Product Test: Accurate Armory LE Light M4

Since this is an M4 and many agencies prefer red dot, I tested the carbine with EOTech's XPS2. This is a holographic red-dot sight that's built to deal with harsh conditions and continue functioning. In addition to being nearly bulletproof, it's fast and accurate. This is an ideal optic for CQB use. The circle-dot reticle is fast and precise.

A case could be made that the heavier barrels of a true M4 or a competition rifle will shoot more accurately and be less prone to getting excessively hot. Typically, you'll engage targets at 50 yards or closer with a duty M4. The weapon must still give you long-range accuracy if needed. While the 5.56mm round will give you deadly accurate shots at longer distances, a 400-yard shot isn't realistic.

There will be many legal questions that the operator will have to answer, such as why did you engage the suspect at that range? The average precision shot in law enforcement averages less than 50 yards and the 5.56mm cartridge has poor performance at extreme ranges. The operator must question their skill to make an extremely long-range shot and the legal reasons for doing so.

The gas system also makes the LE Light ideal for duty. This M4 uses a mid-length gas system rather than the "carbine" length of the M4. The longer gas system makes the firearm more reliable because the gas pressure is reduced and the bolt speed slows down. The bolt moving too quickly is what causes many of the feeding issues, which can be be even more pronounced when using a suppressor.

A mid-length gas system has another feature that many overlook—reduced recoil and recoil pulse. Reducing recoil reduces muzzle rise and increases shot-to-shot speed when accurate follow-up shots are required. M4s with a mid-length gas system and suppressor have virtually no muzzle rise. This is also true when using the BCM muzzle brake shipped with the carbine.

An advantage of the longer gas system is the longer forearm. This allows you to have an extended reach on the weapon, which gives you a more stable shooting platform and faster transition from target to target. This is the reason why more trainers and three-gun competitors use this technique with longer forearms—you can mount longer forearms on carbine-length systems as well.

Out of the box, the LE Light is a nearly perfect duty firearm. It's accurate, reliable, fast handling and retails for $891.

Accurate Armory's M4 LE Light Specs:

Caliber: 5.56mm

Barrel: 16 inches

Twist: 1:7 right-hand

Overall length: 36 inches

Trigger: Single stage

Weight (empty): 6 lbs.

Magazine: 30-round PMAG

MSRP: $891.50

Performance: