- Dougherty, Paul J., and Bradford K. Matthews. "Comparison of M-16A2 and M-4 Wounding Potential. ." Military Medicine172.8 (2007): 4. Web. 23 Aug. 2012. <http://ehis.ebscohost.com.proxy045.nclive.org/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=2518c014-66bc-4aa6-b7eb-bcef928d5f87%40sessionmgr113&vid=9&hid=3>.
- The first combat use of the M-4 in Afghanistan in 2001 and 2002 raised concerns about the stopping power of the weapon compared to the M-16A2.
- “The wounding characteristics of the M-4 and the M-16A2 rifle were compared by using the 'would profile method.'”
- “Using the would profile method, shots were made into blocks of ordnance gelatin prepared to reproduce the wounding characteristics of soft tissue.”
- Would ballistics is the science that evaluates the pathophysiology and outcomes of wounds created by missiles.
- The would profile technique is used to demonstrate the amount of tissue disruption that may occur as a projectile passes through the tissue.
- The M16A2 had 3150 muzzle velocity compared to the M4's 2890.
- The M4 had a smaller muzzle velocity then the M16A2 because they M4 has a shorter barrel.
- The smaller muzzle velocity caused projectiles to fragment less upon entering a target (gelatin used to represent human tissue).
- The M16A2 produced a consistently higher muzzle velocity and a larger temporary cavity.
- The M4 carbine was adopted by the U.S. Military in 1994.
- The M16A2 demonstrated greater tissue disruption using the wound profile method, compared to the M4.
- The reason the M4 has less tissue disruption compared to the M16A2 is because of it's shorter barrel length.
- Compared to the M16A2, the M4 demonstrated a higher penetration depth.
- When the M-16A1 rifle was first fielded during the Vietnam War. anecdotal reports of erratic performance in wounding were noted in nonmedical articles.
- One of the reasons there was less tissue damage with the M16A2 is due to the bullet not breaking up upon entering the target.
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