FN FAL vs M4A1

1953–Present

1994–Present

7,000,000+ units

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

1,090 mm (42.9 in) stock extended; 1,020 mm (40.2 in) stock folded (para)

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

533 mm (21.0 in) standard; 458 mm (18.0 in) para variant

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

4.25 kg (9.37 lb) empty

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

20 rounds standard; 5, 10, 30 round options available

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

Short-stroke gas piston, tilting breechblock, selective fire

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

Two-stage military trigger

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

Aperture rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation, hooded front post

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