With the help of the three position regulator (normal, adverse conditions and suppressor/silencer settings), the gas system can be adjusted to function reliably with various propellant, projectile, fouling, operating environment and configuration specific pressure behavior.

[8] The M4 carbine profile hammer forged chrome lined barrel has a 178 mm (7.0 in) twist rate and features a standard A2-style flash suppressor at its muzzle end.

[1] The CAR 816 basic version features rail mounted flip up rear and front iron sights.

The integrated rail on the upper receiver and its continuation on the handguard at the 12 o'clock position allows for the adaptation of various aiming optics.

[1] The weapon is available in semi-automatic and select-fire configurations with four barrel lengths and differing manufacturer stated effective ranges:[10] The standard issue of the rifle supplied to the UAE armed forces bears an engraving honoring Colonel Sultan Mohammed Ali al-Kitbi.

It features some minor alterations (M-LOK rails at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock on the handguard and a button cut and QPQ treated steel modified M4 contour barrel) to better meet civilian market preferences in the United States.