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Arsenal/Firearm/M16
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United States · In service

M16

Selective-fire service rifle

The lightweight 5.56×45 mm rifle family that became the standard U.S. service rifle during the Vietnam era and influenced modern infantry weapon design.

Introduced1964
SpeedApprox. 700–950 rounds/min
RangeApprox. 550 m point target
CrewIndividual weapon
Platform profile

Technical overview

Manufacturer
Colt and U.S. contractors
Primary role
Selective-fire service rifle
Dimensions
Approx. 1,000 mm · 3.4 kg unloaded
Operators
United States and allied forces worldwide
Variants
M16A1 · M16A2 · M16A3 · M16A4
Operational status
In service
Complete platform dossier

M16 details

Identity

Full name
M16
Type
Selective-fire service rifle
Designer / lineage
Eugene Stoner design lineage
Country of origin
United States
Entered service
1964–present
Calibre
5.56×45 mm NATO

Operational roles

  • Standard infantry rifle
  • Close- to medium-range combat
  • Training and ceremonial service

Variants

M16A1
Vietnam-era standardized pattern
M16A2
Revised barrel, sights and burst control
M16A4
Flat-top receiver with accessory rail

Performance

Effective range
Approx. 550 m point target
Cyclic / practical rate
Approx. 700–950 rounds/min
Overall dimensions
Approx. 1,000 mm · 3.4 kg unloaded

Operating mechanism

  • Gas-operated, rotating bolt

Design features

  • Lightweight alloy receiver
  • Direct-gas operating system
  • Rotating multi-lug bolt
  • Selective fire, variant dependent

Sighting and handling

  • Iron sights supplied as standard
  • Handling and sight arrangement vary by production model and service configuration

Ammunition and feed

Cartridge
5.56×45 mm NATO
Feed system
20- or 30-round detachable box magazine
Fire control
Varies by model; see platform role and variant

Core dimensions

Barrel length
Variant dependent; 508 mm on the M16A2
Overall size
Approx. 1,000 mm · 3.4 kg unloaded

Strengths

  • Lightweight ammunition and rifle
  • Good practical accuracy
  • Highly influential modular design lineage

Limitations

  • Early service problems damaged its reputation
  • Requires appropriate maintenance and lubrication
  • Long overall length compared with carbine variants

Operators and customers

United Statesallied forces

Interesting facts

  1. The family entered U.S. service during the Vietnam War.
  2. Its architecture led directly to the shorter M4 carbine family.