Anderson Manufacturing 5.56 NATO 16" M4 Contour Barrel 4140 ChromeMoly Steel Threaded 1/2-28 Carbine Length Gas Setup Matte Black Finish

The Anderson Manufacturing 5.56 NATO 16" M4 Contour Barrel is a direct-impingement carbine upper receiver component engineered for tactical rifle builds, law enforcement duty weapons, and precision training platforms. Manufactured from 4140 chromemoly steel and finished in matte black, this 16-inch barrel delivers the velocity and accuracy profile operators depend on for intermediate-range engagements while maintaining the ergonomic handling characteristics of the M4 platform. The 1/2-28 threaded muzzle accepts standard suppressors, flash hiders, and muzzle devices, providing modern suppressed-fire capability for trained shooters.

Specifications are purpose-built for carbine-length gas system operation. The 1:8-inch twist rate stabilizes a wide velocity and weight range of 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington ammunition, from lightweight training rounds through military-spec loads. The M4 contour profile—0.750-inch diameter at the gas block station—balances stiffness for accuracy with the lightweight handling needed for patrol and entry operations. The carbine-length gas tube reduces dwell time and cycling speed compared to rifle-length systems, translating to faster recoil impulse recovery and reduced felt recoil during sustained fire. At 1.82 pounds, the barrel integrates cleanly into compact or carbine-length uppers without adding excessive weight forward of the support hand.

This Anderson barrel suits shooters building duty-grade uppers, training carbines for team qualification courses, and reconfigurable platforms for shooters running multiple mission profiles. The 16-inch length remains legal under current federal law without permanent muzzle device attachment, and pairs seamlessly with standard mil-spec receivers and components. Chromemoly construction provides corrosion resistance superior to unhardened steel while maintaining the cost efficiency Anderson is known for in the market.

Anderson Manufacturing barrels are widely used in law enforcement qualification builds and private duty weapons because they balance performance, reliability, and affordability without sacrificing dimensional accuracy or material quality standards. The threaded muzzle and proven gas geometry make this barrel a practical upgrade or replacement component for shooters prioritizing field-proven simplicity over exotic performance claims.