List of Colt AR-15 and 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 into 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 "R0". For the purposes of this table, the R0 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 models have the charging handle located on top of the upper receiver, protected within the carrying handle.

Colt model no.NameStockHand guardsFire controlRear sightForward assistCase deflectorCaliberBarrel lengthBarrel profileBarrel twistBayonet LugMuzzle device601ArmaLite AR-15A1TriangularS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM20 in.A11:14 (early)1:12 (late)YesType 1 DuckbillType 2 Duckbill602ArmaLite AR-15 (USAF)A1TriangularS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM20 in.A11:12YesType 2 Duckbill

Colt M16 Rifle, M4 Carbine based weapons

Colt model no.NameStockHand guardsFire controlRear sightForward assistCase deflectorCaliberBarrel lengthBarrel profileBarrel twistBayonet LugMuzzle device603XM16E1M16A1A1TriangularS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM20 in.A11:12YesType 2 Duckbill or A1 Birdcage603M16S1 (produced by Chartered Industries of Singapore)A1TriangularS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM20 in.A11:12YesA1 Birdcage603KM16A1 (produced by Daewoo Precision Industries)A1TriangularS-1-FA1Yes (conical)No.223 REM20 in.A11:12YesA1 Birdcage604M16A1TriangularS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM20 in.A11:12YesA1 Birdcage605CAR-15 DissipatorA1TriangularS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM15 in.A11:12NoType 2 Duckbill605ACAR-15 Dissipator (bolt assist)A1TriangularS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM15 in.A11:12NoType 2 Duckbill605BCAR-15 Dissipator (burst control)A1TriangularS-F-1-3A1NoNo.223 REM15 in.A11:12NoType 2 Duckbill606CAR-15 HBARA1TriangularS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM20 in.HBAR1:12YesType 2 Duckbill606ACAR-15 HBAR (bolt assist)A1TriangularS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM20 in.HBAR1:12YesType 2 Duckbill606BCAR-15 HBAR (burst control)A1TriangularS-F-1-3A1YesNo.223 REM20 in.HBAR1:12YesType 2 Duckbill607CAR-15 XM6071st GenerationShort TriangularS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM10 in.A11:12NoType 1 and 2 Duckbill and 3.5" Moderator607ACAR-15 XM607 (bolt assist)1st GenerationShort TriangularS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM10 in.A11:12NoType 1 and 2 Duckbill and 3.5" Moderator607BCAR-15 XM607 (burst control)1st GenerationShort TriangularS-F-1-3A1NoNo.223 REM10 in.A11:12NoType 1 and 2 Duckbill and 3.5" Moderator608CAR-15 Survival RifleTubularShort RoundS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM10 in.A11:12NoConical or 3.5" Moderator609XM177E1 Commando2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM10 in.A11:12No3.5" or 4.5" Moderator610XM177 (GAU 5/A) Commando SMG2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM10 in.A11:12No3.5" or 4.5" Moderator610BGAU 5/A 2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-F-1-3A1NoNo.223 REM10 in.A11:12No3.5" or 4.5" Moderator611M16A1 HBARA1TriangularS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM20 in.HBAR1:12YesA1 Birdcage611PM16A1 HBAR (produced by Elisco Tools)A1TriangularS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM20 in.HBAR1:12YesA1 Birdcage613M16A1 (export variant, FMS)A1TriangularS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM20 in.A11:12YesA1 Birdcage613PM16A1 (produced by Elisco Tools)A1TriangularS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM20 in.A11:12YesA1 Birdcage615M16 HBARA1TriangularS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM20 in.HBAR1:12YesA1 Birdcage616M16 HBARA1RoundS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM20 in.HBAR1:12YesA1 Birdcage619XM177E1 Commando (export variant, FMS)2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM10 in.A11:12No3.5" or 4.5" Moderator620XM177 (GAU 5/A) Commando (export variant, FMS)2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM10 in.A11:12No3.5" or 4.5" Moderator621M16A1 HBARA1TriangularS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM20 in.HBAR1:12YesA1 Birdcage629Colt XM177E22nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM or 5.56 NATO11.5 in.A11:12No4.5" Moderator630GAU 5/A2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM11.5 