Accuracy International L96A1 vs M4A1

1985–Present

1994–Present

~30,000 estimated

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

1,180 mm (46.5 in) with stock extended, 1,050 mm (41.3 in) with stock collapsed

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

508 mm (20 in) standard, 457 mm (18 in) for some export variants

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

5.5 kg (12.1 lb) empty, 6.2 kg (13.7 lb) with optics and accessories

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

10‑round detachable box magazine standard, 5‑round options available

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

Bolt‑action, three‑locking lug, controlled round feed, free‑floating barrel mounted to chassis

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

Two‑stage, adjustable pull weight, fully ambidextrous safety

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 aperture rear, post front)

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