 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (April 2009) |
| CAR-15 XM177 Commando | |
|---|---|
 GAU-5/A, USAF version of the XM177 | |
| Type | Assault rifle Carbine |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service |
|
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Colt Defense |
| Variants | XM177 (R610 in US Army service)
XM177E1 (R609 in US Army service) XM177E2 (R629 in US Army service) GAU-5/A (R609 in US Air Force service) GAU-5A/A (R649 in US Air Force service) |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 5.35 lb (2.43 kg) |
| Length | 31 in (790 mm) (XM177E1, stock extended) 28.3 in (720 mm) (XM177E1, stock retracted) |
| Barrel length | 10 in (250 mm) (XM177E1) 11.5 in (290 mm) (XM177E2) |
| Cartridge | 5.56×45mm NATO, .223 Remington |
| Action | Gas-operated, rotating bolt (Direct impingement) |
| Muzzle velocity | 2,650 ft/s (810 m/s) (XM177E1) 2,750 ft/s (840 m/s) (XM177E2) |
| Effective firing range | 400 m (440 yd) |
| Feed system | 30-round box magazine or other STANAG magazines. |
| Sights | Iron sights or various optics |
The Colt Automatic Rifle-15 or CAR-15 is a family of M16 rifle–based firearms marketed by Colt in the 1960s and early 1970s. However, the term "CAR-15" is most commonly associated with the Colt Commando (AKA: XM177); these select-fire carbines have ultrashort 10.5-inch (270 mm) and 11.5-inch (290 mm) barrels with over-sized flash suppressors.
The CAR-15 name was an attempt to re-associate the AR-15 name with Colt, since the AR initially stood for ArmaLite, the original manufacturer of the ArmaLite AR-15. Colt later abandoned the CAR-15 concept, but continued to make carbine variations, using the "M16" brand for select-fire models and the "Colt AR-15" brand for semi-automatic models. However, in present usage, "CAR-15" is the generic name for all carbine-length variants made before the M4 carbine.