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Description
After 1973, Colt made several lightweight versions of the M16 and Commando rifles for use with police and security forces, as well as civilian sales worldwide. These had the features of the XM177 carbine series, including the telescoping stock, but have either a 14.5" or a 16" lightweight barrel, depending on the demands of the customer, whether domestic or foreign. It was NOT correct for Vietnam, despite what the movie Platoon portrays. Though unofficially called the "M16 Shorty" by some writers and shooters, the 16" barreled lightweight carbine was never adopted formally by the US military, and thus never had an "M" or "XM" designation. It was used in the US by Federal and local law enforcement. The Model 653 is also the basis for the Diemaco/Colt Canada C8 carbine series (see above).

In 1985, Colt also made the Model 733, which is an 11.5" barreled version of the Model 653, intended for tactical police and security work. Later manufactured versions of both guns have A2 style heavy barrels. The Model 723 is a 733 designed for export for the UAE and used by US Delta Force.

Description
After 1973, Colt made several lightweight versions of the M16 and Commando rifles for use with police and security forces, as well as civilian sales worldwide. These had the features of the XM177 carbine series, including the telescoping stock, but have either a 14.5" or a 16" lightweight barrel, depending on the demands of the customer, whether domestic or foreign. It was NOT correct for Vietnam, despite what the movie Platoon portrays. Though unofficially called the "M16 Shorty" by some writers and shooters, the 16" barreled lightweight carbine was never adopted formally by the US military, and thus never had an "M" or "XM" designation. It was used in the US by Federal and local law enforcement. The Model 653 is also the basis for the Diemaco/Colt Canada C8 carbine series (see above).

In 1985, Colt also made the Model 733, which is an 11.5" barreled version of the Model 653, intended for tactical police and security work. Later manufactured versions of both guns have A2 style heavy barrels. The Model 723 is a 733 designed for export for the UAE and used by US Delta Force.