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Colt M16A2
The M16 has become one of the most influential rifle designs in history.
By Staff Writer
The M16A2 is a follow up design to the much-maligned M16 that debuted in the Vietnam War. The M16A2 version features minor but much-needed improvements to the basic system and has spawned a whole slew of look-alike variants the world over. Where the Soviet Union held a place among its allies with the AK-47, the M-16 series now has a similar hold in the hands of military and civilian forces worldwide.
The M16A2 brings about some new features missing from the M16A1 including a heavier barrel and the option for a selective 3-round burst capacity in addition to the existing single and full automatic modes of fire. Muzzle climb has also been reduced and all new plastic construction has been incorporated throughout the design. A helpful rear sight adjustment is also afforded the user for precision shooting assignments. The M16A2 is a more friendly left-handed shooter as well.
Another modification, the M16A3, was brought about in 1996 and offered up a removable carrying handle to which the user could mount a variety of specialized sights to the system. The M231, another M16 look-alike weapon, is a stripped down port-firing weapon that is useful for tank and vehicle crews alike. Though never produced, the Colt Advanced Combat Rifle (ACR) was tested to the extreme as the next generation infantry weapon for the US Army. The ACR shared the common look and was built from the existing M16A2 model.
As of this writing, the M16 is currently fielded in its new form as the M16A4. This system differs from preceeding formats in that A4 allows for the carrying handle to be easily removed to accommodate other mounted accessories such as an optical sight. The barrel is also designed to accept the potent M203 40mm grenade launcher.
History text ©2003-2009 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved •
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Last Updated: 7/10/2009
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| Specifications for the Colt M16A2 |
 Operation: |
Action: Gas Operated, Semi-Automatic
Cartridge: 5.56x45mm NATO
Feed System: 30-round detachable box
Muzzle Velocity: 3,050ft/sec (930m/sec)
Cyclic Rate-of-Fire: 800 rds/min
Effective Range: 1,969ft (600m; 656yds)
Sights: Ajustable Rear; Fixed Front
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| Dimensions: |
Overall Length: 1,000mm (39.37in)
Barrel Length: 508mm (20.00in)
Empty Weight: 3.58kg (7.89lbs)
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| Pictures of the Colt M16A2 |
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| Variants |
AR-15 - Armalite Designation
Model 601 - Colt Model; adapted by the USAF; 1:14-inch rifling twist; triangular charging handle.
Model 602 - Colt Model Designation; 1:12-inch twist; triangular charging handle.
Model 604 - Colt Model Designation; improved model.
Model 655 M16A1 SHP (Special High Profile) - Colt Model Designation for sniper variant; heavy barrel and Leatherwood/Realist 3.9x Adjustable Ranging Telescope scope mount.
Model 656 - Colt Model Designation for sniper variant; heavy barrel and Leatherwood/Realist 3.9x Adjustable Ranging Telescope scope mount; sans carrying handle.
Model 720 - Cold Model Designation of the XM4/M4 Carbine variant.
Model 733 - Developmental M16 carbine version with shortened barrel and telescoping stock; modernized version of the XM177E2 with improvements found on the M16A2.
XM-16 - Alternative designation for Colt Model 602.
M16 - Base Production Model Designation; first operation version; adapted by the USAF.
XM16E1 - US Army Designation of the M16
M16A1 - US Army Finalized Production Model
M16A1 Mk 4 Mod 0 - Specialized Variant produced for the Navy SEALs; optimized for "wet" environments; sound suppressor.
M16A2 - Revised rifling; thicker barrel; M203 grenade launcher capable; square post front sight; adjustable rear sight added; revised flash suppressor; modified front grip; lengthened buttstock; polymer stock; 3-round burst setting.
M16A3 - Fully-Automatic derivative of the M16A2; M16A1 trigger group; semi-automatic and full automatic fire modes.
M16A4 / M16A4 MWS- Picatinny Rail for scope and sighting systems; 3-round burst firing mode of the M16A2 accessory attachments through Knight's Armament Company system; sometimes called M16A4 MWS (Modular Weapon System).
XM177E1 - Developmental M16 carbine version; shortened barrel to 10 inches; telescoping stock.
XM177E2 - Developmental M16 carbine version; shortened barrel to 11 inches; telescoping stock.
M231 FPW (Port Firing Weapon) - Rock Island Arsenal development based on M16 for firing from the inside of the M2/M3 Bradley vehicles; fully-automatic fire form open bolt; sans buttstock; short barrel.
XM4 Carbine - Trials version of compact M16 rifle.
M4 Carbine - Production designation of compact M16 rifle; 3-round burst fire mode; Picatinny rail system; removable carrying handle.
M4A1 Carbine - Full Automatic Fire Mode; Picatinny rail system; removable carrying handle.
C7 - Canadian Designation; production by Diemaco; developed version of the M16A1E1; single or automatic fire modes; lengthened stock; revised rear sight.
C7A1 - Canadian Designation; Weaver rail system; improvements throughout
C8 - Canadian Designation; updated M16 variant.
NORINCO CQ-311 - Unlicensed Chinese copy of the M16A1; revolver-style pistol grip; export product.
Khaybar KH2002 - Iranian conversion model based on the S-5 rifle, itself an M16 copy based on the NORINCO model; bullpup configuration.
MSSR - Philippine development sniper rifle based on the M16.
Type 65 (T65) - Taiwanese Assault Rifle based on the M16; short-stroke gas system; revised iron sights; reshaped stock
Type 86 (T86) - Taiwanese Assault Rifle based on the M16; gas-operated, rotating bolt; M16A2-style sights.
Type 91 (T91) - Taiwanese Assault Rifles based on the M16; gas-operated, rotating bolt; features found on the M16 and AR-18 series rifles.
M/95 - Danish Designation of Canadian C7 rifle.
M/96 - Danish Designation of Canadian C8 rifle.
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