AR-15 variants

This article is a review of many variations of the AR-15 family of weapons produced by Colt's Manufacturing Company. Weapons patterned on the original ArmaLite AR-15 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 of the platform. 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.

Numbered Colt military models

Colt has been the most visible producer of weapons of the AR-15 pattern, and the military designation M16 is 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 model no.	Name	Stock	Fire control	Rear sight	Forward assist	Case deflector	Barrel length	Barrel profile	Barrel twist	Hand guards	Bayonet Lug	Muzzle device
601	AR-15	A1	S-1-F	A1	No	No	20 in.	A1	1:14 (early) or 1:12 (late)	Triangular	Yes	Type 1 Duckbill/Type 2 Duckbill
602	AR-15	A1	S-1-F	A1	No	No	20 in.	A1	1:12	Triangular	Yes	Type 2 Duckbill
603	XM16E1	A1	S-1-F	A1	Yes	No	20 in.	A1	1:12	Triangular	Yes	Type 2 Duckbill
603	M16A1	A1	S-1-F	A1	Yes	No	20 in.	A1	1:12	Triangular	Yes	A1
604	M16	A1	S-1-F	A1	No	No	20 in.	A1	1:12	Triangular	Yes	A1
605	CAR-15 Carbine	A1	S-1-F	A1	No	No	15 in.	A1	1:12	Triangular	No	Type 2 Duckbill
605A	CAR-15 Carbine	A1	S-1-F	A1	Yes	No	15 in.	A1	1:12	Triangular	No	Type 2 Duckbill
605B	CAR-15 Carbine	A1	S-F-1-3	A1	No	No	15 in.	A1	1:12	Triangular	No	Type 2 Duckbill
606	CAR-15 Heavy Assault Rifle M1	A1	S-1-F	A1	No	No	20 in.	HBAR	1:12	Triangular	Yes	Type 2 Duckbill
606A	CAR-15 Heavy Assault Rifle M1	A1	S-1-F	A1	Yes	No	20 in.	HBAR	1:12	Triangular	Yes	Type 2 Duckbill
606B	CAR-15 Heavy Assault Rifle M1	A1	S-F-1-3	A1	Yes	No	20 in.	HBAR	1:12	Triangular	Yes	Type 2 Duckbill
607	CAR-15 SMG	1st Generation	S-1-F	A1	No	No	10 in.	A1	1:12	Short Triangular	No	Type 1 and 2 Duckbill and 3.5" Moderator
607A	CAR-15 SMG	1st Generation	S-1-F	A1	Yes	No	10 in.	A1	1:12	Short Triangular	No	Type 1 and 2 Duckbill and 3.5" Moderator
607B	CAR-15 SMG	1st Generation	S-F-1-3	A1	No	No	10 in.	A1	1:12	Short Triangular	No	Type 1 and 2 Duckbill and 3.5" Moderator
608	CAR-15 Survival Rifle	Tubular	S-1-F	A1	No	No	10 in.	A1	1:12	Short Round	No	Conical or 3.5" Moderator
609	XM177E1	2nd Generation	S-1-F	A1	Yes	No	10 in.	A1	1:12	Short Ribbed	No	3.5" or 4.5" Moderator
610	XM177 or GAU-5/A	2nd Generation	S-1-F	A1	No	No	10 in.	A1	1:12	Short Ribbed	No	3.5" or 4.5" Moderator
610B	CAR-15 SMG	2nd Generation	S-F-1-3	A1	No	No	10 in.	A1	1:12	Short Ribbed	No	3.5" or 4.5" Moderator
611	M16 HBAR	A1	S-1-F	A1	Yes	No	20 in.	HBAR	1:12	Triangular	Yes	A1
611P	M16 HBAR (License produced by Elisco Tools)	A1	S-1-F	A1	Yes	No	20 in.	HBAR	1:12	Triangular	Yes	A1
613K	M16 (Licensed produced by Daewoo Precision Industries)	A1	S-1-F	A1	Yes	No	20 in.	A1	1:12	Triangular	Yes	A1
613P	M16 (License produced by Elisco Tools)	A1	S-1-F	A1	Yes	No	20 in.	A1	1:12	Triangular	Yes	A1
