What is the maximum range of the M4?

What is the maximum range of the M4?

• A. Approximately 2,800 meters
• B. Approximately 3,200 meters
• C. Approximately 3,600 meters
• D. Approximately 4,000 meters

Answer: (C)

Farthest distance a bullet can travel from the rifle under ideal conditions is the maximum range. For the M4, using standard 5.56×45mm ammunition, that theoretical limit is about 3,600 meters. This isn't how far you can reliably hit a target in combat—it's simply how far the bullet can go before it drops to the ground, given its velocity and ballistic drag. In real use, effective engagement distances are much shorter, with accuracy and lethality dropping off well before the bullet reaches that extreme range. The other numbers understate or overstate the ballistic limit for typical 5.56 rounds, so 3,600 meters is the best representation of the maximum range.

Farthest distance a bullet can travel from the rifle under ideal conditions is the maximum range. For the M4, using standard 5.56×45mm ammunition, that theoretical limit is about 3,600 meters. This isn't how far you can reliably hit a target in combat—it's simply how far the bullet can go before it drops to the ground, given its velocity and ballistic drag. In real use, effective engagement distances are much shorter, with accuracy and lethality dropping off well before the bullet reaches that extreme range. The other numbers understate or overstate the ballistic limit for typical 5.56 rounds, so 3,600 meters is the best representation of the maximum range.