Colt Commando Model 733

About the Colt Commando Model 733

The Colt Commando Model 733 is a compact carbine variant of the M16A2, developed in 1985 as a modernized successor to the XM177E2. Featuring an 11.5-inch thin 'pencil' profile barrel attached to an M16A1 upper receiver with a shell deflector and round forward assist, the Model 733 combined components from the A1 and A2 series to create a compact weapon for special operations and vehicle crews. The weapon utilized the M16A2's improved A2 flash hider, pistol grip, and handguards while retaining the M16A1's upper receiver design. Weighing less than 6 pounds empty, the Model 733 provided superior maneuverability in close-quarters environments while maintaining compatibility with standard M16 magazines and accessories. The carbine featured a 1:9 twist barrel and telescoping buttstock, making it ideal for airborne operations, vehicle crews, and special forces conducting raids and reconnaissance missions. The Model 733 gained iconic status through its use by Delta Force in operations including the Battle of Mogadishu (depicted in 'Black Hawk Down') and its prominent appearance in the film 'Heat.'

The Model 733 achieved legendary status through its association with Delta Force and other tier-one special operations units. The weapon's appearance in 'Black Hawk Down' accurately depicted its use during the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, where Delta operators equipped with Model 733s engaged in intense urban combat. The rifle also gained pop culture fame through its prominent use in Michael Mann's film 'Heat' during the iconic downtown Los Angeles shootout scene. Despite being replaced by the M4, the Model 733 remains a sought-after collector's item and is frequently recreated by enthusiasts building 'retro' AR-15 clones.

Colt Commando Model 733 specifications

The Model 733 represented Colt's attempt to modernize the CAR-15/XM177 series with improvements from the M16A2 program. Unlike its predecessors which used 10-inch barrels, the 733 featured an 11.5-inch barrel for improved ballistics and reliability. The weapon used a mix of M16A1 and A2 components, creating a unique hybrid design - the upper receiver was A1-pattern (with shell deflector added) while furniture and small parts came from the A2. This parts commonality simplified logistics for units already equipped with M16A2 rifles. The Model 733 was eventually superseded by the M4 Carbine in the early 1990s, though many remained in service through the 2000s. The weapon's distinctive appearance made it instantly recognizable in military operations and popular culture. Export variants included the Model 735 with slightly different furniture options.