Colt M4 Block II SOPMOD
Colt's Manufacturing Company · Carbine · In Production · 2009
Also known as: M4A1 SOPMOD Block II, M4 SOPMOD Block 2, SOPMOD Block II
Overview
The Colt M4 Block II SOPMOD is a select-fire carbine chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by Colt's Manufacturing Company since 2009. Featuring a 30-round magazine capacity, this carbine offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3175 g (112.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3745 g (132.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 813 mm (32.01") |
| Folded Length | 813 mm (32.01") |
| Barrel Length | 368 mm (14.49") |
| 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 | 914 m/s (2999 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1670 J (1232 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 850 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| 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
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Half Cock Notch
- Features: Collapsible Stock, Select Fire, Daniel Defense Ris Ii Rail, Chrome Lined Barrel, Chrome Lined Chamber, Rotating Bolt, Flat Top Receiver, Picatinny Rail, Sopmod Accessory Kit, Mk12 Gas Block, Surefire Warcomp Muzzle Device
Base model
Service history
Operators
- United States Special Operations Command · adopted 2009 · as M4A1 SOPMOD Block II
- United States Navy SEALs · adopted 2009 · as M4A1 SOPMOD Block II
- United States Army Special Forces · adopted 2009 · as M4A1 SOPMOD Block II
- Japanese Special Forces Group · adopted 2010 · as M4A1 SOPMOD Block II
- Hungarian Special Operations Forces · as M4A1 SOPMOD
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
- War on Terror (2001-present)
Production
Production years: 2009-present
Exact production numbers classified; produced exclusively for SOCOM units
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Eugene Stoner
Notes
The Block II designation represents the second generation of the SOPMOD program which began equipping SOF units in the late 2000s. The 14.5-inch barrel is pinned and welded to meet NFA requirements for civilian legal configurations, though military versions use the shorter barrel with appropriate tax stamps. The Daniel Defense RIS-II rail became the standard handguard for SOPMOD Block II uppers, replacing earlier rail systems. The weapon maintains the M4A1's full-automatic capability and improved heavy barrel profile for sustained fire. SOPMOD accessories are modular and mission-configurable, with over 90 approved components in the Block II kit.
Background
The SOPMOD program has been equipping U.S. Special Operations Forces for over 20 years with cutting-edge accessories and modifications that give them decisive advantages in combat. The Block II configuration represents lessons learned from two decades of global special operations, with every component chosen based on real-world combat feedback from the world's most elite warfighters.