Knight's Armament Company M4 MWS (Modular Weapon System)

Carbine Rifle

Infantry / Small Arms

1 / 1

The M4 MWS is a light and compact weapon based on the M16A4 and is fielded with the USMC.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 7/15/2016 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com

The M4 MWS (Modular Weapon System) is based on the M16A4, which in itself represents a newer incarnation of the base M16A2 currently in service with forces around the globe. The M4 utilizes the strengths and internal working components of the successful automatic rifle and, along with a 1913 rail adapter system, becomes a lighter and more combat version of the weapon.

The M4 MWS is a versatile field performer with the rail adapter able to mount various compatible components including various scopes, flashlights, target designators and the M203 40mm grenade launcher. Standard ammunition is the 30-round detachable box magazine housing 30 rounds. The smaller size of the M4, when compared to the M16 series as a whole, offers up portability and increased accuracy when firing in close quarters.

As of this writing, the M4 MWS was being field tested by the United States Marine Corps and seen as a heavy-hitting replacement for select M9 9mm pistols currently in service. The thinking is that the M4 MWS would also replace the M16A4 in some cases, being fielded as a smaller, yet more potent alternative to either weapon in service, particularly for vehicle crews, airborne assault units and combat engineer elements.

Cyclic rate-of-fire is reported to be between 700-900 rounds per minute with an effective range of 500 meters to a point target and 600 meters to a target area. The front sight is adjustable and the rear site can be ranged up to 600 meters with windage taken into account. Fire selection is limited to a semi and a burst round capability along with a safety.

Specifications

Year:
2004

Manufacturing
Knight's Armament Company - USA

United States

- Close Quarters Battle (CQB) / Personal Security

Overall Length:
755 mm (29.72 in)

Weight (Unloaded):
6.48 lb (2.94 kg)

Sights:

Action:
Gas-Operated; Semi-Automatic

Muzzle Velocity:
2,970 feet-per-second (905 meters-per-second)

Rate-of-Fire:
700 rounds-per-minute

Effective Range:
1,804 ft (550 m; 601 yd)

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies

2021 Military Pay Scale Army Ranks Navy Ranks Air Force Ranks Alphabet Code DoD Dictionary American War Deaths French Military Victories

The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value only and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation. We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. Please direct all other inquiries to militaryfactory AT gmail.com.

Part of a network of sites that includes GlobalFirepower, a data-driven property used in ranking the top military powers of the world and WDMMA.org, the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft.