{"id":682,"date":"2023-05-18T19:23:13","date_gmt":"2023-05-18T19:23:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/2023\/05\/18\/exploring-key-differences-similarities\/"},"modified":"2023-05-18T19:23:15","modified_gmt":"2023-05-18T19:23:15","slug":"exploring-key-differences-similarities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/2023\/05\/18\/exploring-key-differences-similarities\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring Key Differences &#038; Similarities"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<p class=\"yoast-reading-time__wrapper\"><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-icon=\"clock\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" style=\"display:inline-block;vertical-align:-0.1em\" role=\"img\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M12 8v4l3 3m6-3a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__spacer\" style=\"display:inline-block;width:1em\"\/><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__descriptive-text\">Estimated reading time:  <\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__reading-time\">5<\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__time-unit\"> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s delve into the AR-15, a name that often resonates within firearm circles and news headlines, and its counterpart, the M4. Curious about how these two guns differ? Keep reading to discover the fascinating histories and subtle distinctions that set these two exceptional rifles apart.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image essb-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\" data-essb-pin-description=\"M4 Rifles are commonly carried by soldiers. \"><picture><source sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" type=\"image\/webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/M4_in_detail-1024x680.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/M4_in_detail-400x266.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/M4_in_detail-150x100.jpg.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/M4_in_detail-768x510.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/M4_in_detail-1536x1020.jpg.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/M4_in_detail-2048x1361.jpg.webp 2048w\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/M4_in_detail-1024x680.jpg\" alt=\"M4 Rifle, similar to a AR15, in detail\" class=\"wp-image-179572\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/M4_in_detail-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/M4_in_detail-400x266.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/M4_in_detail-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/M4_in_detail-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/M4_in_detail-1536x1020.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/M4_in_detail-2048x1361.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-eio=\"l\"\/><\/noscript><\/source><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">M4 Rifles are not typically available to the public, and are reserved for military use. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-understanding-the-ar-15\">Understanding the AR-15<\/h2>\n<p>At first glance, the M4 and AR-15 might appear identical. However, upon closer inspection, you\u2019ll realize that while they share similarities, there are crucial distinctions between them.<\/p>\n<p>The most straightforward way to differentiate them is to note that the M4 can operate in either a full-auto or burst fire mode, a feature the AR-15 lacks.<\/p>\n<p>Minor differences in the AR-15 and M4, such as barrel length and attachments, exist but do not change much about the rifle\u2019s performance or functionality.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ga-listings-wrap\">\n<h2>Available on GunsAmerica Now<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- MC HIT  | http:\/\/10.0.0.186:8080\/?format=json&keyword=AR15&cid=12&numberperpage=10&pagenum=1 --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-birth-of-the-rifles\">The Birth of The Rifles<\/h2>\n<p>To fully appreciate these rifles, it\u2019s essential to understand their histories, which provide insight into their design and functionality.<\/p>\n<p>Tracing the AR-15\u2019s Footprints Armalite first conceived the AR-15 in 1956 as a smaller variant of the AR-10. Contrary to popular belief, the \u201cAR\u201d in AR-15 stands for Armalite Rifle, not \u201cassault rifle,\u201d with \u201c15\u201d representing the model number.<\/p>\n<p>The AR-15\u2019s design was a response to the U.S. Continental Army Command\u2019s request for a compact .223 rifle to potentially replace a collection of existing weapons. Despite superior testing performance, the AR-15 lost out to the M14. Financial constraints led Armalite to sell the AR-15 design to Colt in 1959. Colt made several design improvements before initiating mass production and offering the gun to military organizations.<\/p>\n<p>The Colt AR-15 found success in niche markets, with notable early adoption by the U.S. Air Force. By 1963, U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara approved the AR-15, which was subsequently renamed the M16, for military use. Colt introduced a semi-automatic AR-15 variant for civilian and police use in 1964, and after Colt\u2019s patent expired in 1977, other manufacturers began to produce their own AR-15 versions.<\/p>\n<p>Fast forward to the present, virtually every firearms manufacturer offers their version of the AR-15 style rifle, with a vast market for AR-15 parts and accessories thanks to its modular design.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" type=\"image\/webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC3756-2-1024x684.