The Complete Guide to Military Blank Firing Adapters (BFA): M23 Yellow vs M15A2 Red

The M23 Yellow Blank Firing Adapter (NSN 1005-01-361-8208) and M15A2 Red Blank Firing Adapter (NSN 1005-00-118-6192) are among the most commonly encountered Blank Firing Adapters (BFAs) used on 5.56mm U.S. military rifle platforms. While both serve the same purpose—allowing rifles to cycle while firing blank ammunition—they were developed for different weapon systems and remain easily identifiable by their distinct colors.

The yellow M23 Blank Firing Adapter is commonly associated with the M4 and M4A1 Carbine family, while the red M15A2 Blank Firing Adapter is traditionally associated with M16-series rifles. Whether you're identifying a BFA by its color, researching an NSN, preparing for training, or simply trying to determine which adapter fits which platform, understanding these differences is essential.

Quick Links:

• M23 Yellow Blank Firing Adapter (NSN 1005-01-361-8208)
• M15A2 Red Blank Firing Adapter (NSN 1005-00-118-6192)

What Is a Blank Firing Adapter (BFA)?

A Blank Firing Adapter (BFA) is a training device attached to the muzzle of a rifle when firing blank ammunition. Because blank cartridges do not contain a projectile, they do not create the same gas pressure as live ammunition. Without sufficient pressure, most gas-operated rifles will not reliably cycle.

A Blank Firing Adapter partially restricts gas flow at the muzzle, creating the back pressure needed for the weapon to cycle during training exercises.

Blank Firing Adapters have been used by the U.S. military for decades and remain an important component of force-on-force exercises, field training operations, combat simulations, and readiness events.

Why Does a Rifle Need a Blank Firing Adapter?

When firing live ammunition, expanding gases propel the projectile down the barrel while simultaneously cycling the weapon's action. Blank ammunition contains no projectile, resulting in significantly less resistance and reduced pressure within the system.

A Blank Firing Adapter creates the additional back pressure necessary to operate the weapon's gas system while firing blank ammunition.

Without a properly installed BFA, rifles may experience:

• Failure to cycle
• Short stroking
• Failure to feed
• Failure to eject

Why Are Military Blank Firing Adapters Different Colors?

One of the most common questions about BFAs is why some are painted yellow while others are painted red.

The colors are intentionally used to provide immediate visual identification that a weapon has been configured for blank-fire training. The colors also help distinguish between different Blank Firing Adapter models and associated weapon systems.

For most military personnel, the yellow M23 and red M15A2 are the two most recognizable BFAs encountered during training operations.

M23 Yellow Blank Firing Adapter (NSN 1005-01-361-8208)

The M23 Yellow Blank Firing Adapter is commonly associated with the M4 and M4A1 Carbine platform. As the M4 became the primary service rifle across much of the U.S. military, the M23 became one of the most widely recognized Blank Firing Adapters in service.

The yellow finish allows soldiers, instructors, and armorers to quickly identify the adapter during training exercises.

Commonly Associated With:

• M4 Carbine
• M4A1 Carbine
• Military-spec 5.56mm carbines

View M23 Yellow Blank Firing Adapter

M15A2 Red Blank Firing Adapter (NSN 1005-00-118-6192)

The M15A2 Red Blank Firing Adapter is traditionally associated with the M16 rifle family. For decades, it served as the standard Blank Firing Adapter used during military training exercises involving M16-series rifles firing 5.56mm blank ammunition.

The bright red finish provides immediate visual identification that the weapon has been configured for blank-fire training.

Commonly Associated With:

• M16A1
• M16A2
• M16A3
• M16A4
• Certain AR-15 pattern rifles

View M15A2 Red Blank Firing Adapter

M23 Yellow vs M15A2 Red Blank Firing Adapter

Many military personnel immediately recognize these adapters by color alone. In modern military training environments, the yellow M23 Blank Firing Adapter is commonly associated with M4 and M4A1 carbines, while the red M15A2 Blank Firing Adapter is commonly associated with M16-series rifles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NSN 1005-01-361-8208?

NSN 1005-01-361-8208 identifies the M23 Yellow Blank Firing Adapter commonly associated with the M4 and M4A1 Carbine platform.

What is NSN 1005-00-118-6192?

NSN 1005-00-118-6192 identifies the M15A2 Red Blank Firing Adapter commonly associated with M16-series rifles.

What is the difference between the yellow and red BFA?

The yellow M23 BFA is commonly associated with M4 and M4A1 carbines, while the red M15A2 BFA is commonly associated with M16-series rifles.

Why are Blank Firing Adapters painted bright colors?

The colors provide quick visual identification and help distinguish between different BFA models used during military training.

View Blank Firing Adapters

• M23 Yellow Blank Firing Adapter (NSN 1005-01-361-8208)
• M15A2 Red Blank Firing Adapter (NSN 1005-00-118-6192)