List of Colt AR-15 & M16 rifle variants

This article describes the many variations of the Colt AR-15 and M16 rifle family of weapons produced by Colt's Manufacturing
Company. Weapons patterned on the original ArmaLite AR-15 design have been produced by numerous manufacturers and have
been used by nations around the world, some of which created their own variations. The tables here are split in a variety of
categories, and provide an overview of different subtypes. For purposes of these tables, bold model numbers are weapons used (or
previously used) by the U.S. Military while italic model numbers are weapons for commercial or export sale. See Glossary of
terms for an explanation of each column.

Colt military models

Colt has been the most visible producer of ArmaLite AR-15 pattern weapons, and the military designations M16 and M4 are heavily
associated with the company. Colt has an intricate internal nomenclature system for its models, with a variety of suffixes and
prefixes. Colt's systems have generally followed the times and though its model numbers originally came without prefixes, with the
need to separate weapons made for civilian consumption from those made for military and law enforcement use, military models
became prefixed with the code "RO". For the purposes of this table, the RO nomenclature is obviated as this terminology did not exist
in all cases, but it can be understood to be present. Military/LE models are also easily identified by their three digit code in contrast to
the four digit codes for civilian weapons.

Colt Armalite AR-15

The original Armalite AR-15 have the charging handle located on top of the upper receiver, protected within the carrying handle.

Colt
Hand Fire Rear Forward Case Barrel Barrel Barrel Bayonet Muzzle
model Name Stock Caliber
guards control sight assist deflector length profile twist Lug device
no.

1:14 Type 1
ArmaLite .222 (early) Duckbill
601 A1 Triangular S-1-F A1 No No 20 in. A1 Yes
AR-15 REM 1:12 Type 2
(late) Duckbill
 ArmaLite
AR-15 .223 Type 2
602 A1 Triangular S-1-F A1 No No 20 in. A1 1:12 Yes
(AKA: REM Duckbill
XM16)

Colt M16 rifle based weapons

Colt Barr Barr
Hand Fire Rear Forwa Case
mod Calib el Barrel el Bayon Muzzle
Name Stock guard contr sigh rd deflect
el er leng profile twis et Lug device
s ol t assist or
no. th t

Type 2
M16A1 Triangu .223 20 Duckbill
603 A1 S-1-F A1 Yes No A1 1:12 Yes
(AKA:XM16E1) lar REM in. or A1
Birdcage

Triangu .223 20 A1
604 M16 rifle A1 S-1-F A1 No No A1 1:12 Yes
lar REM in. Birdcage

Triangu .223 15 Type 2

605 CAR-15 Carbine A1 S-1-F A1 No No A1 1:12 No
lar REM in. Duckbill

Triangu .223 15 Type 2

605A CAR-15 Carbine A1 S-1-F A1 Yes No A1 1:12 No
lar REM in. Duckbill
 Triangu S-F-1- .223 15 Type 2
605B CAR-15 Carbine A1 A1 No No A1 1:12 No
lar 3 REM in. Duckbill

CAR-15 Heavy
Assault Rifle M1
Triangu .223 20 Type 2
606 (AKA:Colt Automatic A1 S-1-F A1 No No HBAR 1:12 Yes
lar REM in. Duckbill
Rifle or Colt Light
Machine Gun)

CAR-15 Heavy
Assault Rifle M1
Triangu .223 20 Type 2
606A (AKA:Colt Automatic A1 S-1-F A1 Yes No HBAR 1:12 Yes
lar REM in. Duckbill
Rifle or Colt Light
Machine Gun)

CAR-15 Heavy
Assault Rifle M1
Triangu S-F-1- .223 20 Type 2
606B (AKA:Colt Automatic A1 A1 Yes No HBAR 1:12 Yes
lar 3 REM in. Duckbill
Rifle or Colt Light
Machine Gun)

Type 1
1st Short and 2
.223 10
607 CAR-15 SMG Generati Triangu S-1-F A1 No No A1 1:12 No Duckbill
REM in.
on lar and 3.5"
Moderator

1st Short Type 1

.223 10
607A CAR-15 SMG Generati Triangu S-1-F A1 Yes No A1 1:12 No and 2
REM in.
on lar Duckbill
and 3.5"
 Moderator

Type 1
1st Short and 2
S-F-1- .223 10
607B CAR-15 SMG Generati Triangu A1 No No A1 1:12 No Duckbill
3 REM in.
on lar and 3.5"
Moderator

Conical or
CAR-15 Survival Short .223 10
608 Tubular S-1-F A1 No No A1 1:12 No 3.5"
Rifle Round REM in.
Moderator

Commando (AKA: 2nd 3.5" or

Short .223 10
609 XM177E1 or CAR- Generati S-1-F A1 Yes No A1 1:12 No 4.5"
Ribbed REM in.
15) on Moderator

Commando (AKA: 2nd 3.5" or

Short .223 10
610 XM177, GAU-5/A or Generati S-1-F A1 No No A1 1:12 No 4.5"
Ribbed REM in.
CAR-15) on Moderator

2nd 3.5" or
Short S-F-1- .223 10
610B CAR-15 SMG Generati A1 No No A1 1:12 No 4.5"
Ribbed 3 REM in.
on Moderator

Triangu .223 20 A1
611 M16 HBAR A1 S-1-F A1 Yes No HBAR 1:12 Yes
lar REM in. Birdcage

611P M16 HBAR (License A1 S-1-F A1 Yes No HBAR 1:12 Yes

Triangu .223 20 A1
produced by Elisco
 Tools) lar REM in. Birdcage

M16 (Licensed
Triangu .223 20 A1
613K produced by Daewoo A1 S-1-F A1 Yes No A1 1:12 Yes
lar REM in. Birdcage
Precision Industries)

M16 (License
Triangu .223 20 A1
613P produced by Elisco A1 S-1-F A1 Yes No A1 1:12 Yes
lar REM in. Birdcage
Tools)

