FN Herstal FAL vs Colt M4A1
FN Herstal FAL and Colt M4A1 are both rifle & long arms, compared here on public specifications. The Colt M4A1 leads on rate of fire (950 vs 650 rpm).
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Full data
Full spec sheet
 FN Herstal FAL
Wins 3/6 |  Colt M4A1
Wins 3/6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||
| Effective range (m) | 600 m ✓ | 500 m |
| Rate of fire (rpm) | 650 rpm | 950 rpm ✓ |
| Muzzle velocity (m/s) | 840 m/s | 884 m/s ✓ |
| Firepower | ||
| Caliber (mm) | 7.6 mm | 5.6 mm |
| Ammunition | 20 | 30 ✓ |
| Physical | ||
| Length (m) | 1.09 m | 0.84 m |
| Empty weight (kg) | 4 kg | 3 kg |
| Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Program | ||
| Unit cost (USD) | N/A | $1,100 |
| Units built | 7,000,000 ✓ | 2,000,000 |
| Operator countries | 90 ✓ | 60 |
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper? +
The Colt M4A1 has the lower public unit-cost figure at 1,100 USD. Treat this as directional, defense pricing varies by contract and configuration.
Which has the higher effective range? +
The FN Herstal FAL has the higher effective range at 600 m.
Which has the higher rate of fire? +
The Colt M4A1 has the higher rate of fire at 950 rpm.
Which has the higher muzzle velocity? +
The Colt M4A1 has the higher muzzle velocity at 884 m/s.
Which has the higher ammunition? +
The Colt M4A1 has the higher ammunition at 30.
Which has the higher units built? +
The FN Herstal FAL has the higher units built at 7,000,000.
Is the FN Herstal FAL better than the Colt M4A1? +
On the public specs we track, FN Herstal FAL and Colt M4A1 are closely matched, FN Herstal FAL leads on effective range, units built, operator countries, while Colt M4A1 leads on rate of fire, muzzle velocity, ammunition. See the full spec sheet for the metric-by-metric breakdown.
Where does this comparison data come from? +
Every figure in the table is sourced from public manufacturer pages, defense-ministry releases and reference publications, and is verifiable on each system's spec page. WeaponSpecs does not accept vendor placement.
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