What is the muzzle velocity of the M4 rifle?

• A. 2,900 feet per second
• B. 2,950 feet per second
• C. 2,970 feet per second
• D. 3,000 feet per second

Answer: (C)

Muzzle velocity is the speed at which a bullet leaves the muzzle right after firing. For the M4 carbine, the standard setup uses 5.56x45mm NATO ammo and a 14.5-inch barrel. Under those typical conditions, the bullet exits the barrel at about 2,970 feet per second (roughly 905 meters per second) with a standard 55-grain FMJ bullet. That value is the best match to official specifications for the M4, reflecting the shorter barrel compared to a full-length rifle and the standard load used. The other numbers would require different bullet weights, powders, or barrel lengths, which is why they don’t align with the standard M4 configuration.