Triangu .223 20 A1
614 M16 A1 S-1-F A1 No No A1 1:12 Yes
lar REM in. Birdcage

M16S1 (License
produced by Triangu .223 20 A1
614S A1 S-1-F A1 No No A1 1:12 Yes
Chartered Arms lar REM in. Birdcage
Singapore)

Triangu .223 20 A1
615 M16 HBAR A1 S-1-F A1 No No HBAR 1:12 Yes
lar REM in. Birdcage

.223 20 A1
616 M16 HBAR A1 Round S-1-F A1 No No HBAR 1:12 Yes
REM in. Birdcage

Commando 2nd 3.5" or

Short .223 10
619 (AKA:XM177E1 or Generati S-1-F A1 Yes No A1 1:12 No 4.5"
Ribbed REM in.
CAR-15) on Moderator
 2nd 3.5" or
Commando (AKA: Short .223 10
620 Generati S-1-F A1 No No A1 1:12 No 4.5"
CAR-15) Ribbed REM in.
on Moderator

Triangu .223 20 A1
621 M16A1 HBAR A1 S-1-F A1 Yes No HBAR 1:12 Yes
lar REM in. Birdcage

Commando (AKA: 2nd

Short .223 11.5 4.5"
629 XM177E2 or CAR- Generati S-1-F A1 Yes No A1 1:12 No
Ribbed REM in. Moderator
15) on

Commando (AKA: 2nd

Short .223 11.5 4.5"
630 GAU-5A/A or CAR- Generati S-1-F A1 No No A1 1:12 No
Ribbed REM in. Moderator
15) on

2nd 9mm
Short
633 Colt SMG Generati S-1-F A1 No Yes NAT 7 in. A1 1:10 No None
Round
on O

Confli
ct
2nd 9mm
Short betwe 10 A1
634 Colt SMG Generati A1 No Yes NAT A1 1:10 No
Ribbed en S- in. Birdcage
on O
1 and
S-1-F

2nd, Short 10 A1
635 Colt SMG S-1-F A1 No Yes 9mm A1 1:10 No
3rd, or Ribbed in. Birdcage
NAT
4th
 Generati O
on

2nd 9mm A1 w/
Short 10
635S Colt SMG Generati S-1-F A1 No Yes NAT integral sile 1:10 No None
Ribbed in.
on O ncer

Commando (AKA: 2nd 4.5"

Short .223 11.5
639 XM177E2 or CAR- Generati S-1-F A1 Yes No A1 1:12 No Moderator
Ribbed REM in.
15) on or A1

9mm A1 w/ A2
Short 10
639 Colt SMG 2nd S-1-3 A1 No Yes NAT integral sile 1:10 No Compens
Ribbed in.
O ncer ator

Commando (AKA: 2nd 4.5"

Short .223 11.5
640 XM177E2 or CAR- Generati S-1-F A1 No No A1 1:12 No Moderator
Ribbed REM in.
15) on or A1

5.56 A2
20
645 M16A1E1/M16A2 A2 Ribbed S-1-3 A2 Yes Yes NAT A2 1:7 Yes Compens
in.
O ator

Flatt
op
5.56 A2
(w/ 20
645E M16A2E1 A2 Ribbed S-1-3 Yes Yes NAT A2 1:7 Yes Compens
flip in.
O ator
down
front
sight
 )

5.56 A2
20
646 M16A2E3/M16A3 A2 Ribbed S-1-F A2 Yes Yes NAT A2 1:7 Yes Compens
in.
O ator

Commando (AKA: 2nd

Short .223 11.5 4.5"
649 GAU-5A/A or CAR- Generati S-1-F A1 No No A1 1:12 No
Ribbed REM in. Moderator
15) on

M16A1 carbine (AKA: Short .223 14.5 A1

650 A1 S-1-F A1 Yes No A1 1:12 Yes
CAR-15) Ribbed REM in. Birdcage

M16A1 carbine (AKA: Short .223 14.5 A1

651 A1 S-1-F A1 Yes No A1 1:12 Yes
CAR-15) Ribbed REM in. Birdcage

M16A1 carbine (AKA: Short .223 14.5 A1

652 A1 S-1-F A1 No No A1 1:12 Yes
CAR-15) Ribbed REM in. Birdcage

2nd
M16A1 carbine (AKA: Short .223 14.5 A1
653 Generati S-1-F A1 Yes No A1 1:12 Yes
CAR-15) Ribbed REM in. Birdcage
on

M16A1 carbine (AKA:

2nd
CAR-15) (License Short .223 14.5 A1
653P Generati S-1-F A1 Yes No A1 1:12 Yes
produced by Elisco Ribbed REM in. Birdcage
on
Tools)
 2nd
M16A1 carbine (AKA: Short .223 14.5 A1
654 Generati S-1-F A1 No No A1 1:12 Yes
CAR-15) Ribbed REM in. Birdcage
on

A1
(use
d
with
speci
al
raise
M16A1 Special High Triangu .223 20
655 A1 S-1-F d Yes No HBAR 1:12 Yes A1
Profile lar REM in.
carry
hand
le
scop
e
mou
nt)

M16A1 Special Low Triangu Flatt .223 20 A1

656 A1 S-1-F Yes No HBAR 1:12 Yes
Profile lar op REM in. Birdcage

5.56 A2
20
701 M16A2 A2 Ribbed S-1-F A2 Yes Yes NAT A2 1:7 Yes Compens
in.
O ator

5.56 A2
20
702 M16A2 A2 Ribbed S-1-3 A2 Yes Yes NAT A2 1:7 Yes Compens
in.
O ator
 5.56 A2
20
703 M16A2 A2 Ribbed S-1-F A2 Yes Yes NAT A1 1:7 Yes Compens
in.
O ator