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC3756-2-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC3756-2-150x100.jpg.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC3756-2-768x513.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC3756-2-1536x1025.jpg.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC3756-2-2048x1367.jpg.webp 2048w\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" alt=\"Book about the AR-15\" class=\"wp-image-179576 lazyload\" data-eio=\"p\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC3756-2-1024x684.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC3756-2-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC3756-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC3756-2-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC3756-2-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC3756-2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC3756-2-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\" data-sizes=\"auto\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC3756-2-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Book about the AR-15\" class=\"wp-image-179576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC3756-2-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC3756-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC3756-2-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC3756-2-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC3756-2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC3756-2-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-eio=\"l\"\/><\/noscript><\/source><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Vickers Guide is is a great resource to learn more about the AR-15<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vickersguide.com\/ar15vol12nded\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ar-15-vs-m4-exploring-key-differences-similarities\" title=\"AR-15 vs M4: Exploring Key Differences &amp; Similarities\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Purchase the Vickers Guide: AR-15 Here<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tracing-the-m4-s-history\">Tracing the M4\u2019s History<\/h2>\n<p>The M4\u2019s history builds upon the AR-15 and M16. After the M16\u2019s adoption, the military requested a compact version suitable for close-quarters combat, resulting in Colt producing the Colt Commando XM177 in 1966.<\/p>\n<p>However, the Commando had issues with range and accuracy due to its shortened barrel, prompting Colt to develop the XM4 in 1984. After ten years of testing and modifications, the XM4, renamed the M4, was adopted by the U.S. military in 1994.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ar-15-vs-m4-spotting-the-differences\">AR-15 VS. M4: Spotting the Differences<\/h2>\n<p>As both the AR-15 and M4 belong to the same family, it\u2019s unsurprising that their differences are subtle.<\/p>\n<p>The M4, being a carbine-length rifle, has a shorter 14.5-inch barrel compared to the standard AR-15\u2019s 16-inch barrel. The M4\u2019s shorter barrel allows for the attachment of a grenade launcher, a feature unique to military weapons.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ga-listings-wrap\">\n<h2>Available on GunsAmerica Now<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- MC HIT  | http:\/\/10.0.0.186:8080\/?format=json&keyword=AR15&cid=12&numberperpage=10&pagenum=2 --><\/p>\n<p>To match the reduced barrel size, the M4 has a shorter gas tube and modified feed ramps. It also features a collapsible stock compared to the standard AR-15\u2019s fixed stock, although collapsible stock configurations for the AR-15 are easily accessible.<\/p>\n<p><strong>SEE ALSO:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/rugers-sfar-a-big-surprise-in-a-small-package-review\/\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ar-15-vs-m4-exploring-key-differences-similarities\" title=\"AR-15 vs M4: Exploring Key Differences &amp; Similarities\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ruger\u2019s New SFAR: A Big Surprise In A Small Package<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The most significant distinction between the AR-15 and M4 is the selective fire capabilities \u2013 the M4 can operate in 3-round burst or fully automatic mode, while the AR-15 operates in semi-automatic mode.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image essb-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\" data-essb-pin-description=\"M4 Rifle being shot by a soldier.\"><picture><source sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" type=\"image\/webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1599px-M4FiringWithCasingInAir-1024x683.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1599px-M4FiringWithCasingInAir-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1599px-M4FiringWithCasingInAir-150x100.jpg.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1599px-M4FiringWithCasingInAir-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1599px-M4FiringWithCasingInAir-1536x1024.jpg.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1599px-M4FiringWithCasingInAir.jpg.webp 1599w\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" alt=\"M4 Rifle, similar to a AR15, in action\" class=\"wp-image-179575 lazyload\" data-eio=\"p\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1599px-M4FiringWithCasingInAir-1024x683.