Colt 933

Colt Model 933, 5.56 mm
Type	Carbine
Place of origin	United States
Service history
In service	1967–present
Used by	See Users
Wars	Vietnam War and other conflicts around the world
Production history
Manufacturer	Colt Defense
Produced	1965–present
No. built	1,800
Variants	M4A1,
Specifications
Mass	2.44 kg (5.4 lb) empty 2.64 kg (5.8 lb) with 30 rounds
Length	680 mm (27 in) (stock retracted) 762 mm (30.0 in) (stock extended)
Barrel length	292 mm (11.5 in), 254 mm (10.0 in) (standard CAR-15)
Cartridge	5.56x45 mm (.223 Remington)
Action	Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire	700–950 round/min cyclic
Feed system	30 round box magazine or other STANAG Magazines.

The Colt 933 is a compact carbine based on the AR-15 and M16 rifle produced by Colt starting in 1965. Due to their compact size, the short-barreled Colt 933 continues to be used by various US Special Forces and by some foreign forces, including Israeli Special Forces.

History

The first carbine version of the M16 assault rifle appeared under the name of CAR-15 in 1965, and was intended for US Special Forces who fought in Vietnam. The original M16 was simply shortened by cutting the half of the length of the barrel (from original 20 inches to 10 inches) and by shortening the buttstock by another 3 inches. The butt was plastic and retractable, the handguards were of triangular shape and the flash hider was of original three-prong type. Based on the original CAR-15, Colt quickly developed the CAR-15 Air Force Survival Rifle, intended, as a name implied, to serve to downed airplane and helicopter pilots. This version had tubular handguards and metallic tubular buttstock, and for some reasons the pistol grip was shortened. Initial combat experience with CAR-15 brought up some problems. First, the carbine was too loud, deafening the firing soldier quite quickly. Second, the muzzle flash was also terrific, blinding the shooter at night and giving away the position of the shooter to the enemies. Colt partially solved this problem by installing a new, longer flash suppressor. This version, known as the Colt model 609 Commando, also carried new handguards of tubular shape. This model was officially adopted by US Army as XM-177E1. This version had M16A1-style receiver with forward assist button. In the mid-1967 Colt slightly upgraded the Commando by lengthening the barrel up to 11.5 inches (292 mm), and this version was adopted as XM-177E2. Later, with the introduction of the M16A2 and M16A4(flat-top) models, Colt also changed the design of its Commando line, adding three-burst options and flat-top receivers with Weaver-style rails. Current Colt Commando carbines (Colt still called these submachine-guns) are based on either M16A2 or M16A3 receivers, and had 11.5-inch (292 mm) barrels with M16A2-style flash suppressors, and available in either three-round bursts or full-auto versions. Colt Commando carbines are used by various US Special Forces and by some foreign forces, including Israeli Special Forces. From the technical point of view, the Colt Commando is similar to contemporary M16 rifle, having same light alloy, two parts receiver, direct gas operated, rotating bolt action, with non-reciprocating charging handle at the rear of the receiver. The telescoping buttstock is made from metallic tube. Due to recoil spring, located inside the butt, the Commando cannot be equipped with side- or underfolding stock without some redesigning. Currently, Colt Commando assault carbines are issued with standard M16-type 30 round magazines, but any other M16-compatible magazine can be used, including the 100-round Beta-C dual drums.

Features

• Unique direct gas operating system eliminates the conventional operating rod and results in fewer and lighter components
• Accommodates the full range of 5.56 mm ammunition, including the NATO M855/SS109 and U.S. M193, utilizing a rifling twist of 1 turn in 7 inches (178 mm)
• Straight-line construction disperses recoil straight back to the shoulder, increasing handling capabilities, especially during repeated fire
• Four-position sliding buttstock allows the weapon to adapt to users of different sizes and physical characteristics as well as various firing positions and clothing variations
• Cartridge case deflector allows easy operation in both right and left handed shooting positions for increased tactical applications
• Muzzle compensator further reduces muzzle climb and helps eliminate flash and dust signatures
• Ejection port cover protects the chamber from dust and mud
• Field strips easily without special tools for simple field user maintenance
• Flat top receiver allows for removable carrying handle and easy mounting of accessories
• Target-style rear sight features dual apertures (0–200 m, 300–600 m) and adjusts for both windage and elevation
• High-strength materials add durability to the forearm, buttstock and pistol grip for greater comfort and effectiveness.