5.56 A2
20
705 M16A2 A2 Ribbed S-1-3 A2 Yes Yes NAT A2 1:7 Yes Compens
in.
O ator

5.56 A2
20
707 M16A2 A2 Ribbed S-1-3 A2 Yes Yes NAT A1 1:7 Yes Compens
in.
O ator

5.56 A2
No and 20
711 M16A2 A2 Ribbed S-1-F A1 Yes NAT A1 1:7 Yes Compens
Yes in.
O ator

5.56 A2
20
713 M16A2 A2 Ribbed S-1-3 A2 Yes Yes NAT A2 1:7 Yes Compens
in.
O ator

M16A2 (License
5.56 A2
produced 20
715 A2 Ribbed S-1-F A1 Yes Yes NAT A2 1:7 Yes Compens
by Diemaco/Colt in.
O ator
Canada as the C7)

5.56 A2
20
719 M16A2 A2 Ribbed S-1-3 A2 Yes Yes NAT A1 1:7 Yes Compens
in.
O ator
 Earli
er
Earlier
3rd 5.56 11.5 A2
Short A1 or No, Earlier A1,
720 XM4 Carbine Generati S-1-3 Yes NAT in., 1:7 Yes Compens
Ribbed A2 Later Later M4
on O Later ator
Yes
14.5
in.

M16A2
carbine (License 3rd 5.56 A2
Short 14.5
725 produced Generati S-1-F A1 Yes Yes NAT A1 1:7 Yes Compens
Ribbed in.
by Diemaco/Colt on O ator
Canada as the C8)

3rd 5.56 A2
Short 14.5
725A M16A2 carbine Generati S-1-F A1 Yes Yes NAT A1 1:7 Yes Compens
Ribbed in.
on O ator

3rd 5.56 A2
Short 14.5
725B M16A2 carbine Generati S-1-F A1 Yes Yes NAT A2 1:7 Yes Compens
Ribbed in.
on O ator

3rd 5.56
Short 14.5 A1
726 M16A2 carbine Generati S-1-F A1 Yes Yes NAT A1 1:7 Yes
Ribbed in. Birdcage
on O

3rd 5.56 A2
M16A2 Government Short 14.5
727 Generati S-1-F A2 Yes Yes NAT M4 1:7 Yes Compens
Carbine Ribbed in.
on O ator
 3rd 5.56 A2
Short 14.5
728 M16A2 carbine Generati S-1-F A2 Yes Yes NAT M4 1:7 Yes Compens
Ribbed in.
on O ator

3rd or
5.56
4th Short A1 or Yes or 11.5
733 M16A2 Commando S-1-F Yes NAT A1 or A2 1:7 No A1 or A2
Generati Ribbed A2 No in.
O
on

3rd or
5.56
4th Short A1 or Yes or 11.5
733A M16A2 Commando S-1-3 Yes NAT A1 or A2 1:7 No A1 or A2
Generati Ribbed A2 No in.
O
on

3rd 5.56
Short A1 or Yes or 11.5
734 M16A2 Commando Generati S-1-F Yes NAT A1 or A2 1:7 No A1 or A2
Ribbed A2 No in.
on O

3rd 5.56
Short A1 or Yes or 11.5
734A M16A2 Commando Generati S-1-3 Yes NAT A1 or A2 1:7 No A1 or A2
Ribbed A2 No in.
on O

3rd or
5.56
4th Short A1 or Yes or 11.5
735 M16A2 Commando S-1-3 Yes NAT A1 or A2 1:7 No A1 or A2
Generati Ribbed A2 No in.
O
on

737 M16A2 A2 Ribbed S-1-3 A2 Yes Yes 5.56 HBAR 1:7 Yes A2
20
NAT
 O in.

4th 5.56
M4 Commando Short S-1-3- 11.5
738 Generati A2 Yes Yes NAT A2 1:7 No A1 or A2
Enhanced Ribbed F in.
on O

5.56
20
741 M16A2 A2 Ribbed S-1-F A2 Yes Yes NAT HBAR 1:7 Yes A2
in.
O

5.56
M16A2 (Standard w/ 20
742 A2 Ribbed S-1-F A2 Yes Yes NAT HBAR 1:7 Yes A2
bipod) in.
O

5.56
M16A2 (Standard w/ 20
745 A2 Ribbed S-1-3 A2 Yes Yes NAT HBAR 1:7 Yes A2
bipod) in.
O

5.56
M16A2 (Standard w/ 20
746 A2 Ribbed S-1-3 A2 Yes Yes NAT HBAR 1:7 Yes A2
bipod) in.
O

Colt Automatic Rifle

(AKA: Colt Light 5.56
Square 20
750 Machine A2 S-F A2 Yes Yes NAT HBAR 1:7 Yes A2
LMG in.
Gun) (Colt/Diemaco O
project)
 4th 5.56
S-1- 14.5
777 M4 Carbine Generati M4 A2 Yes Yes NAT M4 1:7 Yes A2
F[1] in.
on O

4th 5.56
M4 Carbine S-1-3- 14.5
778 Generati M4 A2 Yes Yes NAT M4 1:7 Yes A2
Enhanced F in.
on O

4th 5.56
S-1- 14.5
779 M4 Carbine Generati M4 A2 Yes Yes NAT M4 1:7 Yes A2
3[1] in.
on O

M16A2[2] (Also
5.56
marketed Flatt 20
901 A2 Ribbed S-1-F Yes Yes NAT A2 1:7 Yes A2
as M16A3 and M16A op in.
O
4[3])

M16A2[2] (Also 5.56

Flatt 20
905 marketed A2 Ribbed S-1-3 Yes Yes NAT A2 1:7 Yes A2
op in.
as M16A4[3]) O

3rd and
5.56
4th Flatt 14.5
920 M4 Carbine M4 S-1-3 Yes Yes NAT M4 1:7 Yes A2
Generati op in.
O
on

Flatt 14.5
921 M4E1/A1 Carbine 4th M4 S-1-F Yes Yes 5.56 M4 1:7 Yes A2
op in.
Generati NAT
 on O

