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The M4A1 SOPMOD is a derivative model of the base M4 Carbine of the United States military. The M4 Carbine itself is a compact version of the ubiquitous M16 assault rifle of the 1950s and 1960s, intended for precision close engagement, primarily in urban warfare environments. The SOPMOD designation stands for Special OPerations Peculiar MODification and is an accessories system designed to customize the base M4 Carbine in-the-field with low-cost off-the-shelf components. The SOPMOD program was initialized through the original SOPMOD Block I kit and has since evolved into the SOPMOD Block II offering.

The SOPMOD initiative was born in the late 1980s through the Modular Close Combat Carbine Project. As its name suggests, the project's goal was to customize a weapon through the introduction of supported non-standard issue elements. The program gained steam throughout the early 1990s to which it was fully realized in 1993 under the banner of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division (NSWC Crane).

Beginning with the SOPMOD Block I, the M4 Carbine could be modified by installation of a rail interface system along the various receiver and handguard surfaces of the M4A1 (in some cases the M16-style carrying handle is removed). From this, the operator could then install various components based on mission parameters. The kit included the requisite rail interface system, night vision sight mountings, combat-minded sling loops, the ECOS-N optical sighting devise, the Trijicon 4x32mm Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight, a Knights Armament Company iron sight assembly and a Knights Armament Company vertical hand grip.

Additionally, the kit provided components to slightly modify three more M4 Carbines in an assault squad through the installation of the Knights Armament Company sound suppressor (2), the Trijicon reflex sighting device, an Insight Technology Visible Light Illuminator and an Insight Technology AN/PEQ-2 IR aiming laser device. Beyond these fittings, the kit also provided single examples of various M203 40mm grenade launcher supporting devices - the M203 barrel assembly itself, the requisite mounting system to connect said barrel under the hand guard, the M203 sighting system, the AN/PEQ-5 series laser aimer, a pair of night sighting devices and a carrying case.

In all, the SOPMOD provisions broadened the tactical capabilities of the basic M4 Carbine family. This proved an exceptional quality in the many engagements across Iraq during the height of American involvement following the 2003 invasion. Operators could storm houses in daylight or low-light level situations with the appropriate gear and engage enemy fighters at close ranges with the required accuracy. The compact nature of the M4 Carbine was a tremendous asset as well, its qualities only heightened by the modular nature of the M4 design through the SOPMOD kit. Assault squads could also share unused portions of their kits with other squads to form customized weapons as required. Within time, other non-standard accessories were added to the system including shotgun mounts and cheekpieces.

The SOPMOD Block I kit was eventually evolved into the more modern Block II kit offering. This brought about different optics, illuminators, sighting devices and the like to further strengthen the M4A1 Carbine SOPMOD line.

The SOPMOD kits are also compatible with the Fabrique-Nationale FN SCAR Mk 16 and Mk 17 assault weapons operated by US SOCOM, offering the same breadth of tactical flexibility to the line. The SCAR line represents a fully-modern modular automatic weapons system offering and is fielded in limited numbers with the United States military - attempting to overtake the M4 Carbine as the standard-issue carbine of the American military.©MilitaryFactory.com

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