Colt M16A4 Automatic Rifle (1990)
The M16A4 is the latest incarnation of the M16 series of automatic rifles which debuted during the Vietnam War - and the current standard issue assault rifle of American forces.
The M16A4 differs from the M16A2 mainly by way of a removable carrying handle which can be replaced by a span of universal MIL-STD 1913 rail which can be coupled with a Knight's Armament M5 RAS handguard adapter rail system (the latter creating the M16A4 MWS - "Modular Weapon System" - designation). The M16A4 is a much more modular weapon adaptable to a wide variety of battlefield roles through various mountings that can include specialized optics, flashlights, aimers and grips. Like all of the M16 family firearms, the M16A4 can also fit the M203 40mm grenade launcher under the barrel, increasing the tactical lethality of the operator and offering the weapon system a dual-role capability with direct and indirect methods of attack.
The M16A4 shares performance statistics on par with the preceding M16A2, itself an evolution of the Vietnam War-era M16A1. Muzzle velocity is approximately 3,110 feet per second. The weapon retains the widely accepted 5.56x45mm NATO standard cartridge through a 30-round capacity detachable box magazine (curved). Weight increases just one pound with a fully-loaded magazine, bringing the overall combat weight of the system to a manageable 8.5lbs. The M16A4 also retains the adjustable front and rear sighting installations allowing for an effective range of about 600 meters. Firing selections are limited to semi- and burst-mode capabilities with a standard safety issued as well (the M1A1 offered full-automatic fire). Like the M16A2, the M16A4 is a gas-operated, rotating bolt (direct impingement) weapon. An optional shoulder strap eases transport.
Despite several promising designs appearing to overtake the M16 line, all have fallen short of US military needs and budget requirements, meaning that the M16A4 should retain a viable presence in the American inventory (as well as its allies) for the foreseeable future. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
Colt M16A4
Automatic Rifle
Country of Origin: United States
Manufacturer: Colt Defense - USA
Initial Year of Service: 1990
Overall Length: 1000mm (39.37in)
Barrel Length: 508.00mm (20.00in)
Weight (Empty): 7.50lbs (3.40kg)
Cartridge: 5.56x45mm NATO
Action: Gas-Operated; Semi-Automatic; Select Fire
Feed: 30-Round Detachable Box Magazine
Muzzle Velocity: 3,110ft/sec (948m/sec)
Rate-of-Fire: 700 rounds per minute
Range: 1,968ft (600m; 656yds)
Sights: Iron Front and Rear; Optional Optics
Variants:
M16A4 - Base Series Designation; modernized version of the M16A2 series.
Operators: Turkey; Tunisia; United Kingdom; United States
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