4th 5.56
921H Flatt 14.5
M4A1 Carbine Generati M4 S-1-F Yes Yes NAT M4 HBAR 1:7 Yes A2
B op in.
on O

3rd or
5.56
4th Flatt 14.5
925 M4E2 Carbine M4 S-1-3 Yes Yes NAT M4 1:7 Yes A2
Generati op in.
O
on

4th 5.56
Flatt 14.5
927 M4 Carbine Generati M4 S-1-F Yes Yes NAT M4 1:7 Yes A2
op in.
on O

4th 5.56
Short Flatt 11.5
933 M4 Commando Generati S-1-F Yes Yes NAT A1 or A2 1:7 No A2
Ribbed op in.
on O

4th 5.56
Short Flatt 11.5
935 M4 Commando Generati S-1-3 Yes Yes NAT A1 or A2 1:7 No A2
Ribbed op in.
on O

4th 5.56
M4 Commando S-1-3- Flatt 11.5
938 Generati M4 Yes Yes NAT A2 1:7 No A2
Enhanced F op in.
on O

941 M16A3 A2 Ribbed S-1-F Yes Yes 5.56 HBAR 1:7 Yes A2
Flatt 20
NAT
 op O in.

5.56
M16A3 (Standard w/ Flatt 20
942 A2 Ribbed S-1-F Yes Yes NAT HBAR 1:7 Yes A2
bipod) op in.
O

5.56
Flatt 20
945 M16A2E4/M16A4 A2 Ribbed S-1-3 Yes Yes NAT A2 1:7 Yes A2
op in.
O

Colt Automatic Rifle

(AKA: Colt Light 5.56
Square Flatt 20
950 Machine A2 S-F Yes Yes NAT HBAR 1:7 Yes A2
LMG op in.
Gun) (Colt/Diemaco O
project)

4th 5.56
S-1- Flatt 14.5
977 M4 Carbine Generati M4 Yes Yes NAT M4 1:7 Yes A2
F[1][4] op in.
on O

4th 5.56
M4 Carbine S-1-3- Flatt 14.5
978 Generati M4 Yes Yes NAT M4 1:7 Yes A2
Enhanced F op in.
on O

4th 5.56
S-1- Flatt 14.5
979 M4A1 Carbine Generati M4 Yes Yes NAT M4 1:7 Yes A2
3[1][4] op in.
on O
 4th 9mm
Short Flatt 10.5 A1
991 Colt SMG Generati S-1-F No Yes NAT A1 1:10 No
Ribbed op in. Birdcage
on O

4th 9mm
Short Flatt 10.5 A1
992 Colt SMG Generati S-1-3 No Yes NAT A1 1:10 No
Ribbed op in. Birdcage
on O

Colt Barr Barr

Hand Fire Rear Forwa Case
mod Calib el Barrel el Bayon Muzzle
Name Stock guard contr sigh rd deflect
el er leng profile twis et Lug device
s ol t assist or
no. th t

Colt military models without model numbers

In rare instances some Colt models have been produced without in house model numbers, or at least one which is readily apparent.

Hand Fire Case Barrel Barrel

Rear Forwar Calibe Barre Bayone Muzzle
Name Stock guard contro deflecto lengt profil
sight d assist r l twist t Lug device
s l r h e

S-1-F
M16 5.56
A2 Ribbed or S-1- A2 Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Yes A1 or A2
PIP/M16A1E1 NATO
3

M16 ACR
Retractabl ACR Flatto 5.56
ACR/M16A2E S-1-3 Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 No compensato
e ACR Type p NATO
2 r
 Short .223 15.6
XM231 FPW FPW Wire S-F None No No HBAR 1:12 No A1
Round REM in.

Short .233 15.6

M231 FPW None S-F None No No HBAR 1:12 No A1
Round REM in.

Diemaco/Colt Canada models

The Canadian company Colt Canada (formerly Diemaco) licensed production of a rifle (Colt Model 715) and carbine (Colt Model
725), but later went on to produce an entire line of AR-15/M16 pattern weapons developed independently. In May 2005, Colt's
Manufacturing Company acquired Diemaco, and the name was changed to Colt Canada.

Colt Hand Fire Case Barrel Barrel Barre Muzzl

Diemaco Rear Forwar Calibe Bayone
mode Stock guard contro deflecto lengt profil l e
model sight d assist r t Lug
l no. s l r h e twist device

5.56
715 C7 A2 Ribbed S-1-F A1 Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Yes A2
NATO

Weave 5.56
N/A C7A1 A2 Ribbed S-1-F Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Yes A2
r NATO

Canadian
3rd Weave 5.56
N/A C7A2 Ribbed S-1-F Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Yes A2
Generatio r NATO
n
 Colt/Diemac Square 5.56
750 A2 S-F A2 Yes Yes 20 in. HBAR 1:7 No A2
o LMG/LSW LMG NATO

Square Weave 5.56

N/A LSW A2 S-F Yes Yes 20 in. HBAR 1:7 No A2
LMG r NATO

3rd
Short 5.56 14.5
725 C8 Generatio S-1-F A1 Yes Yes A1 1:7 Yes A2
Ribbed NATO in.
n

Canadian
3rd Short Weave 5.56 14.5
N/A C8A1 S-1-F Yes Yes A1 1:7 Yes A2
Generatio Ribbed r NATO in.
n

Canadian
3rd Short Weave 5.56 14.5
N/A C8FTHB S-1-F Yes Yes A2 1:7 Yes A2
Generatio Ribbed r NATO in.
n

Canadian
3rd Short Weave 5.56
N/A SFW S-1-F Yes Yes 16 in. SFW 1:7 Yes A2
Generatio Ribbed r NATO
n

Canadian Short Weave 5.56

N/A C8CQB S-1-F Yes Yes 10 in. A2 1:7 Yes A2
3rd Ribbed r NATO
Generatio
 n

Canadian
3rd Weave 5.56 5.7"
N/A PDW N/A S-1-F Yes Yes A2 1:7 No A2
Generatio r NATO in.
n

