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| Bushmaster M4-type carbine | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Czech Bushmaster M4A3 BMAS | |
| Type | Rifle Carbine Semi-automatic carbine (M4gery) |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| Wars | War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)[1] War in Iraq (2003-2011) |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Bushmaster Firearms International |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 2.82 kg (6.22 lb) |
| Length | 882.7 mm (34.75 in) |
| Barrel length | 406.4 mm (16 in) |
| Cartridge | .223 Remington 5.56×45mm NATO 6.8mm Remington SPC 7.62×39mm |
| Action | Gas-operated,rotating bolt |
| Rate of fire | 700–950 round/min (fully automatic) |
| Effective firing range | 300 m |
| Feed system | STANAG magazines |
| Sights | Iron sights or various optics |
TheBushmaster M4[2] orM4A3[3] is asemi-automatic orselect-fire carbine size assault rifle manufactured byBushmaster Firearms International, modeled on theAR-15. It is one of theBushmaster XM15 line of rifles and carbines.[4]
The M4 Type Carbine is a copy of theColtM4 carbine. Thesemi-automatic version is marketed to the U.S. civilian market in compliance with theNational Firearms Act. A select fire variant can be ordered by military or law enforcement organizations withthree-round burst orfully automatic capability.[5]
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 telescopicstock, the Bushmaster has a six-position stock. It is compatible with most standard AR-15 parts, can mount various attachments such as options on itspicatinny rails and has the ability to accept all AR-15/M16 typeSTANAG 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 currentU.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.[5]
An M4 Type Post-Ban Carbine was developed for the 1994 United StatesFederal 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 andColt's Manufacturing Company concerned the use of the "M4" name. The M4 was developed and produced for theUnited States government by Colt, which had an exclusive contract to produce the M4 family of weapons until 2009.[6] Several other manufacturers, including Bushmaster, offer M4-like firearms, nicknamed "M4geries." Colt previously held a U.S.trademark on the term "M4."[7]
In April 2004, Colt filed a lawsuit against Bushmaster andHeckler & Koch, claiming acts oftrademark 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 inMaine granted asummary 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.[8]
Czech Republic: The Bushmaster M4A3 B.M.A.S. is used by special forces units of theCzech Armed Forces. These rifles are usually seen with anM203 grenade launcher.[9] The601st Special Forces Group is armed with the M4A3.[10]
Georgia: Used by the Georgian Army, some taken by Russian troops after theRusso-Georgian War.[11]
Italy: Used by NOCS.[12]
Kuwait: Used by theKuwait 25th Commando Brigade.[13]
Malaysia: Used byRoyal Malaysian Customs[14]
New Zealand:New Zealand Police (includingArmed Offenders Squad andSpecial Tactics Group), replaced the Remington Model 7 as their standard-issue rifle.[15]
Russia: Captured from Georgia after Russo-Georgian War.[11]
United States:Cambridge Police Department (Massachusetts)[16]
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