The first soldiers have begun receiving the upgraded M4 carbine, the M4A1 — the same weapon used for decades in special forces units.
The 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas, is the first to get the converted weapons, Army officials announced Wednesday. The new features of the deadlier weapon include a heavy barrel, ambidextrous fire control and a new fully-automatic drop-in trigger option to replace the M4's "burst" setting. The barrel's weight allows the weapon to better resist heat and cook-off, allowing a sustained rate of fire.
"Those piece-parts are part of conversion kits currently being applied at Fort Riley, and that increased capability not only includes an increased rate of fire, resistance to cook-off, but improved ergonomics," said Product Manager for Individual Weapons Lt. Col. Shawn Lucas.