614	M16	A1	S-1-F	A1	No	No	20 in.	A1	1:12	Triangular	Yes	A1
614S	M16S1 (License produced by Chartered Arms Singapore)	A1	S-1-F	A1	No	No	20 in.	A1	1:12	Triangular	Yes	A1
615	M16 HBAR	A1	S-1-F	A1	No	No	20 in.	HBAR	1:12	Triangular	Yes	A1
616	M16 HBAR	A1	S-1-F	A1	No	No	20 in.	HBAR	1:12	Round	Yes	A1
619	XM177E1	2nd Generation	S-1-F	A1	Yes	No	10 in.	A1	1:12	Short Ribbed	No	3.5" or 4.5" Moderator
620	CAR-15	2nd Generation	S-1-F	A1	No	No	10 in.	A1	1:12	Short Ribbed	No	3.5" or 4.5" Moderator
621	M16A1 HBAR	A1	S-1-F	A1	Yes	No	20 in.	HBAR	1:12	Triangular	Yes	A1
629	XM177E2	2nd Generation	S-1-F	A1	Yes	No	11.5 in.	A1	1:12	Short Ribbed	No	4.5" Moderator
630	GAU-5A/A	2nd Generation	S-1-F	A1	No	No	11.5 in.	A1	1:12	Short Ribbed	No	4.5" Moderator
633	Colt SMG	2nd Generation	S-1-F	A1	No	Yes	7 in.	A1	1:10	Short Round	No	None
634	Colt SMG	2nd Generation	Conflict between S-1 and S-1-F	A1	No	Yes	10 in.	A1	1:10	Short Ribbed	No	A2
635	Colt SMG	2nd, 3rd, or 4th Generation	S-1-F	A1	No	Yes	10 in.	A1	1:10	Short Ribbed	No	A2
635S	Colt SMG	2nd Generation	S-1-F	A1	No	Yes	10 in.	A1 w/ integral silencer	1:10	Short Ribbed	No	A2
639	XM177E2	2nd Generation	S-1-F	A1	Yes	No	11.5 in.	A1	1:12	Short Ribbed	No	4.5" Moderator or A1
639	Colt SMG	2nd	S-1-3	A1	No	Yes	10 in.	A1 w/ integral silencer	1:10	Short Ribbed	No	A2
640	XM177E2	2nd Generation	S-1-F	A1	No	No	11.5 in.	A1	1:12	Short Ribbed	No	4.5" Moderator or A1
645	M16A1E1/M16A2	A2	S-1-3	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	A2	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
645E	M16A2E1	Flattop (w/ flip down front sight)	S-1-3	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	A2	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
646	M16A2E3/M16A3	A2	S-1-F	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	A2	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
649	GAU-5A/A	2nd Generation	S-1-F	A1	No	No	11.5 in.	A1	1:12	Short Ribbed	No	4.5" Moderator
650	M16A1 carbine	A1	S-1-F	A1	Yes	No	14.5 in.	A1	1:12	Short Ribbed	Yes	A1
651	M16A1 carbine	A1	S-1-F	A1	Yes	No	14.5 in.	A1	1:12	Short Ribbed	Yes	A1
652	M16A1 carbine	A1	S-1-F	A1	No	No	14.5 in.	A1	1:12	Short Ribbed	Yes	A1
653	M16A1 carbine	2nd Generation	S-1-F	A1	Yes	No	14.5 in.	A1	1:12	Short Ribbed	Yes	A1
653P	M16A1 carbine (License produced by Elisco Tools)	2nd Generation	S-1-F	A1	Yes	No	14.5 in.	A1	1:12	Short Ribbed	Yes	A1
654	M16A1 carbine	2nd Generation	S-1-F	A1	No	No	14.5 in.	A1	1:12	Short Ribbed	Yes	A1
655	M16A1 Special High Profile	A1	S-1-F	A1 (used with special raised carry handle scope mount)	Yes	No	20 in.	HBAR	1:12	Triangular	Yes	A1
656	M16A1 Special Low Profile	A1	S-1-F	Flattop	Yes	No	20 in.	HBAR	1:12	Triangular	Yes	A1
