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The Special Operations Peculiar MODification (SOPMOD) kit is an accessory system for the M4A1 carbine, FN SCAR Mk 16/17, HK416 and other weapons used by USSOCOM. The kit allows Special Operations personnel to configure their weapons to individual preferences and mission requirements.
Contents
The program dates back to September 1989, when the Special Operations Special Technology (SOST) Modular Close Combat Carbine Project was founded. The Material Need Statement (MNS) was signed on May 1992, and by September 1993, the Operational Requirements Document (ORD) for the program was validated. Responsibility for the program was then assigned to the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division.
The SOPMOD kit is composed mostly of non-developmental and commercial off-the-shelf (NDI/COTS) accessories packaged together to support four M4A1 carbines.
Accessories
The original SOPMOD Block I kit included all of the following:
Only two of following were included per kit:
Only one of the following was included per kit:
If more of the accessories are needed, it is typical for units to "cannibalize" the kits of inactive teams. The documentation for the kit does not require a rewrite if improved replacements for any of the current items can be found. As a result, this content list has changed. For instance, on many SOPMOD M4s today, the Crane Sloping Cheekweld Stock has been added. Several potential additions include the M26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System and the M320 grenade launcher. Also, various EOTech holographic sights are used on many SOPMOD configured M4s. The SOPMOD kit allows for the attachment of any Picatinny compatible accessory that fits the length of the weapon.