Difference between m4 and m16

[highny]

So, what is the difference between the two guns?

And could you change an m4 into a m16 and reverce?

[Nova316]

Yes you could, Only major difference is the front end/inner barrel/cylinder port
everything else is the same

[ybrik]

plus m4s has collapsible stock while m16 has fixed stock.

[burningashes]

For next time use Google before you ask here. Only visual difference when ur talking about airsoft.

M4



M16

[Darklen]

Originally Posted by highny

And could you change an m4 into a m16 and reverce?

Yes you could, but it would not be an economical solution for more airsofters.

Just visually, you'd need a complete M4 and M16 upper receiver and a collaspible and a fixed stock. You could swap the upper reciever parts and have only one upper body, if you had lots of time on your hands. It's not something that you would really be able to do easily in the field. Internally, you'd there's quite a few changesto the cylinder and the wiring. Again, you could modify it to work but one or the other version would suffer from poor performance somewhere because of it.

Realistically, unless you built the crap out of the M4, the M16 might get about 20'-30' more range, tops. If you're talking a stock gun, it's probably less that a 20' advantage for the M16.

[highny]

Originally Posted by burningashes

For next time use Google before you ask here. Only visual difference when ur talking about airsoft.

I know exactly how they look.

Let me rephrase my question.

Let say I have an M4 and an M16.
Both from the same company, but with the same FPS same battery.
I put the same scope on them both, so adjusting for the same target.

What's the difference other than the looks of the two guns?

Which gun would have the advantage for long range, and which for close range? What makes either guns do better at which ever?

Other than the barrow and the stock, what else makes them two different guns in the airsoft world?

Thanks.

[tunabreath]

Nothing.

The M4 would be more maneuverable for... well, anything, but especially CQB/thick brush.
Unless you go lipo, the full stocked M16 (or SR16 or similar carbine) would have access to a superior battery.

[sortie39]

its a simple question with tough answers!
gernerally speaking, m4 is an upgraded version of M16.

[m102404]

WTF?!?


If the mechboxes are basically shooting the same (the M16 uses a full cylinder, where as the M4 uses a ported cylinder....but ignore that for now)...the M16 will deliver more accuracy at range. That means your effective range (you hit what you're aiming at) increases.

The differences aren't great though and the M4 length is 95% fine for whatever you're going to run into.

Batteries are batteries. Big batteries are better than mini batteries. LiPo's can pack big power in little packages.

Shooting with iron sights...the M16 will be more accurate as well because of the longer sight line between front and rear sights.

Make your selection based on what fits you best. I'm 5'6". I find the M16 just a little too long for me when I'm creeping/running through the brush. Tends to get hung up. I don't think I have short arms...but the full M16 stock makes me feel like I'm stretching a bit too much when shooting prone. Collapsing the M4 stock a bit is soooooo much more comfortable. Even an M4 is just a touch too long for me for CQB. When I'm shooting my secondary and go to one knee, I've got to take care not to pile drive the muzzle of the rifle into the floor. Longer than an M4 (i.e. FAL/M16/etc...) I'd be better off laying the rifle down to go to my secondary.

Best of luck,

Tys

[ybrik]

greater range for an m-16 with a 509mm inner barrel length compared to a much shorter 363mm barrel length of a standard m4. But you could still install a 509mm inner barrel to a standard m4 and a suppressor to cover the excess sticking out of the outer barrel.

[Blackthorne]

Originally Posted by burningashes

For next time use Google before you ask here. Only visual difference when ur talking about airsoft.

This is the newb forum.

This question is appropriate.

Stop trolling.

[keyyek321]

Also, in terms of the gun itself:

- M4's are classified as carbines/assault rifle, while m16's are rifles.

- M4's have full auto, m16's have burst

[m102404]

Perhaps to clarify for the original poster....

There are only a few AEGs that come with 3rnd burst (i.e. Systema PTW, Type 89). AEGs can be modified with a computerized mosfet to enable 3rnd burst...but typically they all have semi and full auto [generalization]

As it pertains to airsoft M4/M16's...they'll likely be semi/FA.

As said previously...it's a fair bit of work and expense to convert one to the other. Sometimes worth it (time/cost)...but it is far easier to simply buy the other model outright.

[Bowers]

Originally Posted by keyyek321

Also, in terms of the gun itself:

- M4's are classified as carbines/assault rifle, while m16's are rifles.

- M4's have full auto, m16's have burst

an m16 is an assault rifle

The translation assault rifle gradually became the common term for similar firearms sharing the same technical definition as the StG 44. In a strict definition, a firearm must have at least the following characteristics to be considered an assault rifle:[2][3][4]

* It must be an individual weapon with provision to fire from the shoulder (i.e. a buttstock);
* It must be capable of selective fire;
* It must have an intermediate-power cartridge: more power than a pistol but less than a standard rifle or battle rifle;
* Its ammunition must be supplied from a detachable box magazine.

and not all m16's are burst (A1) especially when we are talking about airsoft

OP: heres a few links that may prove useful for more info on both firearms (these are more dedicated to the real versions as opposed to airsoft but still ok for a read)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M16_rifle

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M4_carbine

http://world.guns.ru/assault/as18-e.htm
http://world.guns.ru/assault/as17-e.htm

you said your rifle was an ICS? (i have rather short term memory so forgive me if i am mistaken) if this is the case this link may help you should you encounter problems with your rifle
http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=4981

as for converting from one to the other i cant comment on that and will allow others more experienced to do so

Cheers
Bowers

[tunabreath]

Originally Posted by m102404

If the mechboxes are basically shooting the same (the M16 uses a full cylinder, where as the M4 uses a ported cylinder....but ignore that for now)...the M16 will deliver more accuracy at range. That means your effective range (you hit what you're aiming at) increases.

Originally Posted by ybrik

greater range for an m-16 with a 509mm inner barrel length compared to a much shorter 363mm barrel length of a standard m4. But you could still install a 509mm inner barrel to a standard m4 and a suppressor to cover the excess sticking out of the outer barrel.

Nooooo!

Haha, I'm going to keep having to debate this.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m.../ai_110470564/
http://www.6mmbr.com/barrelFAQ.html
http://www.techpb.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=41209
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accurizing

longer barrel != more accurate

As far as stability and acceleration time are concerned, those are taken care of by porting the cylinder and are less of a factor in airsoft than with powderburners, air rifles, or paintball because the volume of propellant gas in airsoft is comparatively small.
This means it's easy to supply enough air to a projectile in a full length barrel.

Bigger factors are power consistency, part consistency, stiffness, and lock/dwell time.

As far as long vs short:
power consistency is pretty much the same for stock AEGs
part consistency is likely to be better for shorter barrels
(but hop consistency, which is overall more important, is the same)
stiffness is MUCH better for shorter barrels
lock time is about the same for AEGs using similar electrical setups and mechboxes
dwell time (at the same velocity) is MUCH better for shorter barrels


Adding any kind of optic negates any advantage of a longer sight radius.
The 4" change between an M4 and an M16 is going to make effectively ZERO difference on the performance of the rifle. It will make a HUGE difference on how easy the rifle is to handle though, especially if you're smaller framed.