701	M16A2	A2	S-1-F	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	A2	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
702	M16A2	A2	S-1-3	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	A2	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
703	M16A2	A2	S-1-F	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	A1	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
705	M16A2	A2	S-1-3	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	A2	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
707	M16A2	A2	S-1-3	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	A1	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
711	M16A2	A2	S-1-F	A1	Yes	No and Yes	20 in.	A1	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
713	M16A2	A2	S-1-3	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	A2	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
715	M16A2 (License produced by Diemaco/Colt Canada as the C7)	A2	S-1-F	A1	Yes	Yes	20 in.	A2	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
719	M16A2	A2	S-1-3	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	A1	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
720	XM4 Carbine	3rd Generation	S-1-3	A2	Yes	Yes	14.5 in.	M4	1:7	Short Ribbed	Yes	A2
723	M16A2 carbine	3rd Generation	S-1-F	A1	Yes	Yes	14.5 in.	A1	1:7	Short Ribbed	Yes	A1
725	M16A2 carbine (License produced by Diemaco/Colt Canada as the C8)	3rd Generation	S-1-F	A1	Yes	Yes	14.5 in.	A1	1:7	Short Ribbed	Yes	A2
725A	M16A2 carbine	3rd Generation	S-1-F	A1	Yes	Yes	14.5 in.	A1	1:7	Short Ribbed	Yes	A2
725B	M16A2 carbine	3rd Generation	S-1-F	A1	Yes	Yes	14.5 in.	A2	1:7	Short Ribbed	Yes	A2
726	M16A2 carbine	3rd Generation	S-1-F	A1	Yes	Yes	14.5 in.	A1	1:7	Short Ribbed	Yes	A1
727	M16A2 carbine	3rd Generation	S-1-F	A2	Yes	Yes	14.5 in.	M4	1:7	Short Ribbed	Yes	A2
728	M16A2 carbine	3rd Generation	S-1-F	A2	Yes	Yes	14.5 in.	M4	1:7	Short Ribbed	Yes	A2
733	M16A2 Commando/M4 Commando	3rd or 4th Generation	S-1-F	A1 or A2	Yes	Yes or No	11.5 in.	A1 or A2	1:7	Short Ribbed	No	A1 or A2
733A	M16A2 Commando/M4 Commando	3rd or 4th Generation	S-1-3	A1 or A2	Yes	Yes or No	11.5 in.	A1 or A2	1:7	Short Ribbed	No	A1 or A2
734	M16A2 Commando	3rd Generation	S-1-F	A1 or A2	Yes	Yes or No	11.5 in.	A1 or A2	1:7	Short Ribbed	No	A1 or A2
734A	M16A2 Commando	3rd Generation	S-1-3	A1 or A2	Yes	Yes or No	11.5 in.	A1 or A2	1:7	Short Ribbed	No	A1 or A2
735	M16A2 Commando/M4 Commando	3rd or 4th Generation	S-1-3	A1 or A2	Yes	Yes or No	11.5 in.	A1 or A2	1:7	Short Ribbed	No	A1 or A2
737	M16A2	A2	S-1-3	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	HBAR	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
738	M4 Commando Enhanced	4th Generation	S-1-3-F	A2	Yes	Yes	11.5 in.	A2	1:7	Short Ribbed	No	A1 or A2