Non-factory military models

Base Hand Fire Case Barrel Muzzl
Rear Forwar Calibe Barrel Barre Bayone
Name weapo Stock guard contro deflecto profil e
sight d assist r length l twist t Lug
n s l r e device

GAU-
2nd or 3rd
5/A or Short 5.56 A1 or A1 or
GUU-5/P Generatio S-1-F A1 Yes No 14.5 in. 1:7 Yes
GAU- Ribbed NATO M4 A2
n
5A/A

GAU-
2nd or 3rd A2 or
5/A or 5.56
GUU-5/P Generatio M4 S-1-F Flatto Yes Yes 14.5 in. M4 1:7 Yes A2
GAU- NATO
n p
5A/A

3rd
Mekut'za Model Short 5.56
Generatio S-1-F A1 Yes No 14.5 in. M4 1:7 Yes A2
r 653 Ribbed NATO
n or Israeli
 2nd Variable
Mekut'za Model Short 5.56 Variou
Generatio S-1-F A1 Yes No ; 9" A1 1:12 No
r 653 Ribbed NATO s
n or Israeli average

Colt civilian models

Colt’s civilian line of semi-automatic Colt AR-15 rifles is identified by a four digit code following a specific prefix. Initially all Colt
civilian weapons were listed with an “R” prefix, with this changing to “AR” following the passage of the Federal Assault Weapons
Ban in 1994. Colt also produced a line of weapons aimed at target shooters under the “MT” prefix, which stood for Match Target, as
well as, the Colt Accurized Rifle, which was the only model to feature the CR prefix. Most recently with the shift in marketing policy
by Colt Defense, these weapons have been given the “LE” and "LT" prefix. The "LT" series is modified version of the Colt 6720
featuring a lightweight "pencil" barrel with a free floating rail system. Only 1500 of the "LT" series were produced. Currently, Colt
Defense has no line targeted specifically at the private civilian market.
R series models
Barre Barre Muzzl
Colt Fire Forwar Barr
Hand Rear Case l l Bayon e
model Name Stock contr d Caliber el
guards sight deflector lengt profil et Lug devic
no. ol assist twist
h e e

AR-15 Type 2
Triangul
R6000 Sporter A1 S-1 A1 No No .223 REM 20 in. A1 1:12 Yes Duckbi
ar
(SP1) ll or A1

AR-15
Sporter 2nd
Short
R6001 Carbine Generatio S-1 A1 No No .223 REM 16 in. A1 1:12 Yes A1
Ribbed
(SP1 n
Carbine)
 AR-15
Sporter
(SP1; Triangul
R6002 A1 S-1 A1 No No .223 REM 20 in. A1 1:12 Yes A1
Bundled ar
with 3×
scope)

AR-15
Sporter
Carbine
2nd
(SP1 Short
R6003 Generatio S-1 A1 No No .223 REM 16 in. A1 1:12 Yes A1
Carbine; Ribbed
n
Bundled
with 3×
scope)

AR-15
Sporter
(SP1;
Bundled Triangul
R6004 A1 S-1 A1 No No .223 REM 20 in. A1 1:12 Yes A1
with Colt ar
Reflex
Sighting
System)

AR-15
Sporter
(SP1 Triangul
R6007 A1 S-1 A1 No No .223 REM 20 in. A1 1:12 Yes A1
Coltguard ar
electroless
nickel)
 AR-15
Triangul
R6010 Sporter A1 S-1 A1 No No .222 REM 20 in. A1 1:12 Yes A1
ar
(SP1)

AR-15A2 3rd
Short 5.56
R6420 Sporter II Generatio S-1 A1 Yes No & Yes 16 in. A1 1:7 Yes A2
Ribbed NATO
Carbine n

Sporter
Short Removabl 9mm
R6430 Lightweight A2 S-1 A1 No 16 in. A1 1:10 Yes A1
Ribbed e NATO
(9 mm)

AR-15 3rd No &

Short 9mm
R6450 9 mm Generatio S-1 A1 No Removabl 16 in. A1 1:10 Yes A1
Ribbed NATO
Carbine n e

AR-15A2 5.56
R6500 A2 Ribbed S-1 A1 Yes No & Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Yes A2
Sporter II NATO

AR-15A2
Sporter II
(Special
R6510 export A2 Ribbed S-1 A2 Yes No .222 REM 20 in. A2 1:14 Yes A2
model in
.222
Remington)

R6520 AR-15A2 3rd S-1 A2 Yes Yes 16 in. A1 1:7 Yes A2

Short 5.56
Governmen Generatio
 t Carbine n Ribbed NATO

Colt
Carbine
(AR-15A2
Governmen
t Carbine)
(Special 3rd
Short 5.56
R6521 export Generatio S-1 A2 Yes Yes 16 in. A1 1:7 Yes/No A2
Ribbed NATO
model with n
receiver
block and
large pin
upper
receiver)

Sporter 3rd
Short 5.56
R6530 Lightweight Generatio S-1 A2 Yes Yes 16 in. A1 1:7 No A2
Ribbed NATO
.223 n

AR-15A2
5.56
R6550 Governmen A2 Ribbed S-1 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Yes A2
NATO
t

AR-15A2
Governmen
R6550C 5.56
t (w/ factory A2 Ribbed S-1 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Yes A2
C NATO
camouflage
finish)

R6550K AR-15A2 A2 Ribbed S-1 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Yes A2

5.56
Governmen
 t (w/ factory NATO
installed .22
Long Rifle
conversion
kit)

Sporter 5.56
R6551 A2 Ribbed S-1 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Yes A2
Target NATO

AR-15A2 5.56
R6600 A2 Ribbed S-1 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. HBAR 1:7 Yes A2
HBAR NATO

