M16A1
Summary
| Country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Assault rifle |
| Manufacturer | Colt / Armalite / Bushmaster / FN Herstal |
Technical specifications
| M16A1 | |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | 750 - 900 rounds/min. |
| Caliber | 5.56 x 45 mm OTAN |
| Magazine | 30 rounds |
| Length | 986 mm (38.8 in) |
| Weight | 3.55 kg (7.8 lb) |
| Range | 450 m (1476 ft) |
Description
The M16 rifle was adapted from the ArmaLite AR-15 for use by the U.S. military. The XM16E1 variant entered service in 1964 and was deployed to Vietnam in 1965. It was standardized as the M16A1 in February 1967, incorporating revisions to address early reliability issues. These modifications included a bolt-assist mechanism and a chrome-plated bore and chamber. In 1969, the M16A1 replaced the M14 as the standard U.S. service rifle. The M16 series is the longest continuously serving U.S. rifle, with approximately 8 million units produced globally.
The M16 is a lightweight, 5.56mm, air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed assault rifle constructed with aluminum receivers, a steel barrel, bolt, and carrier, and polymer furniture. The M16A1 weighs 7.9 pounds when loaded and features a 20-inch barrel with a 1:12 twist rate. Its straight-line recoil design, which places the spring in the stock, helps manage recoil and muzzle rise. Sighting is achieved via an L-type flip rear sight (0-300m, 300-400m) located within the carrying handle. The rifle uses aluminum 20 or 30-round magazines and can mount bayonets and under-barrel grenade launchers.
Key M16 variants include:
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The initial M16 (full auto, no bolt assist)
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The XM16E1/M16A1 (full auto, bolt assist, chrome bore)
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The M16A2 (three-round burst, M855 ammunition compatibility, improved sights)
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The M16A3 (full auto version of the A2)
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The M16A4 (equipped with a Picatinny rail).
The M4 carbine is a significant derivative of the M16 platform.
First used in Vietnam, the M16 initially suffered from reliability issues, but the M16A1 variant largely resolved these problems. The rifle has seen extensive use worldwide. Debates have arisen regarding the effectiveness of ammunition fired from the shorter barrels of M4 variants. The platform performs reliably when properly maintained. While U.S. frontline infantry have transitioned to the M4 carbine, the XM7 is planned to replace both weapons. The M16 remains widely operational internationally.
The M16 has been widely adopted, serving with 15 NATO countries and over 80 nations globally. It is the most-produced 5.56mm rifle, with approximately 8 million units manufactured, and around 90% are still operational. It was the standard U.S. service rifle, and current users include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Israel, Iraq, Ukraine, Vietnam, and many other countries and non-state groups.