741	M16A2	A2	S-1-F	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	HBAR	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
742	M16A2 (Standard w/ bipod)	A2	S-1-F	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	HBAR	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
745	M16A2 (Standard w/ bipod)	A2	S-1-3	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	HBAR	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
746	M16A2 (Standard w/ bipod)	A2	S-1-3	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	HBAR	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
750	LMG (Colt/Diemaco project)	A2	S-F	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	HBAR	1:7	Square LMG	Yes	A2
777	M4 Carbine	4th Generation	S-1-3	A2	Yes	Yes	14.5 in.	M4	1:7	M4	Yes	A2
778	M4 Carbine Enhanced	4th Generation	S-1-3-F	A2	Yes	Yes	14.5 in.	M4	1:7	M4	Yes	A2
779	M4 Carbine	4th Generation	S-1-F	A2	Yes	Yes	14.5 in.	M4	1:7	M4	Yes	A2
901	M16A3	A2	S-1-F	Flattop	Yes	Yes	20 in.	A2	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
905	M16A4	A2	S-1-3	Flattop	Yes	Yes	20 in.	A2	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
920	M4 Carbine	3rd and 4th Generation	S-1-3	Flattop	Yes	Yes	14.5 in.	M4	1:7	M4	Yes	A2
921	M4E1/A1 Carbine	4th Generation	S-1-F	Flattop	Yes	Yes	14.5 in.	M4	1:7	M4	Yes	A2
921HB	M4A1 Carbine	4th Generation	S-1-F	Flattop	Yes	Yes	14.5 in.	M4 HBAR	1:7	M4	Yes	A2
925	M4E2 Carbine	3rd or 4th Generation	S-1-3	Flattop	Yes	Yes	14.5 in.	M4	1:7	M4	Yes	A2
927	M4 Carbine	4th Generation	S-1-F	Flattop	Yes	Yes	14.5 in.	M4	1:7	M4	Yes	A2
933	M4 Commando	4th Generation	S-1-F	Flattop	Yes	Yes	11.5 in.	A1 or A2	1:7	Short Ribbed	No	A2
935	M4 Commando	4th Generation	S-1-3	Flattop	Yes	Yes	11.5 in.	A1 or A2	1:7	Short Ribbed	No	A2
938	M4 Commando Enhanced	4th Generation	S-1-3-F	Flattop	Yes	Yes	11.5 in.	A2	1:7	M4	No	A2
977	M4 Carbine	4th Generation	S-1-3	Flattop	Yes	Yes	14.5 in.	M4	1:7	M4	Yes	A2
941	M16A3	A2	S-1-F	Flattop	Yes	Yes	20 in.	HBAR	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
942	M16A3 (Standard w/ bipod)	A2	S-1-F	Flattop	Yes	Yes	20 in.	HBAR	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
945	M16A2E4/M16A4	A2	S-1-3	Flattop	Yes	Yes	20 in.	A2	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
950	LMG (Colt/Diemaco project)	A2	S-F	Flattop	Yes	Yes	20 in.	HBAR	1:7	Square LMG	Yes	A2
"977"	M4 Carbine	4th Generation	S-1-3	Flattop	Yes	Yes	14.5 in.	M4	1:7	M4	Yes	A2
978	M4 Carbine Enhanced	4th Generation	S-1-3-F	Flattop	Yes	Yes	14.5 in.	M4	1:7	M4	Yes	A2
979	M4A1 Carbine	4th Generation	S-1-F	Flattop	Yes	Yes	14.5 in.	M4	1:7	M4	Yes	A2
Colt model no.	Name	Stock	Fire control	Rear sight	Forward assist	Case deflector	Barrel length	Barrel profile	Barrel twist	Hand guards	Bayonet Lug	Muzzle device

