USAF M4

[MistWolf]

I want to make a USAF M4 (GAU?) clone and so far, this is what I've got

https://photos.smugmug.com/F1/M4A1-SOCOM/n-fNVFjd/i-rhk5qwZ/0/c862bb88/X2/i-rhk5qwZ-X2.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/F1/M4A1-SOCOM/n-fNVFjd/i-3h7R2Vs/0/419f7021/X2/i-3h7R2Vs-X2.jpg

Can anyone give me an idea how current the current Air Force M4 is configured? The few USAF M4s I've seen have an Aimpoint M4 and some type of laser. Does anyone have an idea how the PJ rifles are configured? Does the Air Force ID their current rifle as an M4? GAU? GUU?

I want an Air Force clone because that's the branch of the service I served in.

Thanks!

[scottryan]

Anything with a GUU prefix is going to be a rebuilt XM177E2, XM177E1, GAU-5A, GAU-5A/A, M16, M16A1, or M16A2.

A modern production M4 or M4A1 is going be a factory Colt or FN carbine that isn't going to be any different than any other M4 or M4A1 in any other service branch.

[HeruMew]

Check out the new GAU:

https://www.overtdefense.com/2018/06/25/usafs-new-gau-5a-aircrew-self-defense-weapon/

I am waiting to build one too. Foldable grip and quick release barrel system.

It seems like an epic piece of plane hardware.

[vicious_cb]

Anything with a GUU prefix is going to be a rebuilt XM177E2, XM177E1, GAU-5A, GAU-5A/A, M16, M16A1, or M16A2.

A modern production M4 or M4A1 is going be a factory Colt or FN carbine that isn't going to be any different than any other M4 or M4A1 in any other service branch.

Yep. If you want to be super cool you need slick side uppers and commando or pencil barrels.

http://soldiersystems.net/blog1/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_0621-1.jpeg

[jsbhike]

https://photos.smugmug.com/F1/M4A1-SOCOM/n-fNVFjd/i-rhk5qwZ/0/c862bb88/X2/i-rhk5qwZ-X2.jpg
!

Is that an A2 grip with the nub ground off or an original grip of some sort?

[556BlackRifle]

Looks like you're well on your way to having a SOPMOD Block 1 clone. :) I know, not what you're building but still a cool project. Great looking rifle and best of luck moving forward with your USAF build.

[Slater]

In the USAF in the 1980's (overseas), Security Police and convoy commanders carried the GAU-5/A's. For whatever reason, they weren't very highly thought of. My shop chief called them "Mattels". :D

[MistWolf]

Is that an A2 grip with the nub ground off or an original grip of some sort?

It's an A2 I modified some years ago. The A2 bump brings pain to the knuckle of my middle finger after just a few shots.

[PJ2RESQU2]

MistWolf…

I'm a very recently retired PJ.

Combat Air Force (ACC, PACAF, USAFE) PJs in an "approved" configuration use Colt M4s with either KAC RIS or DD Omega forends, SOPMOD buttstocks, Tango Down grips, PEQ-15s, Surefire Scouts, ATPIALs, Surefire FH, Surefire cans, Aimpoint and Trijicon ACOGs for optics. VTAC and Vickers slings are the primary slings utilized.

SOF PJs (AFSOC) utilize Colt M4A1s with the standard SOCOM SOPMOD accessory suite. They also have the MK18 uppers.

Individual units vary with additional accessories based on the personality of it's leaders and the squadron's CATM personnel.

I hope this helps.

[Hammer_Man]

As an aside, hit that Matech rear sight with some Aluminum Black to get rid of that Picatinny logo. I can't stand that giant billboard on the side of their newest production sights.

[Stickman]

As an aside, hit that Matech rear sight with some Aluminum Black to get rid of that Picatinny logo. I can't stand that giant billboard on the side of their newest production sights.


Shut your dirty heathen mouth, I was there when the jerk off base commander wanted to rip down the cannon gates at Picatinny Arsenal!!!! That is no giant billboard, that is living history. The Arsenal is a fascinating place, with live ordnance still scattered across its grounds, and wonderful things still happening. Sure lots of civilian engineers have contaminated the place with their ideas worse than the infectious heavy metal ground water found there, but who doesn’t like the drop tower, or the work the EOD guys do there?!

Take off the gates..... how dare you sir.


End of rant. :p

[Stickman]

In regards to the above rant, I’m fully aware no one has any idea what I’m talking about with almost any of it. I’m good with that.

[Stickman]

I want to make a USAF M4 ..... I want an Air Force clone because that's the branch of the service I served in.

Thanks!


