SOPMOD
The Special Operations Peculiar MODification (SOPMOD) kit is an accessory system for the M4A1 carbine, CQBR, FN SCAR Mk 16/17, HK416 and other weapons used by USSOCOM (the kit is not specific to USSOCOM, however). The kit allows American Special Operations personnel to configure their weapons to individual preferences and mission requirements.
The program dates back to September 1989, when the Special Operations Special Technology (SOST) Modular Close Combat Carbine Project was founded. The Material Need Statement (MNS) was signed on May 1992, and by September 1993, the Operational Requirements Document (ORD) for the program was validated. Responsibility for the program was then assigned to the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division.
The SOPMOD kit is composed mostly of non-developmental and commercial off-the-shelf (NDI/COTS) accessories packaged together to support four M4A1 carbines.
Accessories
The original SOPMOD Block I kit included all of the following:
- Knight's Armament Company (KAC) Rail Interface System (RIS) forearm
- KAC's vertical foregrip
- KAC's backup iron sight (BUIS)
- Trijicon's Model TA01NSN 4x32mm Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (ACOG)
- ECOS-N optical sight (a variant of the Aimpoint CompM2)
- Tactical Ordnance and Equipment Improved combat sling which allows for secure cross body/patrol carry.
- PRI Bracket mount for AN/PVS-14 night vision
Only two of following were included per kit:
- Insight Technology's AN/PEQ-2 Infrared Target Pointer/Illuminator/Aiming Laser (ITPIAL)
- Insight Technology's Visible Light Illuminator (VLI)
- Trijicon's Model RX01M4A1 reflex sight
- KAC's quick-detach sound suppressor (QDSS)
Only one of the following was included per kit:
- KAC's quick-attach M203 grenade launcher mount
- Quick-attach sight for use with the M203
- M203 with a 9-inch barrel
- Insight Technology's AN/PEQ-5 visible laser sight
- AN/PVS-17A mini-night vision sight
- AN/PSQ-18A M203 night sight
- Carrying/storage case for kit accessories
If more of the accessories are needed, it is typical for units to "cannibalize" the kits of inactive teams. The documentation for the kit does not require a rewrite if improved replacements for any of the current items can be found. As a result, this content list has changed. For instance, on many SOPMOD M4s today, the Crane Sloping Cheekweld Stock has been added. Several potential additions include the M26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System and the M320 grenade launcher. Also, various EOTech holographic sights are used on many SOPMOD configured M4s. The SOPMOD kit allows for the attachment of any Picatinny compatible accessory that fits the length of the weapon.
Block I phased replacements
- Daniel Defense M4A1 RIS II and RIS II FSP, full-length handguards using a gas block without a front sight
- Insight Technology M3X Tactical Illuminator (SU-233/PVS)
- Insight Technology M6X Tactical Laser Illuminator (SU-238/PVS)
- EOTech 553 HOLOgraphic Weapon Sight (SU-231/PVS)
- Trijicon ACOG TA01 ECOS 4x Scope (SU-237/PVS)
- AN/PVS-17 Product Improvement Kit
- BUIS II
Block II
- Insight Technology LA-5/PEQ
- Insight Technology CNVD-T Thermal Sight (SU-232/PAS)
- L3-EOTech 553 (SU-231/PEQ)
- L3-EOTech XPS3-0 (FDE) Holographic Sight
- L3-EOTech G33 (Tan Anodized/FDE) Magnifier
- Raytheon Company Elcan SpecterDR 1-4x Scope (SU-230/PVS)
- Trijicon ACOG + Docter RDS (SU-237/PVS Sight Unit)
- AN/PVS-24 Night Vision Device
- Daniel Defense RIS II Series (FSP/Non FSP/GL, FDE)
- Insight M3X Light (SU-233/PVS Gun Light)
- Insight WMX200 Gun Light
- WSC (Weapon shot counter)
- LMT® SOPMOD Gen 1/2 Stock (The Gen1 buttstock does not have the QD sling connector, so slings were attached through the slats in the back and tied on; Later, LMT introduced the Gen 2 stock that had the connector)
- KAC Front Sight
- KAC Micro Rear BUIS
- Tango Down VFG
- KAC "Broomhandle" VFG