M16 rifles

M16 rifle
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Rifle, 5.56 mm, M16

M16A1, M16A2, M4, M16A4, from top to bottom
Type Assault rifle
Place of origin Flag of the United States United States
Service history
In service 1961–present
Used by United States of America, See Production and usage
Wars Vietnam War-present
Production history
Designer Eugene Stoner
L. James Sullivan[1]
Designed 1957
Manufacturer Colt Defense
Produced 1960-present
Number built Approx. 8 million[citation needed]
Variants See Variants
Specifications (M16A2)
Weight 8.5 lb (3.9 kg)
Length 39.5 in (1,000 mm)
Barrel length 20 in (508 mm)
Cartridge 5.56x45mm NATO
Action Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire 800-900 rounds/min, cyclic depending on model
Muzzle velocity 3,200 ft/s (975 m/s) (M16A1)
3,050 ft/s (930 m/s) (M16A2)
Effective range 550 m (600 yd)
Feed system Various STANAG Magazines.

M16 (more formally United States Rifle II, Caliber 5.56 mm, M16) is the U.S. military designation for a family of rifles derived from the ArmaLite AR-15 and further developed by Colt starting in the mid-20th century.

The M16 rifle family including the M16/A1/A2/A3/A4 has been the primary infantry rifle of the United States military since the 1960s. With its variants, it has been in use by 15 NATO countries, and is the most produced firearm in its caliber. The M16 entered Army service in 1964.