghanistan (2001–present)[1]
War in Iraq (2003-2011)
Production history
ManufacturerBushmaster Firearms International
Specifications
Mass2.82 kg (6.22 lb)
Length882.7 mm (34.75 in)
Barrel length406.4 mm (16 in)
Cartridge.223 Remington
5.56×45mm NATO
6.8mm Remington SPC
7.62×39mm
ActionGas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire700–900 round/min (fully automatic)
Feed systemSTANAG magazines
SightsIron sights

Overview

The M4 Type Carbine is a copy of the Colt M4 carbine. The semi-automatic version is marketed to the U.S. civilian market in compliance with the National Firearms Act. A select fire variant can be ordered by military or law enforcement organizations with three-round burst or fully automatic capability.[2]

The rifle's caliber is .223 Remington/5.56×45mm NATO, and the barrel is hard chrome lined in both the bore and chamber. Unlike the current Colt M4 Carbine which features a four-position telescopic stock, the Bushmaster has a six-position stock. It is compatible with most standard AR-15 parts and has the ability to accept all AR-15/M16 type STANAG magazines.

The standard M4 Type Carbine features a permanently fixed "Izzy" flash suppressor attached to a 14.5 in (370 mm) barrel, which brings the barrel to a total length of 16 in (410 mm). Bushmaster also produces the Patrolman's Carbine variant which features the more common removable "bird cage" flash suppressor, attached to a 16 in (410 mm) barrel, bringing the total barrel length to 17.5 in (440 mm). Both of these comply with current U.S. federal law which states a minimum 16 in (410 mm) barrel for a rifle. There is also a military M4 Type Carbine which comes with a 14.5 in (370 mm) barrel and a removable "bird cage" flash suppressor.[2]

An M4 Type Post-Ban Carbine was developed for the 1994 United States Federal Assault Weapons Ban requirements. Since the ban expired in 2004, this rifle has essentially been replaced by the M4A2 and M4A3. Some states in the U.S. have kept these laws, so the rifle is still being produced.

A trademark dispute between Bushmaster and Colt concerned the use of the "M4" name. The M4 was developed and produced for the United States government by Colt, which had an exclusive contract to produce the M4 family of weapons until 2009.[3] Several other manufacturers, including Bushmaster, offer M4-like firearms, nicknamed "M4geries." Colt previously held a U.S. trademark on the term "M4."[4] In April 2004, Colt filed a lawsuit against Bushmaster and Heckler & Koch, claiming acts of trademark infringement, trade dress infringement, trademark dilution, false designation of origin, false advertising, patent infringement, unfair competition, and deceptive trade practices. Heckler & Koch later settled out of court. On December 8, 2005, a District court judge in Maine granted a summary judgment in favor of Bushmaster Firearms, dismissing all of Colt's claims except for false advertising. On the latter claim, Colt could not recover monetary damages. The court also ruled that "M4" was now a generic name, and that Colt's trademark should be revoked.[5]

Military users
  • Czech Special Operations soldier in Afghanistan with a Bushmaster M4A3
  • A Georgian soldier with Scouts Platoon, Delta Company, Special Mountain Battalion conducts reconnaissance operations Feb. 14, 2014, during Georgian Mission Rehearsal Exercise (MRE). He is holding Bushmaster M4 in his hand.
  • Georgian soldiers with Bushmaster M4 search for mock roadside bombs during convoy operations training here July 20. Marines are training with the Georgian Armed Forces for Exercise Agile Spirit 2011

Bibliography
  • Neville, Leigh. European Counter-Terrorist Units. Osprey. ISBN 978-1472825278.

References
  1. Vining, Miles (22 April 2016). "ISAF armament of BLS". Archived from the original on 20 August 2018. Retrieved 14 September 2018.
  2. "Bushmaster military models - Bushmaster M4 A2/A3 Type Carbines". Bushmaster Firearms International. 2007. Retrieved 2007-09-06.
  3. Terrill, Daniel (12 August 2015). "Remington sues gov't over Army's contract with FN, Colt". guns.com. Retrieved 14 April 2016.
  4. US Trademark serial number 76335060 registration number 2734001
  5. "OpenJurist synopsis of denial of Colt's appeal to 08 Dec 2005 ruling". Openjurist.org. Retrieved 2010-08-30.
  6. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2012-02-29. Retrieved 2014-12-09.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  7. "601st Special Forces Group Official Website". 601skss.cz. Retrieved 2015-09-26.
  8. "Georgian Army". Georgian Army. Archived from the original on 2012-03-09. Retrieved 2007-06-25.
  9. Neville, page 57.
  10. Royal Malaysian Customs Academy (2010). "Royal Malaysian Customs Academy: Firing range". Royal Malaysian Customs. Retrieved 2016-03-20.
  11. "Replacement due for police rifles". New Zealand Police. 2005-05-19. Archived from the original on 2007-11-01. Retrieved 2007-06-25.
  12. "Hermanos en armas en la paz y en la guerra". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
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