How Does the Dot-Mil Issue the M4?

[Slater]

Regarding the slings that come with US (and foreign contract, IIRC) M4A1 carbines, a company called Fireforce USA is (or has been) a supplier of these under NSN 1005-01-368-9852. They also sell them on Amazon still in their packaging. The sling length is listed as 72 inches (6 feet). That sounds like a lot of excess sling length for a carbine, and even a lot for a rifle.

[aznginf]

Much of that depends on chain-of-command(COC). For example, in 2013 my COC only allowed black furniture since the rifles were issued with black furniture. Many of us purchased our own magazines, sling, etc. I didn't have need of much since the Army was pretty much caught up on supply by the year, esp where I was. You will probably hear something different based on command, location, year, and branch. Everyone knows POGs have it easier than grunts, but when we'd work with the Sir Force, even our POGs looked like grunts, and all the Air Force personnel had to do was ask for what they wanted.

I've been in units that were very liberal with personal gear on issued weapons as long as you could justify its use. No nonsensical BS such as 3x9 scopes, barricade stop gangster grip things, triple mag couplers the list goes on and on. Thankfully most of the Joes didn't go full retard with stuff. AFGs, magpul stocks, VCAS slings were no big deal.

Regarding POGs looking like grunts. It got a little ridiculous, I remember seeing finance personnel that I knew for a fact didn't run missions or even leave the wire for that matter with fully decked out weapons, ACOGs, PEQ15s, lights and all sorts of whiz bang wizardry. Really blew my mind.

[Wake27]

OP,
Thank you for bringing this up...what about other stuff? For example, can a soldier decide to buy a bunch of Brownell mags, their own sling & optic? Or, what about being “in country” and needing something? I recall reading that many 30 round magazines cam from family and unofficial channels during Vietnam. Do soldiers still get sent gear, knives, etc?
Thank you.

Optics are pretty rare, mags and slings less so. But anyone who buys mags is a fool now that the M3s have NSNs.

[MistWolf]

According to Colt, the 2018 M4A1 SOCOM closely replicates the markings and configuration of the M4A1 SOCOM Carbine delivered to the military. If so, this is what they're getting-

[Wake27]

Another question: Is bayonet fighting even a thing anymore on the hi tech battlefield?

According to Colt, the 2018 M4A1 SOCOM closely replicates the markings and configuration of the M4A1 SOCOM Carbine delivered to the military. If so, this is what they're getting-

Exactly what ours looked like, aside from the whole 14.5/happy switch stuff. And there was a KAC panel on the top rail.

[cd228]

Have you ever done a delivery acceptance inspection? My experience may be a bit dated also and the Army vs. Marine thing.

Yes, in July of 2016 I watched the cardboard boxes containing our newly manufactured FN M4A1s get unpacked. No charging handles in sight. Now, can’t say what comes in Colt boxes or if the old M4 carry handles are retained when the rifles are refited to M4A1 standard. But,when we got our Army issued FNs they didn’t have carry handles. I’ll even double check when I do the SI.

[Wake27]

Yes, in July of 2016 I watched the cardboard boxes containing our newly manufactured FN M4A1s get unpacked. No charging handles in sight. Now, can’t say what comes in Colt boxes or if the old M4 carry handles are retained when the rifles are refited to M4A1 standard. But,when we got our Army issued FNs they didn’t have carry handles. I’ll even double check when I do the SI.

Good point, ours are also FNs. But either way, I’ve never actually seen carry handles, even just sitting in the arms rooms.


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[Diamondback]

Maybe it's making a come back. But here is what you need to attach your bayonet to a carbine with a 16 in barrel. http://www.triple-r-products.com/home.html

Thanks for that link, bookmarked for future use.

[SethB]

The last two batches of M4s that I've unwrapped have come with Matech sights and KAC rails.

I don't recall ever having seen a carry handle on the M4.

We did have the carry handle on the M16A4 in OCS (2009).

[HeruMew]

My Brother just finished BCT out at Benning. Beyond being extremely proud of him, they did not issue any carry handles at all.

He was issues a 14.5" FN Carbine Gassed M4. Safe, Semi, Full. Looks like Railed with Matechs.

They were not, and are not, issued any slings until AIT; if they are issued them at all.

Here's a picture of one of his many FTXs during September / October. Glad the photographer got this photo.