Really Not an M16 at All: Colt's M231 Port Firing Weapon

Published on October 6, 2017
Duration: 11:21

This guide details the disassembly of the Colt M231 Port Firing Weapon, a specialized variant of the AR-15 platform. Expert Ian McCollum highlights its unique features, including an open-bolt operation, a striker-fired system replacing a hammer, and a complex triple-nested recoil spring assembly. The M231 was designed for mounting in vehicles like the Bradley M2 Fighting Vehicle, featuring modifications for this specific role.

Quick Summary

The Colt M231 Port Firing Weapon is a specialized AR-15 variant designed for vehicle use, featuring open-bolt operation, a striker-fired system, and a high rate of fire (1100-1200 RPM). Unlike standard rifles, it lacks sights and a stock, intended for firing through dedicated ports in vehicles like the Bradley M2 Fighting Vehicle.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the M231 Port Firing Weapon
  2. 01:31Key Modifications from Standard AR-15
  3. 03:00Markings and Manual of Arms
  4. 04:47External Features and Vehicle Mounting
  5. 05:45Disassembly and Internal Components
  6. 09:27Historical Context and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Colt M231 Port Firing Weapon?

The Colt M231 Port Firing Weapon is a specialized variant of the AR-15 platform, designed for use in vehicles like the Bradley M2 Fighting Vehicle. It features open-bolt operation, a striker-fired system, and a high rate of fire, differing significantly from standard infantry rifles.

How does the M231 differ from a standard M16 or AR-15?

Key differences include its open-bolt-only operation, a striker system replacing the hammer, a unique triple-nested recoil spring assembly for high cyclic rate (1100-1200 RPM), and the absence of sights and a stock, as it was designed for vehicle port firing.

What are the key internal components of the M231?

Internally, the M231 is notable for its striker assembly (instead of a hammer), a simplified sear mechanism, and a complex triple-nested recoil spring system housed within the buffer tube to manage its high rate of fire.

Why was the M231 developed?

The M231 was developed to provide troops inside armored vehicles with a means to engage external threats through dedicated firing ports. It was inspired by German designs like the Krummlauf and was intended as a modern solution for vehicle-mounted firepower.

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