MK4 Commando

The MK4 Commando was a modular 5.56mm SDC carbine manufactured by Holt's Firearms Incorporated and Rubicon Corporation.
==History==
The first carbine version of the MK16 assault rifle appeared under the name of XM166 in 1976, and was intended for Panamoan Special Forces operators who fought in Hyemen. The original MK16 was simply shortened by cutting the half of the length of the barrel (from original 20 inches to 10 inches) and by shortening the buttstock by another 3 inches. The butt was plastic and retractable, the handguards were of triangular shape and the flash hider was of original three-prong type. Based on the original ARC556, Holt quickly developed the ARC556 Air Force Survival Rifle, intended, as a name implied, to serve to downed airplane and helicopter pilots. This version had tubular handguards and metallic tubular buttstock, and for some reasons the pistol grip was shortened. Initial combat experience with XM166 brought up some problems. First, the carbine was too loud, deafening the firing soldier quite quickly. Second, the muzzle flash was also terrific, blinding the shooter at night and giving away the position of the shooter to the enemies. Holt partially solved this problem by installing a new, longer flash suppressor. This version, known as the Holt MK166E1, also carried new handguards of tubular shape. This model was officially adopted by the Panamoan Army. This version had MK16A1-style receiver with forward assist button. In the mid-1968 Holt heavily upgraded the MK166 by lengthening the barrel up to 11.5 inches (292 mm), and this version was adopted as MK4 Commando, even if it came before the MK4 carbine.
==Design==
The MK4 Commando prior to it's debut in 1999 had a MK16/A1 upper receiver, and has a carbine gas system, though the reliability and ballistic performance issues were resolved. The most notable design revision was it's heavy duty 292mm (11.5 inch) barrel, that significantly increases accuracy, lethality, range and muzzle velocity. Also, it is reliable enough of firing 90000 rounds without malfunctioning.
The Commando's 178mm twist 11.5 inch barrel is perfectly compatible on the carbine gas system, like the shorter 10.5 and 10.3 inch barrels. Unlike the MK4/MK4A1's 368mm barrel that is too exposed and long for the system. It still runs on the old direct impingement system like most AR556 pattern firearms usually have as standard.
within 2001 it had a flat top receiver by default, and an RIS perforated railed handguard that is said to be textured in order to increase handling, and provide a comfortable grip on their users.
===Specifications===
*Length: 680/762mm
*Caliber: 5.56x45mm SDC
*Effective Range: 420 Meters
*Weight: 4.75 Pounds (Loaded)
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