in.A11:12No4.5" Moderator633Colt SMG2nd GenerationShort RoundS-1-FA1NoYes9mm NATO7 in.A11:10NoNone634Colt SMG2nd GenerationShort RibbedConflict between S-1 and S-1-FA1NoYes9mm NATO10 in.A11:10NoA1 Birdcage635Colt SMG2nd, 3rd, or 4th GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1NoYes9mm NATO10 in.A11:10NoA1 Birdcage635SDColt SMG2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1NoYes9mm NATO10 in.A1 w/ integral silencer1:10NoNone639XM177 Commando2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM11.5 in.A11:12No4.5" Moderator or A1639Colt SMG2ndShort RibbedS-1-3A1NoYes9mm NATO10 in.A1 w/ integral silencer1:10NoA2 Compensator640XM177 Commando2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM11.5 in.A11:12No4.5" Moderator or A1645M16A1E1A1RibbedS-1-3A1 or A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2 Compensator645EM16A2E1A2RibbedS-1-3Flattop (w/ flip down front sight)YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2 Compensator646M16A2E3A2RibbedS-1-FA2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2 Compensator649GAU 5/A2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM11.5 in.A11:12No4.5" Moderator650M16A1 carbine/CAR15 A1Short RibbedS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM14.5 in.A11:12YesA1 Birdcage651M16A1 carbine/CAR15A1Short RibbedS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM14.5 in.A11:12YesA1 Birdcage652M16A1 carbine/CAR15A1Short RibbedS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM14.5 in.A11:12YesA1 Birdcage653M16A1 carbine/CAR152nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM14.5 in.A1 1:12YesA1 Birdcage653PM16A1 carbine/CAR15 (License produced by Elisco Tools)2nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1YesNo.223 REM14.5 in.A11:12YesA1 Birdcage654M16A1 carbine/CAR152nd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1NoNo.223 REM14.5 in.A11:12YesA1 Birdcage655M16A1 Special High ProfileA1TriangularS-1-FA1 (used with special raised carry handle scope mount)YesNo.223 REM20 in.HBAR1:12YesA1656M16A1 Special Low ProfileA1TriangularS-1-FFlattopYesNo.223 REM20 in.HBAR1:12YesA1 Birdcage701M16A2 A2RibbedS-1-FA2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2 Compensator702M16A2A2RibbedS-1-3A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2 Compensator703M16A2 PrototypeA2RibbedS-1-FA2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A11:7YesA2 Compensator705M16A2A2RibbedS-1-3A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2 Compensator707M16A2A2RibbedS-1-3A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A11:7YesA2 Compensator708M16A2 EnhancedA2RibbedS-1-3-FA2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A11:7YesA2 Compensator711M16A2A2RibbedS-1-FA1YesNo and Yes5.56 NATO20 in.A11:7YesA2 Compensator713M16A2A2RibbedS-1-3A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2 Compensator715M16A2 (License produced by Diemaco/Colt Canada as the C7)A2RibbedS-1-FA1YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2 Compensator719M16A2A2RibbedS-1-3A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A11:7YesA2 Compensator720XM4 Carbine2nd Generation or 3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-F, S-1-3A1 or A2Earlier No, Later YesEarlier No, Later Yes5.56 NATO14.5 in.A1 (Before), M4 (Current)1:7YesA1 or A2 Compensator723Colt 723 Delta Carbine3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1Earlier No, Later YesEarlier No, Later Yes5.56 NATO14.5 in.Earlier A1, Later M41:7YesA2 Compensator725M16A2 carbine (License produced by Diemaco/Colt Canada as the C8)3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1YesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.A11:7YesA2 Compensator725AM16A2 carbine3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1YesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.A11:7YesA2 Compensator725BM16A2 carbine3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1YesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.A21:7YesA2 Compensator726M16A2 carbine3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1YesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.A11:7YesA1 Birdcage727M16A2 Government Carbine3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA2YesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2 Compensator728M16A2 carbine 