MK4A1

The ****MK4A1**** carbine is a 5.56x45mm SDC, air-cooled, gas-operated, direct impingement, magazine-fed, select fire carbine. It has a 14.5 in (370 mm) barrel and a telescoping stock; It serves as the successor of the MK4, distinguished by the GOVT MK4 handguard and a thicker barrel profile.

## Technical Information

### Weapon Class

Assault rifle
Carbine

### Manufacturer

Holt's Firearms Incorporated
Rubicon Corporation

### Users

Panamoan Army, Amphibious Panamoan Marine Corps

## Statistics

### Firing Mode

Fully Automatic
Semi automatic

The lighter and shorter variant of the MK16A4 assault rifle, and was extensively used by Armed Forces of the Panamoan Republic and the Sacrosanct Defense Coalition military troops on the early 2000s. It was notably featured in *Operation Sandstorm* and *Black Pegasus*. However, it's improved accuracy and considerable size classes it as an assault rifle.

## History

Following the adoption of the MK16 Rifle in 1976, In the outbreak of the Hyemen War, A few carbine variants were adopted for close combat operations. like the human-made XM177 Commando, The **Holt XM166** was heavily criticized due to it's barrel length was decreased in half, so the timing would be affected. The Effective Range is also halved, and its lethality was diminished due to its lower velocity. one soldier even stated that:

> *"The MK16/A1 is quite accurate, lethal and reliable for an Assault Rifle, though it's size makes it hard to conceal so it is treated like a Battle Rifle (with a smaller round). And Yes, a carbine variant solves the problem in close range, but it's lethality, range and accuracy? It is inferior and problems will increase."*
>
>

Due to this, the military demanded Holt to extend the barrel of the MK166 into 14.5 Inches, to lessen the heavily decreased performance, velocity, accuracy/precision, range and lethality, to improve it's performance, though Holt kept a MK4 Commando, that has better reliability thanks to it's 11.5" barrel though it's less accurate and lethal than the latter. These modifications in February 2nd 1978, has greatly reduced the complaints however, accuracy is still questionable beyond 500 Meters. That's the main reason why soldiers fire one round at a time/semi auto in that range in order to score an accurate shot and secure a kill. It was now renamed as the MK4, also it's shorter barrel than the MK16 makes it less deadlier, although it is still fairly lethal. Though the MK4 Commando is much better in reliability.

The Early days of the MK4 in the military still featured a circular, polymer Handguard, which is quite comfortable for most users, though it lacks modularity, except for it's detachable carry handle. Most Soldiers requested optical sights, in order to acquire targets easier and a clear sight picture. Also, since a typical Carbine devalued their Bigger Counterpart's Performance, Shot placement is vital. The Elevated Sights are inaccurate at close ranges, like any iron sights, so aiming high was the routine of users in combat.

The MK4A1 is manufactured by Holt's Firearms Incorporated. It was essentially a scaled down version of the MK16 Assault Rifle. It's advantages over its Bigger counterpart is easier to aim, maneuver, and a lighter frame. It downsides are influenced by its shorter barrel, cutting down its velocity, range and lethality by 40%. So good shot placement will compensate for this matter though the MK5 Maverick is 10% More lethal. The Design drawn interest to the Delta HAWKs

After the introduction of the MK4 carbine, it was found that the shorter barrel length of 14.5 inches also has a negative effect on reliability, as the gas port is located closer to the chamber than the gas port of the standard length MK16 rifle: 7.5 inches instead of 13 inches, and the barrel is too long for the carbine gas system. This is why the APMC, preferred their full sized rifles, which really benefits them in gunfights at various wide open areas, saving the carbine for closer ranges, such as urban areas. Sometimes even Delta HAWK operators prefer the 10.5 inch MK166 and the MK4 Commando carbine because it doesn't overheat and fail quickly.

### Operation Sandstorm

The MK4A1 is a standard issue for the Panamoan Army, and it also commonly found on APMC Marines, It always had multiple attachments, and it's physically impossible to obtain a MK4A1 without any attachments. Most of the soldiers using it are slightly more satisfied with the upgraded carbine; A MK4 successor.

