Colt Commando Model 733

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.

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 The Model 733 was eventually superseded by the M4 Carbine in the early 1990s, though many remained in service through the 2000s.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.