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1599px-M4FiringWithCasingInAir-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1599px-M4FiringWithCasingInAir-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1599px-M4FiringWithCasingInAir-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1599px-M4FiringWithCasingInAir-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1599px-M4FiringWithCasingInAir-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1599px-M4FiringWithCasingInAir.jpg 1599w\" data-sizes=\"auto\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1599px-M4FiringWithCasingInAir-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"M4 Rifle, similar to a AR15, in action\" class=\"wp-image-179575\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1599px-M4FiringWithCasingInAir-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1599px-M4FiringWithCasingInAir-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1599px-M4FiringWithCasingInAir-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1599px-M4FiringWithCasingInAir-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1599px-M4FiringWithCasingInAir-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1599px-M4FiringWithCasingInAir.jpg 1599w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-eio=\"l\"\/><\/noscript><\/source><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">M4 Rifle with grenade launcher. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ar-15-m4-the-commonalities\">AR-15 &amp; M4: The Commonalities<\/h2>\n<p>The majority of the AR-15 and M4\u2019s components are the same, including the bolt carrier group, charging handle, and trigger assembly. Even the handguards and rail systems can be identical, depending on the AR-15\u2019s configuration.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-m4-vs-the-ar-15-which-takes-the-trophy\">The M4 VS. the AR-15: Which takes the trophy?<\/h2>\n<p>Unless you\u2019re in the military, your best bet is the AR-15 as the M4 is primarily reserved for military use. The AR-15 offers similar capabilities, minus the full-auto function.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s easy to make your AR-15 more similar to an M4. You can purchase a mil-spec lower and M4 handguards, or even a short-barreled AR-15, given you follow the necessary legal steps. Full-auto AR-15s are available, but acquiring them is considerably more challenging and costly.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ga-listings-wrap\">\n<h2>Available on GunsAmerica Now<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- MC HIT  | http:\/\/10.0.0.186:8080\/?format=json&keyword=AR15&cid=12&numberperpage=10&pagenum=3 --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-concluding-the-ar-15-m4-discussion\">Concluding the AR-15 &amp; M4 Discussion<\/h2>\n<p>In summary, the AR-15 is effectively a semi-auto, civilian version of the M4. Although the M4 boasts full-auto capabilities, AR-15s are readily available, highly customizable, and just as effective.<\/p>\n<p><strong>SEE ALSO:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/testing-springfields-new-9mm-saint-victor\/\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"ar-15-vs-m4-exploring-key-differences-similarities\" title=\"AR-15 vs M4: Exploring Key Differences &amp; Similarities\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Testing Springfield\u2019s New 9mm SAINT Victor<\/a><\/p>\n<p>We\u2019d love to hear your thoughts on the M4. If you\u2019re looking for ways to enhance your AR-15 experience, check out our guide to AR-15 upgrades and accessories.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><em>*** <a class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"BuySellGA_Register\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/administration\/user\/Register.aspx\" title=\"AR-15 vs M4: Exploring Key Differences &amp; Similarities\" target=\"_blank\">Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica! All Local Sales are FREE!<\/a> ***<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" class=\"avatar avatar-96 photo avatar-default lazyload\" height=\"96\" width=\"96\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Chris-Intercom-96x96.jpg\" decoding=\"async\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"avatar avatar-96 photo avatar-default\" height=\"96\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Chris-Intercom-96x96.jpg\" width=\"96\" data-eio=\"l\"\/><\/noscript><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"author_description_intro\">About the author:<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"author_name\">Chris Linville<\/span> Chief Operating Officer for GunsAmerica.com &amp; GunsAmerica.com\/digest. 3-Gun Competitor, firearm collector, and second amendment supporter.\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Estimated reading time: 5 minutes Let\u2019s delve into the AR-15, a name that often resonates within firearm circles and news headlines, and its counterpart, the M4. Curious about how these two guns differ? Keep reading to discover the fascinating histories and subtle distinctions that set these two exceptional rifles apart. M4 Rifles are not typically [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":683,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-682","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-uncategorized"],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/682","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=682"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/682\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":684,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/682\/revisions\/684"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/683"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=682"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=682"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=682"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}