Staff Report
Published Feb. 27, 2013

Columbia-based FN Manufacturing has received a contract worth up to $76.9 million to provide as many as 120,000 M4/M4A1 carbines for the U.S. Army.

Columbia-based FN Manufacturing received a contract to produce as many as 120,000 M4/M4A1 carbines for the U.S. Army. (Photo/Provided)

The weapon is a compact version of the M16A2 rifle, with a collapsible stock, a flat-top upper receiver accessory rail and a detachable handle/rear aperture site assembly.

The M4 enables a soldier operating in close quarters to engage targets at extended range with accurate, lethal fire, according to the Army’s website.

About 85% of the weapon’s parts are interchangeable with the M16A2 rifle and will replace all .45 caliber M3 submachine guns, selected M9 pistols and M16 series rifles.

The M4 carbine is heavily used by the U.S military and it eventually will replace the M16 rifle for most combat units.

The contract calls for the work to be completed by Feb. 19, 2018.

Previous coverage

Army awards FN Manufacturing $27.1M contract
FN awarded $18.7M contract to make new machine gun