Numbered Colt civilian models

Colt’s civilian line 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

Colt model no.	Name	Stock	Fire control	Rear sight	Forward assist	Case deflector	Barrel length	Barrel profile	Barrel twist	Hand guards	Bayonet Lug	Muzzle device
R6000	AR-15 Sporter (SP1)	A1	S-1	A1	No	No	20 in.	A1	1:12	Triangular	Yes	Type 2 Duckbill or A1
R6001	AR-15 Sporter Carbine (SP1 Carbine)	2nd Generation	S-1	A1	No	No	16 in.	A1	1:12	Short Ribbed	Yes	A1
R6002	AR-15 Sporter (SP1; Bundled with 3x scope)	A1	S-1	A1	No	No	20 in.	A1	1:12	Triangular	Yes	A1
R6003	AR-15 Sporter Carbine (SP1 Carbine; Bundled with 3x scope)	2nd Generation	S-1	A1	No	No	16 in.	A1	1:12	Short Ribbed	Yes	A1
R6004	AR-15 Sporter (SP1; Bundled with Colt Reflex Sighting System)	A1	S-1	A1	No	No	20 in.	A1	1:12	Triangular	Yes	A1
R6420	AR-15A2 Sporter II Carbine	3rd Generation	S-1	A1	Yes	No & Yes	16 in.	A1	1:7	Short Ribbed	Yes	A2
R6430	Sporter Lightweight (9 mm)	A2	S-1	A1	No	Removable	16 in.	A1	1:10	Short Ribbed	Yes	A1
R6450	AR-15 9 mm Carbine	3rd Generation	S-1	A1	No	No & Removable	16 in.	A1	1:10	Short Ribbed	Yes	A1
R6500	AR-15A2 Sporter II	A2	S-1	A1	Yes	No & Yes	20 in.	A2	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
R6510	AR-15A2 Sporter II (Special export model in .222 Remington)	A2	S-1	A2	Yes	No	20 in.	A2	1:12	Ribbed	Yes	A2
R6520	AR-15A2 Government Carbine	3rd Generation	S-1	A2	Yes	Yes	16 in.	A1	1:7	Short Ribbed	Yes	A2
R6521	Colt Carbine (AR-15A2 Government Carbine) (Special export model with receiver block and large pin upper receiver)	3rd Generation	S-1	A2	Yes	Yes	16 in.	A1	1:7	Short Ribbed	Yes/No	A2
R6530	Sporter Lightweight .223	3rd Generation	S-1	A2	Yes	Yes	16 in.	A1	1:7	Short Ribbed	No	A2
R6550	AR-15A2 Government	A2	S-1	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	A2	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
R6550CC	AR-15A2 Government (w/ factory camouflage finish)	A2	S-1	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	A2	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
R6550K	AR-15A2 Government (w/ factory installed .22 Long Rifle conversion kit)	A2	S-1	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	A2	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
R6551	Sporter Target	A2	S-1	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	A2	1:7	Ribbed	No	A2
R6600	AR-15A2 HBAR	A2	S-1	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	HBAR	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
R6600DH	AR-15A2 Delta HBAR (bundled w/ Tasco 3–9x scope and cheekpiece)	A2	S-1	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	HBAR	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
R6600K	AR-15A2 HBAR (w/ factory installed .22 Long Rifle conversion kit)	A2	S-1	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	HBAR	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
R6601	Sporter Match HBAR	A2	S-1	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	HBAR	1:7	Ribbed	No	A2
R6601DH	Sporter Match Delta HBAR (bundled w/ Tasco 3–9x scope and cheekpiece)	A2	S-1	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	HBAR	1:7	Ribbed	No	A2
R6700	Sporter Competition HBAR	A2	S-1	Flattop	Yes	Yes	20 in.	HBAR	1:9	Ribbed	No	A2
R6700CH	Sporter Competition HBAR (bundled w/ Tasco 3–9x scope and cheekpiece)	A2	S-1	Flattop	Yes	Yes	20 in.	HBAR	1:9	Ribbed	No	A2
R6700S	Sporter Competition HBAR (bundled w/ Tasco 3–9x scope)	A2	S-1	Flattop	Yes	Yes	20 in.	HBAR	1:9	Ribbed	No	A2
R6701	Sporter Competition HBAR (Special limited edition production run)	A2	S-1	Flattop	Yes	Yes	20 in.	HBAR	1:9	Ribbed	No	A2
R6721	AR-15A3 Tactical Carbine	4th Generation	S-1	A2	Yes	Yes	16 in.	HBAR	1:9	Short Ribbed	Yes	A2
R6724	Sporter Competition HBAR	A2	S-1	Flattop	Yes	Yes	24 in.	HBAR	1:9	Ribbed	No	A2
R6731	AR-15A3 Competition HBAR	A2	S-1	A2	Yes	Yes	16 in.	HBAR	1:9	Short Ribbed	No	A2
R6750	Sporter Competition HBAR (bundled w/ bipod)	A2	S-1	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	Super-Heavy	1:7	Ribbed	No	A2
R6821	Sporter Carbine (7.62×39mm)	3rd Generation	S-1	A2	Yes	Yes	16 in.	HBAR	1:12	Short Ribbed	No	A1
R6830	Sporter Lightweight (7.62×39mm)	A2	S-1	A2	Yes	Yes	16 in.	HBAR	1:12	Short Ribbed	No	A1