AR-15A2
Delta
HBAR
R6600D (bundled w/ 5.56
A2 Ribbed S-1 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. HBAR 1:7 Yes A2
H Tasco 3–9x NATO
scope and
cheekpiece
)

AR-15A2
HBAR (w/
factory
5.56
R6600K installed .22 A2 Ribbed S-1 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. HBAR 1:7 Yes A2
NATO
Long Rifle
conversion
kit)

5.56
R6601 Sporter A2 Ribbed S-1 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. HBAR 1:7 No A2
NATO
Match
 HBAR

Sporter
Match Delta
HBAR
R6601D (bundled w/ 5.56
A2 Ribbed S-1 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. HBAR 1:7 No A2
H Tasco 3–9x NATO
scope and
cheekpiece
)

Sporter .223 REM

Flatto
R6700 Competition A2 Ribbed S-1 Yes Yes 5.56 20 in. HBAR 1:9 No A2
p
HBAR NATO

Sporter
Competition
HBAR
.223 REM
R6700C (bundled w/ Flatto
A2 Ribbed S-1 Yes Yes 5.56 20 in. HBAR 1:9 No A2
H Tasco 3–9x p
NATO
scope and
cheekpiece
)

Sporter
Competition
.223 REM
HBAR Flatto
R6700S A2 Ribbed S-1 Yes Yes 5.56 20 in. HBAR 1:9 No A2
(bundled w/ p
NATO
Tasco 3–9x
scope)
 Sporter
Competition
HBAR
.223 REM
(Special Flatto
R6701 A2 Ribbed S-1 Yes Yes 5.56 20 in. HBAR 1:9 No A2
limited p
NATO
edition
production
run)

AR-15A3 4th .223 REM

Short
R6721 Tactical Generatio S-1 A2 Yes Yes 5.56 16 in. HBAR 1:9 Yes A2
Ribbed
Carbine n NATO

Sporter .223 REM

Flatto
R6724 Competition A2 Ribbed S-1 Yes Yes 5.56 24 in. HBAR 1:9 No A2
p
HBAR NATO

AR-15A3 .223 REM

Short
R6731 Competition A2 S-1 A2 Yes Yes 5.56 16 in. HBAR 1:9 No A2
Ribbed
HBAR NATO

Sporter
Competition Super
5.56
R6750 HBAR A2 Ribbed S-1 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. - 1:7 No A2
NATO
(bundled w/ Heavy
bipod)

3rd
Sporter Short 7.62×39m
R6821 Generatio S-1 A2 Yes Yes 16 in. HBAR 1:12 No A1
Carbine Ribbed m
n
(7.62×39m
 m)

Sporter
Lightweight Short 7.62×39m
R6830 A2 S-1 A2 Yes Yes 16 in. HBAR 1:12 No A1
(7.62×39m Ribbed m
m)

AR series models
Barre Barre
Colt Hand Fire Forwar Barre
Rear Case Calibe l l Bayone Muzzle
model Name Stock guard contro d l
sight deflector r lengt profil t Lug device
no. s l assist twist
h e

.223
4th
AR-15 Short REM
AR6320 Generatio S-1 A1 Yes Yes 16 in. A1 1:9 Yes A2
Lightweight Ribbed 5.56
n
NATO

AR-15 3rd
Short Removabl 9mm
AR6450 9 mm Generatio S-1 A1 No 16 in. A1 1:10 Yes A1
Ribbed e NATO
Carbine n

AR-15A2 4th
Short 5.56
AR6520 Governme Generatio S-1 A2 Yes Yes 16 in. A1 1:7 Yes A2
Ribbed NATO
nt Carbine n
 AR-15A2 4th
AR6520S Short 5.56
Governme Generatio S-1 A2 Yes Yes 10 in. A2 1:7 Yes A2
P Ribbed NATO
nt Carbine n

.223
AR-15A2 4th
Short REM
AR6525 Governme Generatio S-1 A2 Yes Yes 16 in. A2 1:9 Yes A2
Ribbed 5.56
nt Carbine n
NATO

.223
AR-15 Short REM
AR6530 A2 S-1 A2 Yes Yes 16 in. A1 1:7 Yes A2
Lightweight Ribbed 5.56
NATO

.223
AR-15
REM
AR6551 Target A2 Ribbed S-1 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 Yes A2
5.56
Model
NATO

.223
AR-15
REM
AR6601 Match A2 Ribbed S-1 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. HBAR 1:7 Yes A2
5.56
HBAR
NATO

.223
AR-15
Flatto REM
AR6700 Competitio A2 Ribbed S-1 Yes Yes 20 in. HBAR 1:9 Yes A2
p 5.56
n HBAR
NATO
 .223
AR-15A3 4th
Short Flatto REM
AR6721 Tactical Generatio S-1 Yes Yes 16 in. HBAR 1:9 Yes A2
Ribbed p 5.56
Carbine n
NATO

.223
AR-15A3 4th
AR6721S Short Flatto REM
Tactical Generatio S-1 Yes Yes 10 in. HBAR 1:9 Yes A2
P Ribbed p 5.56
Carbine n
NATO

4th A1
Colt 9 mm Short Flatto 9mm 16.1
AR6951 Generatio S-1 No Yes A2 1:10 Yes Birdcag
Carbine Ribbed p NATO in.
n e

MT and CR series models

Barre
Colt Fire Forwar Case Barr
Hand Rear Calibe l Barrel Bayon Muzzle
model Name Stock contr d deflect el
guards sight r lengt profile et Lug device
no. ol assist or twist
h

.223
Colt
Flatto REM Stainles
CR6724 Accurized A2 FF Tube S-1 Yes Yes 24 in. 1:9 No None
p 5.56 s HBAR
Rifle
NATO

Flatto .223 Stainles

CR6720 Colt A2 FF Tube S-1 Yes Yes 20 in. 1:9 No None
p REM s HBAR
Accurized
5.56
 Rifle NATO

