The Cost of the M-4 Rifle in the United States Army

Understanding the cost of individual military equipment, such as weapons, is crucial for both historical and contemporary analysis. Specifically, the cost of the M-4 rifle within the United States Army has seen fluctuations over the years, reflecting changes in procurement strategies and market conditions. This article explores the historical and current factors that affect the cost of the M-4 rifle in the U.S. Army inventory.

Historical Context and Procurement Costs

As a former U.S. Army company executive officer, it was my responsibility to ensure that all equipment, including the M-4 rifle, was accounted for regularly. The unit price (UP) of the M-4 rifle varied depending on the date of procurement. In 2014, for instance, the unit price for the M-4 rifle ranged from $205 to $646.50, as documented in old organizational files. This variation underscores the importance of understanding the procurement timeline when assessing the cost of military equipment.

According to my records, the procurement cost of the M-4 rifle has likely changed since the last update. The precise unit price is not definitively recorded in the context of recent years, and this information can only be accessed through the Web-based Utility for Financial Library Information System (WEBFLIS) or the Property Book User System-Enhanced (PBUSE). The NSN (National Stock Number) for the M-4 rifle is 1005-01-382-0953, which can help in obtaining the most up-to-date cost information.

Raw Materials and Manufacturing Costs

The cost of the M-4 rifle is largely a result of the complex manufacturing process and the cost of raw materials. While a civilian toilet seat could cost $640, a single M-4 rifle is a highly specialized weapon. The M-4 rifle has specific components, such as a selective fire mechanism, that make it distinct from civilian rifles like the FN AR-15. The trigger pack of the M-4 rifle is relatively inexpensive, with estimates ranging from $1200 to $1400. This affordability is largely due to the fact that these components can be manufactured and licensed by SOT (Special Occupation Tax) license holders.

The high cost of civilian variants of the M-4, such as those produced by FN, is driven by artificial scarcity. In the U.S., the National Firearms Act of 1934 required all new production of select-fire and automatic weapons to be registered before 1986. As a result, the supply of these weapons is limited, driving up the price. The U.S. Army, however, is not hampered by these restrictions, allowing it to procure these weapons at a substantially lower cost.

Current Procurement and Market Factors

According to recent contract estimations, the FN contract for the M-4 sells each unit for approximately $643. This figure aligns with the range of $205 to $646.50 observed in the past. While the M4 has parts that make it a select-fire weapon, these components are not significantly more expensive than those in a standard AR-15. The slight difference in cost is primarily due to the additional features necessary for selective fire capabilities.

The cost of the M-4 rifle is influenced by multiple factors, including the procurement date, raw material costs, and the availability of similar civilian models. As with any military equipment, the unit price reflects the cost at the time of procurement, and this cost can vary depending on the organization's purchasing habits.

Conclusion

Understanding the cost of the M-4 rifle in the U.S. Army is crucial for both historical and contemporary analysis. The cost is influenced by a variety of factors, including procurement timelines, raw material prices, and market conditions. By examining the historical and current costs, we can better appreciate the complexities involved in maintaining and equipping a modern military force.

References

1. United States Army. (2014). PBUSE and UPKO Reference Guide.

2. WEBFLIS. (2014). National Stock Number Lookup for NSN: 1005-01-382-0953.

3. U.S. Department of Defense. (2014). Cost of Military Equipment Report.