Colt M16 Tactical series
- By Pete Moore
-
7
Comments
- Last updated: 26/01/2017
Made by Walther for Colt Holdings Co the Tactical series is unusual in two ways - it’s the only brand to offer a 20” rifle and has adjustable bolt tension so you can set up for any ammo type. There are two types and four models all showing flat topped, Picatinny railed receivers. The M4 and M4 OPS carbines have telescopic butts, 16” barrels and A-frame front sights. Differences being the D-handle and round/plastic forend on the M4 and the compact rear sight and 4-way, free-float forend on the OPS.
There’s a full, military spec, 20” A2 rifle – flash hider, long forend, A-frame sight etc. with D-handle and fixed butt and the SPR, which is the same though has a 4-way, free-float handguard and fold-down sights. All rifles show an ejection port cover and case deflector, with a non-functioning forward assist. The manual hold open catch is also dummy and the safety flips 180°as opposed to 90°. Feed is from 10, 20 and 30-round mags with external lugs to aid filling, the 30 is a bit on the long side and comes as standard.
The mechanism is enclosed and bolted in to the action, making it hard to remove and therefore keep clean. The trigger is non-M16 and heavy at 8-9 lbs. The barrel you see is an alloy outer that holds a slim, steel, rifled liner that is tensioned by the flash hider, which does not affect accuracy. Walther offer a number of accessories including a moderator adaptor and dedicated silencer. Despite the bolt system the rifles work reliably, though a bit more involved to keep clean.
For: Well priced with that authentic M16 look and feel
Against: Heavy trigger, bolt not easy to strip and clean
Verdict: Good choice of models and accessories
PRICES:
M16 A2 £550
PRS £630
M4 £530
M4 OPS £620
Mags 30-£35, 20-£30, 10-£20
7 Comments
I have moved up to the real deal swaped my fal l1a1 308 in on a new smith wesson MP15 .223 magpul spec I have to say what a tool again 100 meters spot on and great thing is bolt on extras between the .22LR and the .223 are all the same I love the M16 platform going to get one on 308 next There are tons of new models on 22lr out now but i dont know if you can get them in the uk
Stephen
13 Feb 2014 at 05:04 PMI've got the mk2 version of the M4 carbine with a 10 and 20 round mags. Its a great rifle and will shoot subs all day long making it an effective vermin weapon. Cleaning can be a bit of a pain but normally a little solvent cleaner does the job.
sean smith
13 Feb 2014 at 01:18 PMI think you are agreeing with me, just to recap:
Three mag sizes are available
10 - looks like a 223 20-round with curve
20 - looks like a 223 30-round
30 - looks like a 223 40-round
peter moore
20 Sep 2011 at 09:51 AMthere is a short mag you can order Ithink they are on there web site
I order from sidam.fr they have a full list online I belive my charger holds
10 rounds in the short and 22 in long the long charger does when full unclip its self the original 10 shot is better and easy to shoot
stephen
20 Sep 2011 at 08:53 AMYes the 30 is a monster and in dimensions identical to the 40-round 223 mag from the real M16. The 20-round 22 mag looks like a 30/223 and the 10 looks like a 20/223. Accuray is good with the 20" gun and it should hold sub-2" @ 100-yards.
The real problem with the Colt Tactical series is stripping to clean as the bolt is literally bolted into the receiver and not so quick to get out. I use a spray gun cleaner, which does the job well enough in situe, but it's not ideal.
PM
peter moore
08 Sep 2011 at 11:54 AMHi, I like the look of the m16 version but the 30 round mag looks way to long and alters the styling. I have not seen the 20 round mag but it must look better.
As it got the x factor in feel and weight, what kind of accurracy would you expect at 100 yards.
will
08 Sep 2011 at 12:22 AMThis is a very good rifle I have the the long version M16 with the iron sights working from 25 to 100 meters spot on shoots a very good grouping at a 100 meters there are tons of extras I fitted a mount to carry handle so I can use both iron sights and an aimpoint . I have had very few jam's I run blazers there are about 410m/s not quit HV but alot cheaper there is a fully adjustable spring in the buttstock I have never touched mine runs with all ammo lead heads do after a few 100 rounds start to choke up
I am very happy with and shoots great good job all round by Walther
stephen berry
18 Jul 2011 at 08:55 PM