Colt Modular Carbine CM901 7.62 x 51mm NATO

In January 31st, 2011 the US Army drafted a request for proposal for the Individual Carbine (IC), a possible replacement for the M-4 carbine now in use.  The goal is to find the best weapon for the best value, which means that they'll look for commercially developed platforms for this process.  It specifies that it must be flexible enough for future "enhancements for accuracy, lethality, reliability, signature suppression, ammunition improvements, maintenance and other weapon/accessory technologies."

With this in mind Colt Defense is debuting the CM901 Colt Modular Carbine, which according to Colt is the "ONLY SYSTEM" to offer a true user-level modularity to go from one caliber to another without tools or for any need to re-zero sights.  This is all done by just swapping uppers in different configurations.  This platform retains all of the familiarity of the old AR/M16 series but with improved ergonomics.

At the heart of the CM901 platform is the lower receiver that accommodates multiple calibers from the 7.62 x 51mm to anything in between the 5.56 x 45mm cartridge by way of a magazine adapter.  It is also compatible with any M4/M16 type upper!  It has several ambidextrous controls, such as the magazine release, bolt hold/release, and fire selector.  Additionally, the buffer tube assembly is compatible with both calibers, and available for customization with aftermarket stocks and pistolgrips common to the AR/M16 family.  The military/law enforcement version is capable of fully automatic fire.

The upper receiver is similar to the 6940/6941 monolithic upper Colt introduced a few years earlier.  It is a one piece monolithic upper with a full length picatinny rail with sides and bottom rails to mount additional accessories.  It also has a brass deflector and bolt-assist.  In addition, it comes standard with an adjustable folding front sight and a MATECH rear back-up iron sight.

The 7.62 x 51mm version is available in 13 or 16 inch barrel and operates in the gas direct impingement system, which according to Colt is as reliable as any piston system.  However, for the 5.56 x 45mm upper we are introduced to the all new Colt APC (Advanced Piston Carbine), which is a proprietary system that is supposed to be superior to other piston based AR's.  The 5.56 x 45mm is available in 10.3, 14.5, or 16 inch barrel.  Other improvements include hardened steel inserts in high wear areas of the aluminum alloy upper receiver.   Also, a new Advanced Bolt material and newly designed extractor and extractor spring to improve the bolt for longevity and reliability.

Well, we've been waiting a long time to see if Colt would ever respond to all those who've been demanding a better M4 Carbine.  And the CM901 is Colt's answer, it's an interesting one: piston and direct-impingement!  Personally, I like it, especially the dark earth anodizing on it, it just looks cool and hip, which is what sells these days.  But aside from that, Colt did a great job with rearranging the controls and putting a system that may just beat the others.  So, is the CM901 revolutionary?  Nah, more like evolutionary, everything feels so familiar; in my book that's good.  Time will tell if it'll make the cut as the next IC.  If not, it'll do well for civilians as Colt will release it by the end of this year with many calibers, including 6.8 SPC.  Job well done Colt!


CM901 7.62mm (14.5" Barrel) Specifications:

Caliber:  7.62x51mm NATO
Dry Weight:  9.4 lbs
Extended Length:  37.5"
Collapsed Length:  34.25"
Barrel Length:  16" (13" optional)
Barrel Type:  Forged, heavy barrel
Bore:  Chrome, 4 grooves, 1-12" twist, RH
Method of Operation:   Gas, direct system, locking bolt
Ambidextrous:  Yes, magazine release, bolt catch/release, fire selector switch, charging handle
Muzzle Velocity:  2,770fps
Effective Range:  700 meters
Front Sight:  Adjustable folding front
Cyclic Rate of Fire:  700-950 rpm
Fire Control:  Safe, semi, auto
Upper Receiver:  Flat top, monolithic upper receiver
Safe Maximum Operating Chamber Pressure:  70,000 PSI max
Accuracy Specification with M118:  Sub 2 MOA
Accuracy Specification with M118LR:  Sub 1 MOA


CM901 5.56mm (16" Barrel) Specifications:

Caliber:  5.56x45mm NATO
Dry Weight:  7.5 lbs
Extended Length:  35.25"
Collapsed Length:  32"
Barrel Length:  14.5", (10.3", 16" optional)
Barrel Type:  Broached, heavy barrel
Bore:  Chrome, 6 grooves, 1-7" twist, RH
Method of Operation:   Gas, Advanced Colt Piston
Ambidextrous:  Yes, magazine release, bolt catch/release, fire selector switch, charging handle
Muzzle Velocity:  2,785fps
Effective Range:  500 meters
Front Sight:  Adjustable folding front
Cyclic Rate of Fire:  700-950 rpm
Fire Control:  Safe, semi, auto
Upper Receiver:  Flat top, monolithic upper receiver
Safe Maximum Operating Chamber Pressure:  66,000 PSI max
Accuracy Specification with M855:  Sub 4 MOA