The M16 rifle (officially designated Rifle, Caliber 5.56 mm, M16) is a family of military rifles adapted from the ArmaLite AR-15 rifle for the United States military. The original M16 rifle was a 5.56×45mm automatic rifle with a 20-round magazine. The M16 has also been widely adopted by other armed forces around the world. Total worldwide production of M16s is approximately 8 million, making it the most-produced firearm of its 5.56 mm caliber. The US military has largely replaced the M16 in frontline combat units with a shorter and lighter version, the M4 carbine.
Name | M16 refle |
Type | Assault rifle |
Place of origin | United States |
Designed | 1959 |
In service | 1964–present |
Effective firing range | 550 m (point target), 800 m (area target) |
Sights | Iron sights: Rear: aperture; L-type flip Front: wing-protected post Various aiming optics |