Accuracy International Arctic Warfare (AWM) vs M4A1

1993–Present

1994–Present

~15,000 units estimated (including all AWM variants)

~10,000,000+ units (including all variants and licensed production)

1,150 mm (45.3 in) with stock extended; 1,030 mm (40.6 in) with stock collapsed (folding stock models)

838 mm (33.0 in) stock extended, 756 mm (29.8 in) stock collapsed

508 mm (20 in) standard for .338 Lapua Magnum; 406 mm (16 in) for .300 Win Mag variants

368 mm (14.5 in) standard; 406 mm (16 in) for the M4A1 SOPMOD variant

6.5 kg (14.3 lb) empty (standard model, .338 Lapua); 5.9 kg (13.0 lb) empty for .300 Win Mag version

3.07 kg (6.8 lb) empty, 3.74 kg (8.2 lb) with full 30‑round magazine

5‑round detachable box magazine standard; optional 10‑round magazines available for .338 Lapua Magnum

30 rounds standard STANAG, 20‑round low‑profile, 40‑round drum, 60‑round Beta‑C‑Mag available

Bolt‑action with three‑locking lugs, 60° bolt lift, fully enclosed receiver; free‑floating heavy barrel with threaded muzzle for suppressor or muzzle brake

Short‑stroke gas piston (M4A1 variant) with rotating bolt; original M4 uses direct‑impingement

Adjustable two‑stage trigger, pull weight 1.5–2.5 kg (3.3–5.5 lb), with safety lever on the left side of the receiver

Two‑stage military trigger, full‑auto only selector on M4A1; semi‑auto on standard M4

Standard: detachable Picatinny rail for optics; optional backup iron sights (fold‑up leaf rear, fixed front post) mounted on the chassis

Standard: A2 front post and rear flip‑up aperture; optional: MIL‑STD-1913 Picatinny rail for aftermarket optics, tritium night sights, or holographic sights