Colt XM177 Commando

The Colt XM177 Commando is a compact carbine variant of the M16 rifle, produced by Colt from 1966. It features a 10-inch barrel with a unique 4.25-inch flash suppressor, a telescoping buttstock, and a 30-round magazine. The XM177 was designed for special operations forces who needed a compact weapon for close quarters battle. It was chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO and used by U.S. Special Forces, Navy SEALs, and Army Rangers during the Vietnam War. The XM177 series is one of the earliest examples of the modern assault carbine concept and paved the way for the M4 Carbine.