AR series models

Colt model no.	Name	Stock	Fire control	Rear sight	Forward assist	Case deflector	Barrel length	Barrel profile	Barrel twist	Hand guards	Bayonet Lug	Muzzle device
AR6320	AR-15 Lightweight	4th Generation	S-1	A1	Yes	Yes	16 in.	A1	1:9	Short Ribbed	Yes	A2
AR6450	AR-15 9 mm Carbine	4th Generation	S-1	A1	No	Removable	16 in.	A1	1:10	Short Ribbed	Yes	A1
AR6520	AR-15A2 Government Carbine	4th Generation	S-1	A2	Yes	Yes	16 in.	A1	1:7	Short Ribbed	Yes	A2
AR6520SP	AR-15A2 Government Carbine	4th Generation	S-1	A2	Yes	Yes	10 in.	A2	1:7	Short Ribbed	Yes	A2
AR6525	AR-15A2 Government Carbine	4th Generation	S-1	A2	Yes	Yes	16 in.	A2	1:9	Short Ribbed	Yes	A2
AR6721	AR-15A3 Tactical Carbine	4th Generation	S-1	Flattop	Yes	Yes	16 in.	HBAR	1:9	Short Ribbed	Yes	A2
AR6721SP	AR-15A3 Tactical Carbine	4th Generation	S-1	Flattop	Yes	Yes	10 in.	HBAR	1:9	Short Ribbed	Yes	A2

MT and CR series models

Colt model no.	Name	Stock	Fire control	Rear sight	Forward assist	Case deflector	Barrel length	Barrel profile	Barrel twist	Hand guards	Bayonet Lug	Muzzle device
CR6724	Colt Accurized Rifle	A2	S-1	Flattop	Yes	Yes	24 in.	Stainless HBAR	1:9	FF Tube	No	None
MT6400	Match Target M4	4th Generation	S-1	Flattop	Yes	Yes	16 in.	M4	1:7	M4	No	None
MT6400C	Match Target M4	4th Generation	S-1	Flattop	Yes	Yes	16 in.	M4	1:7	M4	No	Factory compensator
MT6530	Match Target Lightweight	A2	S-1	A2	Yes	Yes	16 in.	A1	1:7	Short Ribbed	No	None
MT6551	Match Target Rifle	A2	S-1	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	A2	1:7	Ribbed	No	None
MT6601	Match Target HBAR	A2	S-1	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	HBAR	1:7	Ribbed	No	None
MT6601C	Match Target HBAR	A2	S-1	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	HBAR	1:7	Ribbed	No	Factory compensator
MT6700	Match Target Competition HBAR	A2	S-1	Flattop	Yes	Yes	20 in.	HBAR	1:9	Ribbed	No	None
MT6700C	Match Target Competition HBAR	A2	S-1	Flattop	Yes	No	20 in.	HBAR	1:9	Ribbed	No	Factory compensator
MT6731	Match Target Competition HBAR II	A2	S-1	Flattop	Yes	Yes	16 in.	HBAR	1:9	Short Ribbed	No	None
MT6830	AR-15A2 Government Carbine (Post-Ban LE Only)	3rd Generation	S-1	A2	Yes	Yes	16 in.	HBAR	1:12	Short Ribbed	Yes	A2

