Let's go through each of the given options step by step to determine which are true characteristics of the M4 rifle.
1. Magazine fed, gas operated, shoulder fire weapon:
- The M4 rifle is indeed magazine-fed, meaning it uses detachable magazines to hold the ammunition.
- It is gas-operated, using a portion of the gases from the fired cartridge to cycle the action.
- The rifle is designed to be fired from the shoulder.
- Therefore, this statement is true.
2. Maximum effective range of 550 meters at a point target:
- The M4 rifle has a maximum effective range of about 550 meters when aimed at a point target, which refers to a specific individual or small target.
- Therefore, this statement is also true.
3. Maximum effective range of 350 meters at an area target:
- The M4 rifle actually has a maximum effective range of approximately 600 meters when engaging area targets, which are considered larger or more spread out targets like a group of enemy soldiers or a vehicle.
- Therefore, this statement is not accurate.
4. Fires a 5.56mm cartridge:
- The M4 rifle is chambered for the 5.56mm NATO cartridge.
- Therefore, this statement is true.
In summary, the correct characteristics of the M4 rifle from the given options are:
- Magazine fed, gas operated, shoulder fire weapon
- Maximum effective range of 550 meters at a point target
- Fires a 5.56mm cartridge
Thus, there are 3 true characteristics for the M4 rifle from the options provided:
1. Magazine fed, gas operated, shoulder fire weapon
2. Maximum effective range of 550 meters at a point target
3. Fires a 5.56mm cartridge
