The Colt 4-Way Enhanced Rifle

Published on March 1, 2026
Duration: 9:02

This video delves into the history and technical aspects of Colt's four-way enhanced rifle fire control group, a system offering Safe, Semi, Auto, and Burst modes. The expert instructor, with extensive experience at Colt, details the evolution of the burst cam, patent information, and specific rifle models that utilized this complex mechanism. It highlights practical challenges and historical context, including issues faced by the Greek Army and the eventual discontinuation of the program.

Quick Summary

The Colt 4-way fire control group offered Safe, Semi, Auto, and Burst modes, originating from mid-1960s prototypes and patented by F.E. Sturtevant. Despite its advanced features, issues like inconsistent trigger pull and safety concerns, notably with the Greek Army contract, led to its discontinuation, making it a rare collector's item.

Chapters

  1. 00:09Colt Enhanced Series Introduction
  2. 00:26Four-Way Fire Control Group Explained
  3. 00:46Burst Mechanism & Cam Types
  4. 01:07Burst Cam Selection Discussion
  5. 01:36Rifles Utilizing the System
  6. 02:121998 Four-Way Patent & Other Rifles
  7. 02:54Enhanced Disconnectors & Receiver
  8. 03:21Rifle & Carbine Configuration
  9. 03:43Other Colt Models with 4-Way
  10. 04:02Greek Army Trigger Issues & Fix
  11. 04:45Program Cancellation & Collector Status
  12. 05:17Later Greek Army Interest & Refusal
  13. 06:16Practicality & Trigger Control
  14. 06:50Inconsistent Trigger Pull & Marine Feedback
  15. 07:46Summary of Colt Four-Way System

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Colt 4-way fire control group?

A Colt 4-way fire control group is a mechanism allowing a rifle to fire in Safe, Semi-automatic, fully Automatic, and a pre-set number of rounds (burst) modes. It was an advanced system explored by Colt, notably patented by F.E. Sturtevant in 1966.

Why was the Colt 4-way selector system discontinued?

The Colt 4-way selector system faced discontinuation due to several factors, including significant trigger issues encountered by the Greek Army, inconsistent trigger pull affecting accuracy, and the complexity of retrofitting it into existing platforms, making it impractical for widespread adoption.

What are the key components of a burst mechanism?

The key component of a burst mechanism is the burst cam, which interacts with the hammer and trigger group to limit the number of rounds fired per trigger pull. Different cams allow for varying shot counts, such as 2, 3, or 6 shots.

Were there safety concerns with the Colt 4-way system?

Yes, the Greek Army reported significant safety concerns, specifically that the rifle could discharge when the trigger was pulled while rotating the selector. This was exacerbated by the inability to engage the safety with the hammer forward.

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