### Black Pegasus

The MK4A1 is a standard issue for the Panamoan Army for the first missions. In most cases; The Weapon is fitted with a Holographic Sight, ACOG Scope, AN-PEQ2/A and a Foregrip. In later missions it becomes rare, as the MK4A1 was largely replaced by the ACR 5.56. It also used by the Amphibious Panamoan Marine Corps; notably attached with an ACOG Scope, XM21 Reflex Sight, AN-PEQ2/A and a Foregrip, in some cases it is attached with an MK203 Grenade Launcher, and it deals more damage in the campaign compared to the multiplayer counterpart. The MK4A1 is also commonly found in armories, alongside the ACR 5.56, MK16A4, and the MK-17 in their corresponding stations.

### Reception

Main article: All the traits Panamoan military personnel complain about the MK4 carbine

The weapon's non adjustable post sight makes a parallax problem in close range, so forcing the user to aim high on Iron Sights, plus the carbine gas system is too short for it's extended barrel, reducing reliability and cooling ability. Though the MK5 Maverick solved this problem, it doesn't look pleasing or stylish if the adjustable front sight is folded or removed making it look like a Sniper Rifle. And it was now the standard issue of the Inner Core Panamoan Police Force (ICPF) SWAT units due to its promising lethality, accuracy, speed and modularity. Also, the MK4 Commando is more reliable.

## Design

The XM166/MK166 was the first carbine variant that similarly used direct impingement operation; it was extremely easy to maneuver due to it's smaller size, and primarily meant for close combat operations. However; The weapon's ballistics are disappointing, as the barrel was halved, cutting the range, velocity, accuracy and lethality greatly. Also muzzle flash is noticeably larger, so a large Flash Suppressor was fitted, making it look like the barrel was 14.5" Inches long, but the carbine gas system is perfect for the short barrel.

The Holt MK4 is a smaller version of the MK16 except for it's different modifications, incorporating an adjustable telescopic buttstock for easier use and concealment, a shortened 14.5" Barrel though it makes the 5.56mm SDC round approximately/at least 40% weaker and slower. Though it's not really a problem with good shot placement.

The MK4A1 is the upgraded variant, it is fitted with a GOVT MK4 rail interface handguard, which allowed four slots of attachments or accessories to be mounted. Combined with the flat-top carry handle, it is one efficient modular carbine for usage in military, insurgent, police and government. It is also compatible with the MODULAR weapon kit.

As with many carbines, the MK4 is handy and more convenient to carry than a mid sized rifle or a full-length rifle. The price is highly inferior ballistic performance compared to the full-size MK16A4, with its 5.5" (14 cm) longer barrel. This becomes most apparent at ranges of 200-450 meters and beyond.

### Specifications

* Lenght: 839mm (Stock Fully Extended), 759mm (Stock unextended)
* Caliber: **5.56x45mm SDC**
* Effective Range: 500 Meters
* Weight: **5.02** Pounds (Fully Loaded)

## Traits and Capabilities

The MK4A1 is unlocked right away when the player unlocks the Create-A-Class system. It is a standard Carbine with high accuracy, moderately low damage and moderately high range, coupled with a fire rate of 778 RPM. It's aiming speed is 245 milliseconds and as with other carbines, they have a very fast weapon switch time.

In terms of damage per bullet, it is amongst the middle of the line in Carbines, tied with the Gallius 5.56 and the MK36C. The M4KA1 will deal four to five shot kills if not using Stopping Power; Stopping Power makes one less bullet required to kill an enemy in all circumstances. Its low damage is offset by an impressive rate of fire, although not to the degree of the AR552C's. It will fire at an impressive 828 RPM.

The MK4A1 is a moderately accurate weapon, as the recoil is very low, but the iron sights can be somewhat obstructive due to the large frame and noticeable idle sway that impedes long range performance. Optical attachments can be used if a player finds that the sights disruptive in their aiming ability or reduce the idle sway. But it possesses the longest range for a Carbine.

Handling traits of the gun are relatively straightforward: the hip-fire spread is moderately sized, the player will move at the Rifle default speed, and the reload times are the fastest in its class, tied with the AR552C and MK36C. The MK4A1 has a 30 round magazine by default.

