AR-15 Carbine Rifle

The AR-15 carbine rifle is sometimes referred to as the AR-15 M4 rifle, although this is incorrect. The AR-15 carbine version is typically referred to as the AR-15 carbine or by specific model names designated by the manufacturer, such as the Colt AR-15A4 Carbine. The carbine version indicates a shorter barreled configuration which is typically less than 16" long. These sometimes feature a collapsible stock or other characteristics related to the military M4 rifle.

The AR-16 carbine is a lightweight, air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed firearm, known for its modular design allowing for a great degree of customization. Like the full length AR-15 it is derived from the military's M16 platform. The direct impingement or piston-driven gas system cycles the action, enabling semi-automatic fire. Because the AR-15 carbine is a civilian rifle burst and automatic fire are intentionally disabled. Chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO or .223 Remington, the AR-15 carbine rifle offers low recoil and high accuracy, making it popular law enforcement, and civilian applications.

barrel length

The military version of the M4 carbine typically has a 14.5-inch barrel, while civilian AR-15 carbines generally feature a 16-inch barrel. This difference is primarily due to U.S. firearm regulations. Under the National Firearms Act (NFA), rifles with barrels shorter than 16 inches are classified as Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs) and are subject to additional restrictions and a special tax. Because the AR-15 carbine is manufactured for civilian use it will feature a slightly longer barrel to avoid legal complications.

In the civilian market you will see the AR-15 advertised as having one of three primary barrel length classes, which are: Carbine, Mid Length, and Rifle. A fourth class has been introduced to make it possible to sell them with even shorter barrel lengths, which is known as the AR-15 pistol.