The M16 rifle (officially designated Rifle, Caliber 5.56 mm, M16) is a family of assault 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.

Dec 7, 2022 · The story is much different for the M16. Eugene Stoner’s original design was called the AR-10 (the “AR” stood for “Armalite Rifle” — Armalite was to manufacture the weapon). This early design was a 7.62mm NATO rifle with a 20-round box magazine.

The M16 is an assault rifle used by the United States since the Vietnam War in 1963, [5] based on the AR-15. Since 1975, the M16 has been used by many different countries.

Jun 2, 2020 · M16 is the U.S. military designation for a family of rifles derived from the ArmaLite AR-15 and further developed by Colt. It is an assault rifle which fires NATO standard 5.56 mm ammunition.

Feb 26, 2025 · M16 rifle, assault rifle developed as the AR-15 by American engineer Eugene Stoner of ArmaLite Inc. in the late 1950s. The rifle received high marks for its light weight, its accuracy, and the volume of fire that it could provide.

Sep 12, 2024 · What Ammo Does the M16 Use? The M16 rifle primarily uses the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge . This intermediate cartridge has been the standard ammunition for the M16 and its variants since its adoption by the US military.

Feb 18, 2024 · The M16 is known for its use of the 5.56x45mm NATO caliber, which is a standard military cartridge used by many countries for their rifles and light machine guns. This caliber is known for its speed and accuracy, making it a popular choice …

There were several basic ideas to follow up on, including different projectile types (standard bullets or small, arrow-like finned projectiles known as “flechettes”, multiplying from a single round to achieve a ‘shotgunlike’ effect) or in rapid bursts of several single rounds.

Jul 7, 2011 · The M16 series of rifles was the standard issue shoulder weapon in the US military until 2005, at which point the M4 Carbine became the standard issue within the US Army. It marked a departure from...

Specifications of the M16 Rifle. Type: Selective-Fire Assault Rifle; Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO; Rate of Fire: Approximately 700–950 rounds per minute; Magazine Options: 20-round or 30-round detachable magazines, compatible with aftermarket options; Weight: 6.5–7.5 lbs (unloaded, depending on the variant) Barrel Length: 20 inches (standard)