The usual assortment of attachments are available for the MK4A1. The Red Dot Sight and the Holographic Sight are common choices on the weapon to replace the somewhat obstructive iron sights. The ACOG Scope can be effective on the MK4A1; however, the Thermal Scope will fare much more poorly in this regard.

If the player is comfortable with the iron sights, the Suppressor or FMJ are very powerful choices to use on the MK4A1. The Silencer will noticeably impact the player's effective range, but it can be well-worth the cost of staying off the radar and having reduced muzzle flash. FMJ will allow a player to penetrate surfaces with relative ease, dealing much more damage to enemies hiding in buildings.

The underbarrel attachments are nothing special: the Grenade Launcher is always a solid choice if one wanted to make an Explosive Class, but the Shotgun is a poor choice on this weapon, as the MK4A1 is already effective at close range. If the player desires another close-quarters backup, they should rely on their secondary.

Extended Mags increases the magazine size to 45 rounds, but in turn makes the supply limited between two magazines instead of three. This makes control of ammunition rather difficult if Scavenger is not in use, but lessening the need to reload is very beneficial, especially on a gluttonous weapon such as the MK4A1.

In conclusion, the MK4A1 is an unusual threat in the battlefield, and is often overlooked due to average damage, moderate range, high accuracy and aggressive idle sway. However, a correct class setup can turn the tide of battles into the MK4A1's favour. In terms of time-to-kill, it outclasses the Gallius 5.56 and the AC556 in all situations, but is subsequently outclassed by the AR552C, especially at close range.

## Advantages and Disadvantages

* Very Low Recoil, In order to deliver accurate shots
* Good Accuracy, So Engaging enemies at long range isn't that much of a problem
* Highly Customizable
 − | * Low Damage
* Moderate Idle Sway
* Lower penetration level
* Lower Muzzle Velocity

## Attachments

### Rail

* Red Dot Sight
* M2 Reflex Sight
* XM21 Reflex Sight
* C6E Reflex Sight
* Serizawa J7
* MTech Holographic
* Z9 Scout
* CTS Scope
* ACOG Scope

### Barrel

* Advanced Rifling
* Lightweight Suppressor
* Monolithic Suppressor
* Phantom Suppressor
* Muzzle Brake

### Underbarrel

* MK203 Grenade Launcher
* MK320 Grenade Launcher
* Angled Foregrip
* Foregrip
* Rubberized Foregrip
* Heavy Duty Foregrip
* Surefire M900 Flashlight Grip
* M910 Flashlight

### Magazine

* Extended Mags
* 50 Round Drum Magazine
* Dual Mags
* Quadstock Magazine

### Ammunition

* .458 Borehound 10-Round Magazine
* 9x19mm 30-Round Magazine
* M68 Incendiary Ammunition
* M41a2 Tracer Ammunition
* M12 Hollow Point Ammunition

### Miscellaneous

* FMJ
* Stopping Power
* High Caliber
* Paragon Striker

## Gallery

### Black Pegasus

First Person ViewIron SightsReloadingHitting the Bolt ReleaseMK4A1.The MK4A1's multiplayer image
### Delta HAWK album/gallery

A Delta HAWK operator with a MK4A1, note that his carbine had the selector switch placed on the right side.A Delta HAWK operator with a MK4A1 equipped with an ACOG Scope, underbarrel flashlight, rail covers and an AN-PEQ 15 Laser designator.
## Trivia

### General

* It is subject to criticism upon it's introduction, especially when it had a 10" inch barrel, that highly upset the ballistic performance, accuracy, precision, muzzle velocity, range and stopping power, and it was solved through lengthening it's barrel to 14.5", with complaints slowly dropping afterwards. However the short barrel is perfectly suited to the carbine gas system, unlike the 14.5" barrel.
* Distinguished by the MK4 through it's GOVT MK4 handguard, And a thicker barrel profile.
	+ The extended barrel is obnoxiously long for the carbine gas system to handle the heat and pressure, that is why the carbine overheats just after shooting 200 rounds of live ammunition.
* Holt has produced at least 7,000,000 MK4/A1s.
* It is the predecessor of the MK5 Maverick, and the successor of MK4.