Harrington and Richardson M4

History of the Harrington and Richardson M4

One of the greatest dangers fighter pilots face is being shot down over enemy territory. After surviving the subsequent crash, the pilot had to survive long enough to be rescued somehow.

After World War II (1939-1945), the United States Air Force (USAF) worked with Harrington and Richardson Arms to develop a portable small-bore bolt-action rifle to be issued to American pilots for hunting - this initiative to produce the "M4 Survival Rifle" ". The company was founded in 1871 and still exists today (2022).

Based on the company's existing M265 sporting weapon, the M4 in the . 22 Hornet, used to hunt predators. It operates via a manually-operated bolt-lock system (a set of levers on the right side of the frame), and its overall layout is largely conventional.

Design features include a 14" long smooth round barrel assembly (removable), fixed front and rear sights (blade and peep respectively), wire pistol grip and trigger assembly, magazine feed and collapsible wire frame shoulders care.

Rifles weighing about 4 pounds can have a smaller footprint by pushing the wire forward along channel blocks attached to the sides of the frame. The detachable magazine (from Savage Stevens M23D) holds four ready rounds.

These guns were produced in 1949 in quantities of 29,344 for use by the US Air Force and Canada. The series was eventually replaced by the similarly battlefield-scoped "M6 Aircrew Survival Weapon" (detailed elsewhere on this page).

An example of the M4 Survival Rifle is displayed behind glass in the Armory at the U.S. Air Force Weapons Museum in Florida.

Specification

Basics

Year of Service

1949

Origins

United States

Categories

Combat Pilot Bolt Action Survival Rifle

Manufacturer

Harrington and Richardson Arms - USA

Carrier

Canada; USA

Roles

Special Forces

The qualities of this weapon have proven its worth to special forces who need a versatile, reliable solution for the rigors of special operations.

Special weapons for specific characters on the battlefield.

Distinctive features

Compact nature

The compact nature allows for relatively easy confusion.

Bolt locking system

The operation requires the operator to operate a bolt handle or similar device, clean the chamber of the used cartridge, and insert a new cartridge from the magazine.

Iron Mask

Support for "iron sights" for inherent accuracy within a range.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length

812mm

31. 97 inches

Barrel length

356mm

02/14 at

Cured weight

3. 97 lbs

1.80 kg

Attractions

Iron Heckpeep with front blade.

Action

Manually operated repetitive system.

Bolt Action

The process of manually operating the control bolt lever to eject the spent cartridge, releasing the bolt and inserting a new cartridge into the chamber.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber*

. 22 Hornet

Circle/Feed

4-round detachable magazine.

Performance

Rate of fire

4

Number of revolutions

Variant

M4 Survival Rifle - Name of the basic series.