What is the standard issue weapon for the US Army?

M4/M4A1
The M4/M4A1 5.56mm Carbine is a lightweight, gas operated, air cooled, magazine fed, selective rate, shoulder fired weapon with a collapsible stock. It is now the standard issue firearm for most units in the U.S. military.

What problems did the M16 have?

That wasn’t the only problem with the M16. Ammunition corroded quickly in the hot, humid environment of Southeast Asia, and magazine feed lips bent easily, causing feeding problems. The Army had declined to chrome plate the chamber and the rifle suffered chamber corrosion problems as a result.

Will the M4 be replaced?

The Army is moving quickly toward a replacement for the M4 carbine and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon machine gun, but don’t expect those old weapons to head into retirement any time soon. The Army is expected to make a decision on who will supply the force with new weapons and start fielding them next year.

What is the M4 being replaced with?

Sig Sauer Delivers Final Next-Generation Squad Weapon Prototypes to Army. Sig Sauer Inc. announced Tuesday that it has delivered its final prototype weapons to the Army as it competes for the chance to replace the M4A1 carbine and M249 squad automatic weapon in infantry units.

What is the Marine Corps replacing the M16 with?

The Marine Corps is replacing the M16 with the M4 carbine as the primary weapon for the infantry.

Is the M16A4 still in the military?

The M16A4 is not completely gone; it will remain in the armories of some training and non-combat units in the Army and Marine Corps. It’s also possible that surplus rifles may be modified for other roles, such as designated marksmen rifles.

Why is the military moving on from the M16?

The M4 retractable stock allows for an adjustable length of pull, helping troops with different body types to maintain good shooting fundamentals when they shoulder their weapon. The increasing use of body armor has underscored this, as comfortable length of pulls change once one dons a plate carrier or other protective system.

What are the new weapons in the Army?

A new infantry carbine and squad support weapon will be designed to replace the existing M4 and M249 SAW platforms. The Army wants both of the new weapons to fire the same 6.8mm ammunition, and also to accept the same magazines.