M16A1
CRM16A Triangul 5.56 Type 2
Retro A1 S-1 A1 Yes No 20 in. A1 1:12 Yes
1 ar NATO Duckbill
Reissue

4th
Match Flatto 5.56
MT6400 Generatio M4 S-1 Yes Yes 16 in. M4 1:7 No None
Target M4 p NATO
n

4th Factory
MT6400 Match Flatto 5.56
Generatio M4 S-1 Yes Yes 16 in. M4 1:7 No compensat
C Target M4 p NATO
n or

Match
Target Short 9mm
MT6430 A2 S-1 A1 No Yes 16 in. A1 1:10 No None
Lightweigh Ribbed Luger
t

Match
Target Short 5.56
MT6530 A2 S-1 A2 Yes Yes 16 in. A1 1:7 No None
Lightweigh Ribbed NATO
t

Match
5.56
MT6551 Target A2 Ribbed S-1 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. A2 1:7 No None
NATO
Rifle
 Match
5.56
MT6601 Target A2 Ribbed S-1 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. HBAR 1:7 No None
NATO
HBAR

Match Factory
MT6601 5.56
Target A2 Ribbed S-1 A2 Yes Yes 20 in. HBAR 1:7 No compensat
C NATO
HBAR or

Match .223
Target Flatto REM
MT6700 A2 Ribbed S-1 Yes Yes 20 in. HBAR 1:9 No None
Competitio p 5.56
n HBAR NATO

Match .223
Factory
MT6700 Target Flatto REM
A2 Ribbed S-1 Yes No 20 in. HBAR 1:9 No compensat
C Competitio p 5.56
or
n HBAR NATO

Match .223
Target Short Flatto REM
MT6731 A2 S-1 Yes Yes 16 in. HBAR 1:9 No None
Competitio Ribbed p 5.56
n HBAR II NATO

AR-15A2
Governme 3rd
Short .223
MT6830 nt Carbine Generatio S-1 A2 Yes Yes 16 in. HBAR 1:12 Yes A2
Ribbed REM
(Post-Ban n
LE Only)
LE series models
Barre Barre Muzzl
Fire Forwar Case Barre
Colt Hand Rear Calibe l l Bayone e
Name Stock contro d deflecto l
model no. guards sight r lengt profil t Lug devic
l assist r twist
h e e

4th
Gas Piston Rail Flatto 5.56
LE1020 Generatio S-1 Yes Yes 16 in. M4 1:7 Yes A2
Carbine System p NATO
n

4th
Gas Piston Rail Flatto 5.56 11.5
LE1033 Generatio S-1 Yes Yes A2 1:7 Yes A2
Commando System p NATO in.
n

Law
Enforceme
nt Carbine
(Also 4th
Flatto 5.56
LE6920 produced Generatio M4 S-1 Yes Yes 16 in. M4 1:7 Yes A2
p NATO
under n
license
by Colt
Canada)

Law 4th
Flatto 5.56 M4
LE6920HB Enforceme Generatio M4 S-1 Yes Yes 16 in. 1:7 Yes A2
p NATO HBAR
nt Carbine n

LE6921 4th M4 S-1 Yes Yes M4 1:7 Yes A2

M4LE Flatto 5.56 14.5
Generatio
 Carbine n p NATO in.

4th
LE6921CQ M4LE Flatto 5.56 10.5 M4
Generatio M4 S-1 Yes Yes 1:7 Yes A2
B Carbine p NATO in. HBAR
n

4th
M4LE Flatto 5.56 14.5 M4
LE6921HB Generatio M4 S-1 Yes Yes 1:7 Yes A2
Carbine p NATO in. HBAR
n

4th
M4LE Flatto 5.56 M4
LE6921SP Generatio M4 S-1 Yes Yes 10 in. 1:7 Yes A2
Carbine p NATO HBAR
n

4th
M4LE Short Flatto 5.56 11.5
LE6933 Generatio S-1 Yes Yes A2 1:7 Yes A2
Commando Ribbed p NATO in.
n

Monolithic
Advanced 4th Monolithi
Flatto 5.56
LE6940 Law Generatio c Rail S-1 Yes Yes 16 in. M4 1:7 Yes A2
p NATO
Enforceme n System
nt Carbine

Law
Enforceme 4th
Rail Flatto 5.56
LE6941 nt Carbine Generatio S-1 Yes Yes 16 in. M4 1:7 Yes A2
System p NATO
(direct n
impingeme
nt version
 of LE1020)

LT series models
Colt Hand Fire Case Barrel Muzzl
Rear Forwar Calibe Barrel Barre Bayone
model Name Stock guard contro deflecto lengt e
sight d assist r profile l twist t Lug
no. s l r h device

Talo
4th Lightweigh
LT6720 Specia Rail Flatto 5.56
Generatio S-1 Yes Yes 16 in. t pencil 1:7 No A2
-R l System p NATO
n barrel
Edition

Glossary of terms
Stock
Fixed Stocks

• A1: Fixed stock as used on M16 and M16A1. May or may not have a trapdoor to store a cleaning kit
• A2: Improved stock used on M16A2. Longer by 5/8"
• Tubular: Fixed tubular buttstock, similar to the 2nd Generation retractable unit, using a receiver extension and triangular rear with
buttplate

Retractable Stocks

• 1st Generation: 2-position sliding stock that resembled a shortened fixed buttstock
• 2nd Generation: 2-position aluminum retractable stock
• 3rd Generation: 2-position fiberlite retractable stock. Introduced 1985
• Canadian 3rd Generation: 4-position fiberlite retractable stock fitted with rubber buttpad
• 4th Generation: 4-position nylon retractable stock. Introduced 2002, designed by Picatinny Arsenal engineer Lily Ko with
reinforced ribs, an angled buttplate, and a rear sling swivel
• Retractable ACR: Similar in design to the so-called "Crane Stock" (initially fabricated by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane
Division) essentially a 3rd generation unit with integrated cheek-rest
• FPW Wire: Retractable wire stock similar in appearance to the stock used on the M3 submachine gun
• Israeli: Rebuilt 3rd Generation stocks with 6 positions instead of 2

Handguards
• Triangular: Triangular rifle handguards
• Short Triangular: Carbine length triangular handguards
• Round: Smooth round rifle handguards[citation needed]
• Short Round: Carbine length smooth round handguard
• Ribbed: Ribbed round rifle handguards
• Short Ribbed: Carbine length ribbed handguards
• Square LMG: Special heavy handguards with integral vertical grip for use during sustained fire
• FF Tube: Free-Float Tube
• M4: Oval carbine handguards with double heatshields
• Rail System: Handguards are replaced with a Rail Integration System.
• Monolithic Rail Platform (MRP): A variant Rail System made by LMT. It has a free-floating barrel for greater accuracy.