LE series models

Colt model no.	Name	Stock	Fire control	Rear sight	Forward assist	Case deflector	Barrel length	Barrel profile	Barrel twist	Hand guards	Bayonet Lug	Muzzle device
LE1020	Gas Piston Carbine	4th Generation	S-1	Flattop	Yes	Yes	16 in.	M4	1:7	Rail System	Yes	A2
LE1033	Gas Piston Commando	4th Generation	S-1	Flattop	Yes	Yes	11.5 in.	A2	1:7	Rail System	Yes	A2
LE6920	Law Enforcement Carbine (Also produced under license by Colt Canada)	4th Generation	S-1	Flattop	Yes	Yes	16 in.	M4	1:7	M4	Yes	A2
LE6920HB	Law Enforcement Carbine	4th Generation	S-1	Flattop	Yes	Yes	16 in.	M4 HBAR	1:7	M4	Yes	A2
LE6921	M4LE Carbine	4th Generation	S-1	Flattop	Yes	Yes	14.5 in.	M4	1:7	M4	Yes	A2
LE6921CQB	M4LE Carbine	4th Generation	S-1	Flattop	Yes	Yes	10.5 in.	M4 HBAR	1:7	M4	Yes	A2
LE6921HB	M4LE Carbine	4th Generation	S-1	Flattop	Yes	Yes	14.5 in.	M4 HBAR	1:7	M4	Yes	A2
LE6921SP	M4LE Carbine	4th Generation	S-1	Flattop	Yes	Yes	10 in.	M4 HBAR	1:7	M4	Yes	A2
LE6933	M4LE Commando	4th Generation	S-1	Flattop	Yes	Yes	11.5 in.	A2	1:7	Short Ribbed	Yes	A2
LE6940	Monolithic Advanced Law Enforcement Carbine	4th Generation	S-1	Flattop	Yes	Yes	16 in.	M4	1:7	Monolithic Rail System	Yes	A2
LE6941	Law Enforcement Carbine (direct impingement version of LE1020)	4th Generation	S-1	Flattop	Yes	Yes	16 in.	M4	1:7	Rail System	Yes	A2

LT series models

Colt model no.	Name	Stock	Fire control	Rear sight	Forward assist	Case deflector	Barrel length	Barrel profile	Barrel twist	Hand guards	Bayonet Lug	Muzzle device
LT6720-R	Talo Special Edition	4th Generation	S-1	Flattop	Yes	Yes	16 in.	Lightweight pencil barrel	1:7	Rail System	No	A2

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.

Name	Stock	Fire control	Rear sight	Forward assist	Case deflector	Barrel length	Barrel profile	Barrel twist	Hand guards	Bayonet Lug	Muzzle device
M16 PIP/M16A1E1	A2	S-1-F or S-1-3	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	A2	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A1 or A2
M16 ACR/M16A2E2	Retracable ACR	S-1-3	Flattop	Yes	Yes	20 in.	A2	1:7	ACR Type	No	ACR compensator
XM231 FPW	FPW Wire	S-F	None	No	No	15.6 in.	HBAR	1:12	Short Round	No	A1
M231 FPW	None	S-F	None	No	No	15.6 in.	HBAR	1:12	Short Round	No	A1

