The M4 Carbine is a family of firearms tracing its lineage back to earlier carbine versions of the M16 rifle, all based on the original AR-15 made by ArmaLite. It is a shorter and lighter version of the M16 assault rifle, achieving 80% parts commonality with the M16A2. The original M4 carbine was based directly off the M16A2 assault rifle, including being three-round-burst instead of fully automatic (a feature found in its successor, the M4A1). Originally intended for support crews and special forces in need of a compact weapon, the M4A1 is now the de facto American urban warfare rifle.
Statistics
Fire Modes: Fully Automatic
Rate Of Fire: 800 Rounds Per Minute
Effective Range: 1900-2300m (700-1100m Suppressed)
Caliber: 5.56 x 45mm
Magazine Size:30 Rounds
Weapon Explained
Mechanics The M4A1 is the first assault rifle unlocked in the game, at level four, but also one of the least used. It boasts a high rate of fire (second only to the F2000), good accuracy, short reload times, and low recoil. It is good, but not great, at all ranges, mostly due to its low damage. Because of this, the M4 is much more popular in Hardcore modes, where this is less of a disadvantage.
Targeting The M4 has very little recoil, second only to the ACR in this way. It sprays in a slight sway pattern, which is only noticeable at long range. This very low recoil is one of the M4's best features and allows for very accurate firing at short and medium ranges. At long however even this tiny recoil is magnified, and reduces you to burst firing, unlike the ACR, its bigger brother.
Sights Iron Sights: The M4's Iron Sights are passable; not particularly wonderful but not hopelessly annoying either. You can do without a scope upgrade without much trouble, but there's also a fair amount to be gained if you do upgrade.
Red Dot Sight: This is a good choice that improves your chances of finding a headshot at long and short range, as well as giving the user a much improved view around the target.
ACOG Scope: The ACOG scope doesn't benefit the M4 at all, as at long range recoil is too bad for the extra magnification to be of any use. It also makes aiming down the sight more difficult at close range, making it a poor choice.
Holographic Sight: The Holographic sight, like the Red Dot sight, makes headshots significantly easier at range, as well as making it easier to acquire targets at all ranges when ADS. Most prefer the Holographic reticule to the Red Dot, so this is top pick.
Thermal Scope: The Thermal Scope is surprisingly usable on the M4, providing a small advantage in open maps and slower game modes. On more confined maps however, the Thermal Scope makes target acquisition at short and medium ranges almost impossible, making it more of a challenge than a legitimate option.
Techniques
RoleThe M4 excels at short to medium range combat, be it on attack or defense, due to its high rate of fire and good accuracy. It can also hold its own against some assault rifles at long range, but tends to be less effective than the ACR or M16 because of the weapon's low damage and mediocre sights. For these same reasons, using the M4 in a stealthier role is not recommended except in Hardcore modes. Overall though, the M4 can be used effectively in a variety of roles, particularly when combined with the right perks.
Recommended Class M4A1 w/ Holographic Sight
PP2000 w/ Extended Mags
- Semtex Grenade
- Stun Grenade
- Sleight of Hand Pro
- Stopping Power Pro
- Ninja Pro
This is an obvious but very powerful class. It's useful at all ranges, but probably best at medium range, where you can use the Holographic sight and good accuracy of the M4 to get headshots comfortably. As the M4 tends to run out of ammunition quickly, the PP2000 with Extended Magazines was chosen as a backup weapon. The PP2000 fulfills largely the same role as the M4, excelling at short to medium ranges. Be sure to whip it out if confronted with multiple targets at close range, as this is its bread and butter.
Sleight of Hand Pro is used primarily for being able to aim down the sight quicker for snap headshots, but a quick reload time is also useful, particularly at close range. Stopping Power gives the weapon a bit more punch, which it tends to need at long range. Finally Ninja Pro keeps you off the Heartbeat Sensors and out of earshot, meaning you'll have a better chance of catching your enemies unaware.
There are no special strategies for this class; just keep moving and aim for the head!
GameReplay's Verdict
M4: 8/10 The M4 is the utilitarian's weapon of choice; the jack of all trades and master of none. This extremely balanced weapon gives you a lot of flexibility, allowing you to engage targets at all ranges with confidence. While most players graduate to more advanced rifles as they become available, the M4 is a viable choice for many situations and shouldn't be ignored.