Fire control
• S-1: The selector is Safe (S) – Semi-Automatic (1)
• S-F: The selector is Safe (S) – Fully Automatic (F)
• S-1-F: The selector is Safe (S) – Semi-Automatic (1) – Fully Automatic (F)
• S-1–3: The selector is Safe (S) – Semi-Automatic (1) – 3-Round Limiter (3)
• S-F-1–3: The selector is Safe (S) – Fully Automatic (F) – Semi-Automatic (1) – 3-Round Limiter (3). First Generation 4 position
group
• S-1–3-F: The selector is Safe (S) – Semi-Automatic (1) – 3-Round Limiter (3) – Fully Automatic (F). Second Generation 4
position group

Rear sight
• A1: "Field sights" in which the rear sight is only adjustable for windage
• A2: Rear sight adjustable for both windage and elevation
• Flattop: Indicates carry handle and rear sight has been replaced with a MIL-STD-1913 rail. A detachable carry handle can be
attached to the rail which features either A1 (Diemaco/Colt Canada) or A2 (Colt) sights
• Weaver: Indicates carry handle and rear sight has been replaced with a Weaver-type rail. A detachable carry handle can be
attached to the rail which features either A1 (Diemaco/Colt Canada) or A2 (Colt) sights

Barrel Profile
• ArmaLite Early ArmaLite AR-15 ultra-lightweight 'Hollywood' turned-down profile barrel, 1:14 twist only
• A1: Also referred to as the "lightweight" or "pencil" profile. Government-specified barrel profile increased to between 0.675 and
0.575 inches
• A2: Also referred to as the "government" or "gov't" profile. Barrel profile for which the portion of the barrel in front of handguards
is thickened to 0.715 inches
• HBAR: A barrel that in some portion is thicker than government-profile, usually underneath the handguards
• M4: Government barrel profile with small portion reduced to 0.575 inches to mount M203 grenade launcher
• M4 HBAR: M4 barrel with portion under handguard thickened for sustained automatic fire
• Super Heavy: Special Colt bull target/match barrel
• SFW: Special Forces Weapon profile, A2 profile with "fat" portion forward of the sight triangle

Barrel twist
Note: Metric measurements are rounded upwards to the nearest digit.

• 1:14: 1 right hand twist every 14 inches (356 mm) .222 Remington or .223 Remington (US M193)
• 1:12: 1 right hand twist every 12 inches (305 mm) .223 Remington (US M193) or 7.62×39mm
• 1:10: 1 right hand twist every 10 inches (254 mm) 9×19mm NATO
• 1:9: 1 right hand twist every 9 inches (229 mm) .223 Remington & 5.56×45mm NATO
• 1:7: 1 right hand twist every 7 inches (178 mm) 5.56×45mm NATO (NATO SS109 & US M855)

Muzzle device
• Type 1 Duckbill: Original three-prong flash hider
• Type 2 Duckbill: Also referred to as "three prong." A larger three-prong flash hider
• A1 or A1 Birdcage: Also referred to as Birdcage flash hider
• A2 or A2 Compensator: Birdcage flash hider with bottom slots closed off to act as muzzle compensator and to prevent dust from
being blown into the shooters face while in the prone position
• 3.5" Moderator or 4.5" Moderator: Either the 3.5-inch or 4.5-inch baffled moderators
• Conical: A conical flash suppressor
• ACR Compensator: Special anti-rise muzzle device developed specifically for the Colt ACR
• Factory Compensator: Colt Factory muzzle brake compliant with the restrictions of the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban

References
1. ^ Jump up to:a b c d Colt's Manufacturing Company. "M4 Carbine Law Enforcement Datasheet". Retrieved 26
November 2019.
2. ^ Jump up to:a b Colt's Manufacturing Company. "M16A2 Law Enforcement Datasheet". Retrieved 26 November 2019.
3. ^ Jump up to:a b Colt's Manufacturing Company. "Colt M16A4 Rifle". Archived from the original on 2016-03-06. Retrieved 26
November 2019.
4. ^ Jump up to:a b Colt's Manufacturing Company. "Colt M4 Carbine". Archived from the original on 2016-03-22. Retrieved 26
November 2019.

Bibliography
• Bartocci, Christopher R. (2004). Black Rifle II: The M16 into the 21st Century. Cobourg, Canada: Collector Grade
Publications. ISBN 0-88935-348-4.
• Dockery, Kevin (1997). Special Warfare Special Weapons. Chicago, IL: Emperor's Press. ISBN 1-883476-00-3.
• Gervasi, Tom (1984). Arsenal of Democracy III: America's War Machine, the Pursuit of Global Dominance. New York: Grove
Press. ISBN 0-394-54102-2.
• Long, Duncan (2001). The Complete AR-15/M16 Sourcebook. Boulder, CO: Paladin Press. ISBN 0-87364-687-8.
• Stevens, R. Blake; Edward C. Ezell (2004) [1987]. The Black Rifle: M16 Retrospective. Modern U.S. Military Small Arms (Second
Enhanced ed.). Cobourg, Canada: Collector Grade Publications. ISBN 0-88935-115-5.