First off, sorry for the above rant. Secondly, thanks for being one who served. Thirdly, do you want a clone of what you carried, or do you want a clone of what a certain AFSC/ MOS is carrying now? Base cops / security teams are carrying something different than what PJ and CCT are carrying, and all of them are typically carrying something different than a reserve air wing refueler gets issued.

Two types of people in the USAF ( and other branches), those who carry weapons for a living, and those who don’t.

[hk_shootr]

In the USAF in the 1980's (overseas), Security Police and convoy commanders carried the GAU-5/A's. For whatever reason, they weren't very highly thought of. My shop chief called them "Mattels". :D

This is a throwback comment toward the early days of the M16. Going from the M14, soldiers called the Mattels, making a pun of the name insinuating the weapon was a toy.

[hk_shootr]

First off, sorry for the above rant. Secondly, thanks for being one who served. Thirdly, do you want a clone of what you carried, or do you want a clone of what a certain AFSC/ MOS is carrying now? Base cops / security teams are carrying something different than what PJ and CCT are carrying, and all of them are typically carrying something different than a reserve air wing refueler gets issued.

Two types of people in the USAF ( and other branches), those who carry weapons for a living, and those who don’t.

No apologies needed....some will understand you point and some will not.

My thanks to all that served. Wife worked with & deployed alongside TACPs while at Ft Riley. Most have no clue that the Air Force has such individuals.

[Hammer_Man]

Shut your dirty heathen mouth, I was there when the jerk off base commander wanted to rip down the cannon gates at Picatinny Arsenal!!!! That is no giant billboard, that is living history. The Arsenal is a fascinating place, with live ordnance still scattered across its grounds, and wonderful things still happening. Sure lots of civilian engineers have contaminated the place with their ideas worse than the infectious heavy metal ground water found there, but who doesn’t like the drop tower, or the work the EOD guys do there?!

Take off the gates..... how dare you sir.


End of rant. :p

I'm not advocating for the tearing down of any gate, or removing the heavy metals from the drinking water. My issue M4 didn't have a logo on its' rear sight, and I don't want any of my personal weapons to have one either. IF I over stepped my bounds then I apologize.

[MistWolf]

First off, sorry for the above rant. Secondly, thanks for being one who served. Thirdly, do you want a clone of what you carried, or do you want a clone of what a certain AFSC/ MOS is carrying now? Base cops / security teams are carrying something different than what PJ and CCT are carrying, and all of them are typically carrying something different than a reserve air wing refueler gets issued.

Two types of people in the USAF ( and other branches), those who carry weapons for a living, and those who don’t.

I already have the type of gun I carried in the Air Force. It's in a tool box next to my drill motor and the roll mark reads "Chicago Pneumatic 4x" and I've used it to shoot hundreds of thousands of rivets over the years. I was the second type of Airman- Those Who Didn't.

I'm interested in doing a current issue USAF M4

[HMsailor]

GAUs Ive seen had fixed carry handles. Ever thought of slappin an AF logo on the right side magwell?

[Stickman]

I already have the type of gun I carried in the Air Force. It's in a tool box next to my drill motor and the roll mark reads "Chicago Pneumatic 4x" and I've used it to shoot hundreds of thousands of rivets over the years. I was the second type of Airman- Those Who Didn't.

I'm interested in doing a current issue USAF M4


There are a few different models which are current issue for the USAF.

[Stickman]

I'm not advocating for the tearing down of any gate, or removing the heavy metals from the drinking water. My issue M4 didn't have a logo on its' rear sight, and I don't want any of my personal weapons to have one either. IF I over stepped my bounds then I apologize.

It was in jest, though a Col seriously did try to have the Cannon gates torn down, and the other parts are true as well. I can understand the want for a sterile/ "as issued" piece of equipment.

[Renegade04]

I already have the type of gun I carried in the Air Force. It's in a tool box next to my drill motor and the roll mark reads "Chicago Pneumatic 4x" and I've used it to shoot hundreds of thousands of rivets over the years. I was the second type of Airman- Those Who Didn't.

I'm interested in doing a current issue USAF M4

Here is a video that shows a few different configuration of the M4. You see some with some sort of Trijicon ACOG, others with Aimpoint M68s, and some with Aimpoint M4Ss.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOnRtDKx1VU


Here is another one showing a CMSgt shooting an M4 with an Aimpoint M4S.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3XNk7tpMBM

[turnburglar]

I got out in 2014 as a 3P051, and can comment a little on the difference between the GAU and the M4...

