M16A1 Automatic Rifle 5.56mm/.223”
| 01. Original name | M16A1 Automatic Rifle .223” | |
| 02. Other official names | M16A1 | |
| 03. Popular names | Black rifle | |
| 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 | |
| 12. Mountings | ||
| 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. | |
| 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 Superseded by later versions. |