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 model no.	Diemaco model	Stock	Fire control	Rear sight	Forward assist	Case deflector	Barrel length	Barrel profile	Barrel twist	Hand guards	Bayonet Lug	Muzzle device
715	C7	A2	S-1-F	A1	Yes	Yes	20 in.	A2	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
N/A	C7FT	A2	S-1-F	Weaver	Yes	Yes	20 in.	A2	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
N/A	C7A2	Canadian 3rd Generation	S-1-F	Weaver	Yes	Yes	20 in.	A2	1:7	Ribbed	Yes	A2
750	Colt/Diemaco LMG/LSW	A2	S-F	A2	Yes	Yes	20 in.	HBAR	1:7	Square LMG	No	A2
N/A	LSW	A2	S-F	Weaver	Yes	Yes	20 in.	HBAR	1:7	Square LMG	No	A2
725	C8	3rd Generation	S-1-F	A1	Yes	Yes	14.5 in.	A1	1:7	Short Ribbed	Yes	A2
N/A	C8FT	Canadian 3rd Generation	S-1-F	Weaver	Yes	Yes	14.5 in.	A1	1:7	Short Ribbed	Yes	A2
N/A	C8FTHB	Canadian 3rd Generation	S-1-F	Weaver	Yes	Yes	14.5 in.	A2	1:7	Short Ribbed	Yes	A2
N/A	SFW	Canadian 3rd Generation	S-1-F	Weaver	Yes	Yes	16 in.	SFW	1:7	Short Ribbed	Yes	A2
N/A	C8CQB	Canadian 3rd Generation	S-1-F	Weaver	Yes	Yes	10 in.	A2	1:7	Short Ribbed	Yes	A2
N/A	PDW	Canadian 3rd Generation	S-1-F	Weaver	Yes	Yes	5.7" in.	A2	1:7	N/A	No	A2

Colt Canada model changes and comments

When Diemaco became Colt Canada the marketing names for a number of products were changed, though some remained the same. Those that changed are listed below, with comments on what major changes Colt Canada made the models.

Diemaco model	Colt Canada model	Comments
C7FT	C7A1	Colt Canada offers this rifle with either a Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail type sight base
LSW	LSW	Colt Canada offers this rifle with either a Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail type sight base
C8FT	C8A1	Colt Canada offers this rifle with either a Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail type sight base
C8FTHB	C8A2	Colt Canada offers this rifle with either a Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail type sight base
SFW	SFW	Colt Canada offers this rifle with either a Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail type sight base
C8CQB	CQB	Colt Canada offers this rifle with either a Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail type sight base

Non-factory military models

Name	Base weapon	Stock	Fire control	Rear sight	Forward assist	Case deflector	Barrel length	Barrel profile	Barrel twist	Hand guards	Bayonet Lug	Muzzle device
GUU-5/P	GAU-5/A or GAU-5A/A	2nd or 3rd Generation	S-1-F	A1	Yes	No	14.5 in.	A1 or M4	1:7	Short Ribbed	Yes	A1 or A2
GUU-5/P	GAU-5/A or GAU-5A/A	2nd or 3rd Generation	S-1-F	A2 or Flattop	Yes	Yes	14.5 in.	M4	1:7	M4	Yes	A2
Mekut'zar	Model 653	3rd Generation or Israeli	S-1-F	A1	Yes	No	14.5 in.	M4	1:7	Short Ribbed	Yes	A2
Mekut'zrar	Model 653	2nd Generation or Israeli	S-1-F	A1	Yes	No	Variable; 9" average	A1	1:12	Short Ribbed	No	Various

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

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)
• 1:12: 1 right hand twist every 12 inches (305 mm) .223 Remington (US M193)
• 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)

Handguards

• Triangular: Triangular rifle handguards
• Short Triangular: Carbine length triangular handguards
• Round: Smooth round rifle handguards
• 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

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: Also referred to as the "Birdcage" flash hider
• A2: 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

• Bartocci,Christopher R. (2004) . Black Rifle II: The M16 into the 21st Century. Cobourg, Canada: Collector Grade Publications Inc.. ISBN 0-88935-348-4.

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

See also

• M16
• M4 Carbine
• M231 Firing Port Weapon
• CAR-15
• Colt Automatic Rifle
• For compliance with fixed magazine restricted states (MA, NY, NJ, CA, MD, CT)