What is the sustained rate of fire for the M4?

The sustained rate of fire for the M4 carbine is defined as the rate at which a soldier can fire the weapon effectively over an extended period without overheating or causing excessive wear. This rate is typically around 12 to 15 rounds per minute. It considers factors such as the need for aiming and controlling recoil, as well as allowing time for the weapon to cool between bursts to maintain accuracy.

This steady rate allows soldiers to efficiently engage targets while maintaining the weapon's reliability during prolonged engagements. The other rates provided are either higher or lower than the established range, which could lead to operational inefficiencies or equipment stress if exceeded or under-utilized. Understanding the sustained rate of fire is crucial for effective combat planning and execution in the field.