3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA2YesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2 Compensator733M16A2 Commando3rd or 4th GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1 or A2YesYes or No5.56 NATO11.5 in.A1 or A21:7NoA1 or A2733AM16A2 Commando3rd or 4th GenerationShort RibbedS-1-3A1 or A2YesYes or No5.56 NATO11.5 in.A1 or A21:7NoA1 or A2734M16A2 Commando3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-FA1 or A2YesYes or No5.56 NATO11.5 in.A1 or A21:7NoA1 or A2734AM16A2 Commando3rd GenerationShort RibbedS-1-3A1 or A2YesYes or No5.56 NATO11.5 in.A1 or A21:7NoA1 or A2735M16A2 Commando3rd or 4th GenerationShort RibbedS-1-3A1 or A2YesYes or No5.56 NATO11.5 in.A1 or A21:7NoA1 or A2737M16A2A2RibbedS-1-3A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7YesA2738M16A2 Commando Enhanced3rd or 4th GenerationShort RibbedS-1-3-FA2YesYes5.56 NATO11.5 in.A21:7NoA1 or A2741M16A2A2RibbedS-1-FA2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7YesA2742M16A2 (Standard w/ bipod)A2RibbedS-1-FA2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7YesA2745M16A2 (Standard w/ bipod)A2RibbedS-1-3A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7YesA2746M16A2 (Standard w/ bipod)A2RibbedS-1-3A2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7YesA2750Colt M16 Automatic Rifle (Colt/Diemaco project)A2Square LMGS-FA2YesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7YesA2777M4E1 Carbine4th GenerationM4S-1-FA2YesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2778M4 Carbine Enhanced4th GenerationM4S-1-3-FA2YesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2779M4 Carbine4th GenerationM4S-1-3A2YesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2901M16A3A2Ribbed, Rail/RISS-1-FFlattopYesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2905M16A4A2Ribbed, Rail/RISS-1-3FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2920M4 Carbine4th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-3FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2921M4A14th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-FFlattopYesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2921HBM4A14th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-FFlattopYesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M4 HBAR1:7YesA2925M4E23rd or 4th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-F (Earlier), S-1-3 (Later)FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2927M4 Government Carbine4th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-FFlattopYesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2933M4 Commando4th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-FFlattopYesYes5.56 NATO11.5 in.A1 or A21:7NoA2935M4 Commando4th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-3FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO11.5 in.A1 or A21:7NoA2938M4 Commando Enhanced 4th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-3-FFlattopYesYes5.56 NATO11.5 in.A21:7NoA2941M16A3A2Ribbed, Rail/RISS-1-FFlattopYesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7YesA2942M16A3 (Standard w/ bipod)A2Ribbed, Rail/RISS-1-FFlattopYesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7YesA2945M16A4A2Ribbed, Rail/RISS-1-3FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO20 in.A21:7YesA2950Colt Automatic Rifle (Colt/Diemaco project)A2Square LMGS-FFlattopYesYes5.56 NATO20 in.HBAR1:7YesA2977M4A14th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-FFlattopYesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2977HBM4A14th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-FFlattopYesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M4 HBAR1:7YesA2978M4 Carbine Enhanced4th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-3-FFlattopYesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2979M4 Carbine4th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-3FlattopYesYes5.56 NATO14.5 in.M41:7YesA2991Colt SMG4th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-FFlattopNoYes9mm NATO10.5 in.A11:10NoA1 Birdcage992Colt SMG4th GenerationM4, Rail/RISS-1-3FlattopNoYes9mm NATO10.5 in.A11:10NoA1 BirdcageColt model no.NameStockHand guardsFire controlRear sightForward assistCase deflectorCaliberBarrel lengthBarrel profileBarrel twistBayonet LugMuzzle device

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.