Colt CAR-15
Colt's Manufacturing Company · Carbine · Discontinued · 1966
Also known as: XM177, XM177E2, GAU-5/A, Colt Commando
Overview
The Colt CAR-15 is a select-fire carbine chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by Colt's Manufacturing Company since 1966. Featuring a 30-round magazine capacity, this carbine offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2720 g (95.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3300 g (116.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 838 mm (32.99") |
| Folded Length | 757 mm (29.80") |
| Barrel Length | 381 mm (15.00") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Direct Impingement |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 34 N (7.6 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 838 m/s (2749 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1405 J (1036 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3200 m (3500 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 750 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Hard Anodized |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56mm NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington, M193
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Half Cock Notch
- Features: Telescoping Stock, Select Fire, Chrome Lined Barrel, Chrome Lined Chamber, Rotating Bolt, Triangular Handguard
Variants
- XM177 — Military Designation
- XM177E1 — Improved
- XM177E2 — Improved
- Colt Model 607 — Civilian
- Colt Model 609 — Military
Service history
Operators
- United States Army · adopted 1966 · as XM177E2
- United States Air Force · adopted 1967 · as GAU-5/A
- United States Navy SEALs · adopted 1967 · as XM177E1
- United States Special Forces · adopted 1966 · as XM177
- South Vietnamese Armed Forces · adopted 1968 · as CAR-15
- Israeli Defense Forces · adopted 1970 · as CAR-15
Conflicts
- Vietnam War (1965-1975)
- Cambodian Civil War (1970-1975)
- Yom Kippur War (1973-1973)
Production
Estimated total produced: 50,000 · Production years: 1966-1970
Approximate production across all XM177 variants during Vietnam War era
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Eugene Stoner
Discontinued: 1970
Notes
The CAR-15's unique XM148 moderator served dual purposes: acting as a flash suppressor and providing back-pressure to ensure reliable cycling with the short gas system. Early models suffered from severe muzzle blast and flash, which the moderator only partially addressed. The weapon earned nicknames including 'the Shorty' and 'the Stubby' among troops. The XM177E1 featured a 10-inch barrel while the XM177E2 extended this to 11.5 inches for improved reliability and velocity. The weapon influenced the development of the M4 carbine two decades later. Production ended around 1970 when Colt shifted focus to the M16A1, though many CAR-15s remained in service through the 1980s.
Background
The CAR-15 became synonymous with Vietnam War special operations, frequently seen in the hands of Green Berets, SEALs, and MACV-SOG operators conducting classified missions behind enemy lines. Its compact size made it ideal for helicopter operations and jungle patrol work where the full-length M16 proved unwieldy. The weapon's distinctive crack and flash made it instantly recognizable on the battlefield.