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CAR-15

The first carbine version of the M16 assault rifle appeared under the name of CAR-15 in 1965, and was intended for U.S. Special Forces who fought in Vietnam. The original M16 was simply shortened by reducing, in half, the length of the barrel (from the original 20 inches to 10 inches) and by shortening the stock by a further 3 inches. The butt was plastic and retractable, the handguards were of triangular shape and the flash hider was of original three-prong type. Based on the original CAR-15, Colt quickly developed the CAR-15 Air Force Survival Rifle, intended, as a name implied, to serve to downed airplane and helicopter pilots. This version had tubular handguards and a metallic tubular stock, and the pistol grip was shortened.

Initial combat experience with CAR-15 exposed some problems. First, the carbine was too loud, deafening the firing soldier quite quickly. Second, the muzzle flash was also excessive, blinding the shooter at night and giving avay the position of the shooter to the enemies. Colt addressed this problem by installing a new, longer flash suppressor. This version, known as the Colt model 609 Commando, also carried new handguards of tubular shape. This model was officially adopted by U.S. Army as XM-177E1. This wersion had M16A1-style receiver with forward assist button. In the mid-1967, Colt slightly upgraded the Commando by lengthening the barrel to 11.5 inches (292 mm), this version being adopted as the XM-177E2.

Later, with the introduction of the M16A2 and M16A3 (flat-top) models, Colt also changed the design of it's Commando line, adding three-burst options and flat-top receivers with Weaver-style rails.

Current Colt Commando carbines (mode 933; Colt still refers to these as sub-machine guns) are based on either M16A2 or M16A3 receivers, and had 11.5 inch (292 mm) barrels with M16A2-style flash suppressors, and are available in 3-round burst or full-automatic versions. Colt Commando carbines are used by various US Special Forces and others, such as Israel's ISAYERET.

From the technical perspective, the Colt Commando is similar to the contemporary M16 rifle, having the same light alloy, two-part receiver, direct gas operating system, and rotating bolt action with non-reciprocating charging handle (at the rear of the receiver). The telescoping stock is a metallic tube. Due to the recoil spring located inside the butt, the Commando cannot be equipped with a side- or under-folding stock without some redesign. Currenly, Colt Commando assault carbines are issued with standard M16-type 30 round magazines, but any other M16-compatible magazine can be used, including the 100-rounds Beta-C dual drums.

Data for current production Colt model 933 Commando

Caliber: 5.56x45 mm (.223 Remington)

Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt

Overall length: 680 - 762 mm

Barrel length: 292 mm

Weight: 2.44 kg empty

Rate of fire: 750 rounds per minute

Magazine capacity: 30 rounds (or any other M16 type magazine)

Earliest CAR-15 version

XM-177E1

Colt Commando (model 733, note M16A2-style brass deflector and forward assist)