M4 Inaccuracy Trivia Something I noticed about the Blue Shift Mod weapon for the “M4” is that it’s actually not an M4. This rifle is actually a M16A2, which is the predecessor to the M4 and you can even see it right above the magazine port. M16A2 entered service with the U.S Marine Corps in early to mid 1980s followed by the U.S Army in 1986. The M4 was introduced in 1994 for select Special Forces, but did not enter into larger replacement service for the U.S Army for a decade, and the U.S Marine Corps in 2016. It’s a common misconception as even Gearbox and Valve have labeled it so, since the differences to the rifle series is not as apparent to the common eye, such as the carry handle type for example. Both fire 5.56 rounds rather than the 9mm round of the Half Life MP5 rifle it stands in for.
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You can even see the difference on the upper receiver mainly. The carry handle iron sights are attached via picatinny rails, something that only came in when the M4 models were produced. The Colt 727's were still built on the M16A2's specifications hence the carry handle iron sights not being attached via picatinny rails on the in game model. Here is a example of a M4's upper receiver, even the civilian model AR-15 has picatinny rails inherited from the M4. The only main differences between the civilian AR-15 and the military M4 is the barrel length being 14.5in and there being a automatic fire selector switch along with semi-automatic and safe. The civilian AR-15 has a 16.5in carbine barrel with semi-automatic fire and a safety switch. The Colt 727 would still have automatic fire, semi-automatic, and safety as we know it, just in a more experimental form and quality. A fun fact: The M16A2's original model replaced the automatic fire with burst fire which proved to be more of a hassle than it was worth functionally and logistically, eventually they put automatic lower receivers on M16A2's before the M16A3 fixed that issue and then some. As for the HECU Marines, yes they would have Colt 727's, M16A2's and or MP5A3's both sporting M203 grenade launchers.
Another angle of the M4 receiver, obvious screw on attachable carry handle iron sights meant for a picatinny rail system.
Also yes, they only shoot .223 and or 5.56 NATO. There were effectively no AR style 9mm carbines at the time in military service.
Counter argument. It's a game.
That is true, it is a very fun game! And it’s always a pleasure to have the VA of Otis from the Blue Shift mod here, you did a great job with the latest chapter!