M16A1 Automatic Rifle 5.56mm/.223”
Item | Data | Links |
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12. Mountings | ||
14. Comments / Other information | Introduced in 1964 (as Ma6E1) modification of M16 rifle (Armalite .223” AR 15); chambered for the 5.56x45mm round; cyclic rate about 750rpm; uses 20 and 30-round box magazines; weight without magazine 6.5lb, body and butt frame made from aluminium. Superseded by later versions. | |
01. Original name | M16A1 Automatic Rifle .223” | |
02. Other official names | M16A1 | |
04. Chamberings | 5.56 x 45mm NATO | |
05. Designed by | Eugene Stoner and L. James Sullivan | |
06. Design date | 1959 | |
07. In service date(s) | 1963 till current | |
08. Adopted by | USA and 94 countries world wide | |
09. Production quantities | circa 8 million | |
10. Mechanism | Gas operated rotating bolt | |
11. Weight | 6.37lb (2.89Kg) Unloaded | |
13. Practicality in action | The rifle is comfortable and easy to use and is said to be able to group at 4 MOA at 300 mts. Initially the rifle had a reputation for poor reliability. The unreliable performance of the weapon experienced in the early days of the Vietnam War went as far as a "congressional investigation". Several recommendations came for this and once implemented the reliability problems reduced significantly. Eventually it became a much-liked weapon by the soldiers that carried it. | |
03. Popular names | Black rifle |
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