Colt CAR-15 Commando (XM177) Carbine (1966)
The Commando represented a product developed from lessons learned in jungle and close quarters warfare in Vietnam.
The system began as the XM177E2 to which, when adapted by United States Special Forces groups, became the Commando as produced by Colt Industries of Hartford, Connecticut. The Commando sported a smaller profile, measuring in at just 31 exact inches with the collapsible butt extended and a mere 28 inches with the butt retracted. Ammunition consisted of the standard 5.56x45mm M193 type fitted into either a 20 or 30 round detachable box magazine.
The system borrowed many of the inner workings of the AR-15, though performance was effected some by the introduction of the telescoping tubing for the butt and the shortened barrel. Considering that the Commando would be firing the ammunition that was initially designed for the larger, longer AR-15 automatic rifle, the Commando suffered in the accuracy department. Additionally, a flash suppressor was fitted the system to compensate for the additional back blast and muzzle flash in the firing action.
In any case, the Commando fit a need and was an average rifle-turned-submachine gun hybrid based on a successful preceding design. Steps were indeed taken to make it a more effective weapon and the final result proved worth the effort, albeit with some modification. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
Colt CAR-15 Commando (XM177)
Carbine
Country of Origin: United States
Manufacturer: Colt Industries - USA
Initial Year of Service: 1966
Overall Length: 826mm (32.52in)
Barrel Length: 292.00mm (11.50in)
Weight (Empty): 5.36lbs (2.43kg)
Cartridge: 5.56x45mm M193
Action: Semi/Full Auto; Gas Operated; Locking Bolt
Feed: 20- or 30- round detachable box
Muzzle Velocity: 2,750ft/sec (838m/sec)
Rate-of-Fire: 750 rounds per minute
Variants:
CAR-15 "Colt Commando" (XM177) - Base Series Designation
Operators:
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