The reliability of the M4/M16 goes a few notches higher when the new magazine that the U.S. Army TACOM is introducing gets to the field. The new magazine will be tan body with a blue follower and is called the Enhanced Performance Magazine (EPM) with the designation NSN 1005-01-630-9508  and is engineered to fix the feeding issues of the M855A1 ammunition according to Soldier Systems.  It will be replacing older magazines with tan, green, and black followers.

With the new color scheme, it makes it easier for the EPM to be identified from the other magazines and is not interchangeable with the older ones. In a presentation by PEO Soldier, the magazine is developed by the ARL and the ARDEC. The EPM (please make sure you do not mistake this for the Enhanced Polymer Magazine) has an increased angle on the feed lip and extended front wall height. It is said to be more reliable with a decrease in wear. ATC tests have shown an increase of 300% of the mean rate between stoppages.

Source: PM Individual Weapons by LTC Shawn Lucas (PEO Soldier)

The U.S. Army initiated improvements on the M4 magazine in 2008 when there were feeding issues that were reported with the follower of the original magazine causing weapons malfunction. By 2009, they were able to produce improvements, releasing a magazine with a tan follower that will be replacing the magazines with the green and black followers.  There is no indication if the production of the magazines with tan and green followers will be stopped, phasing these magazines and allowing for the full fielding of the EPM.

Photo: EPM (far left) shown with M4 magazines with the tan, green and black followers.
(Source: PM Individual Weapons by LTC Terry (TR) Russell, DTIC.mil)

The EPM will be manufactured by the Center Industries, based in Wichita, Kansas with production that will commence this year and 7 magazines will be allocated per rifle/carbine according to a presentation by LTC Russell last year.