In the regular squadrons the M4 with some kind of Aimpoint was standard issue. Airmen only recieved ACOG's if they went through the designated marksman course and where qualified on the M24. Personally my aimpoint was a compM4, but some airmen still had the M68 that ran on N2 batteries. Around 2012 we started to make the transition from PEQ4 to a PEQ15. For deployment I ran a peq15 with PVS 14's. Furniture wise it was KAC rail covers and maybe a KAC VFG on a KAC RAS. Blue force gear was the issued 2 point sling. Also a matech buis was standard.

The main differnce between the M4 and GAU is that the M4 is burst fire while the GAU is full auto. The only times I ever saw a GAU was in the hands of OSI agents, and where otherwise very rare to see. As stated above, all security forces where issued burst M4's.

[Dienekes]

In 1966 APs/SPs got initial training on the M16 at Camp Bullis, TX ("Killer School") prior to deploying to SEA. Probably not the first but definitely early on.

When I volunteered for Vietnam I was stationed at Beale; lots of us volunteered to get the hell out of SAC and later met up overseas again.

I'm sure that arms room is new since my time when they would shove a clapped-out Rock-Ola M2 carbine out the window at you. Or maybe a S&W Victory Model.

[Buncheong]

First off, sorry for the above rant. Secondly, thanks for being one who served. Thirdly, do you want a clone of what you carried, or do you want a clone of what a certain AFSC/ MOS is carrying now? Base cops / security teams are carrying something different than what PJ and CCT are carrying, and all of them are typically carrying something different than a reserve air wing refueler gets issued.

Two types of people in the USAF ( and other branches), those who carry weapons for a living, and those who don’t.

This is my situation. Former Munitions Systems Specialist, in the 1980’s was periodically issued/carried a Model 604/M16 in the NMSA. During the period 2002-06 had an M-16A2.

I’d like to find/own a semi-auto version of either one, but it’s tough finding something within my budget...

[SeriousStudent]

MistWolf…

I'm a very recently retired PJ.

Combat Air Force (ACC, PACAF, USAFE) PJs in an "approved" configuration use Colt M4s with either KAC RIS or DD Omega forends, SOPMOD buttstocks, Tango Down grips, PEQ-15s, Surefire Scouts, ATPIALs, Surefire FH, Surefire cans, Aimpoint and Trijicon ACOGs for optics. VTAC and Vickers slings are the primary slings utilized.

SOF PJs (AFSOC) utilize Colt M4A1s with the standard SOCOM SOPMOD accessory suite. They also have the MK18 uppers.

Individual units vary with additional accessories based on the personality of it's leaders and the squadron's CATM personnel.

I hope this helps.

Thank you very much for your service. As a former Misguided Child, I got to meet and train with some of your tribe many moons ago. I always walked away impressed.

OP - sounds like a great project, post some pics when you get it built!

[MistWolf]

Does anyone have photos or video of the various configurations the Air Force is using, who is using them (Security Forces, PJs, etc) or a list of accessories? I'd like to get an idea of what's being used so I can decide what I'd like to go for.

What I have now is-
- Colt M4A1 SOCOM, U.S. PROPERTY rollmark
- KAC RAS (RIS?) drop in hand guard
- KAC VFG
- La Rue rail clips
- Generic A2 grip with bump removed. (Factory A2 in parts bin)
- M4 buttstock
- Rubber slip on buttpad
- MATEC BUIS
- Aimpoint M4s with Aimpoint mount
- Vickers Blue Force sling

The only thing it lacks compared to the rifles I've seen Security Forces carry at the gate is the laser module. I don't know anything about the laser module.

Does the Air Force use suppressors?

[HMsailor]

Does anyone have photos or video of the various configurations the Air Force is using, who is using them (Security Forces, PJs, etc) or a list of accessories? I'd like to get an idea of what's being used so I can decide what I'd like to go for.

What I have now is-
- Colt M4A1 SOCOM, U.S. PROPERTY rollmark
- KAC RAS (RIS?) drop in hand guard
- KAC VFG
- La Rue rail clips
- Generic A2 grip with bump removed. (Factory A2 in parts bin)
- M4 buttstock
- Rubber slip on buttpad
- MATEC BUIS
- Aimpoint M4s with Aimpoint mount
- Vickers Blue Force sling

The only thing it lacks compared to the rifles I've seen Security Forces carry at the gate is the laser module. I don't know anything about the laser module.

Does the Air Force use suppressors? few yrs ago i got pulled over once by an active AF SF for entering in a non entry exit at a fuel c-store. It was when the security level was elevated due to ISIS threats. The SF guy had an M4 with CompM4, PEQ15, KAC Ras.