However, combat experience suggested that the. During the Korean War, the select-fire M2 carbine largely replaced the submachine gun in US service and became the most widely used carbine variant. However, early experiments with select-fire versions of the M1 Garand proved disappointing. After World War II, the United States military started looking for a single automatic rifle to replace the M1 Garand, M1/M2 Carbines, M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle, M3 'Grease Gun' and Thompson submachine gun. 30 in (7.62 mm) caliber as 'full sized' for the next 35 years. Largely in deference to tradition, this recommendation was ignored and the Army referred to the. Army 'Caliber Board' conducted firing tests at Aberdeen Proving Ground and recommended transitioning to smaller caliber rounds, mentioning in particular. See also: ArmaLite AR-10 and ArmaLite AR-15 Army selected the SIG MCX SPEAR as the winner of the Next Generation Squad Weapon Program to replace the M16/M4. The US military has largely replaced the M16 in frontline combat units with a shorter and lighter version, the M4 carbine. Total worldwide production of M16s is approximately 8 million, making it the most-produced firearm of its 5.56 mm caliber. The M16 has also been widely adopted by other armed forces around the world. It is equipped with a removable carrying handle and Picatinny rail for mounting optics and other ancillary devices. Adopted in July 1997, the M16A4 is the fourth generation of the M16 series. The M16A2 fires the improved 5.56×45mm (M855/SS109) cartridge and has a newer adjustable rear sight, case deflector, heavy barrel, improved handguard, pistol grip and buttstock, as well as a semi-auto and three-round burst fire selector.

In 1983, the US Marine Corps adopted the M16A2 rifle and the US Army adopted it in 1986. The M16A1's modifications include a bolt-assist, chrome-plated bore and a 30-round magazine. In 1969, the M16A1 replaced the M14 rifle to become the US military's standard service rifle.

In 1964, the M16 entered US military service and the following year was deployed for jungle warfare operations during the Vietnam War. The original M16 rifle was a 5.56×45mm automatic rifle with a 20-round magazine. 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.

See List of Colt AR-15 and M16 rifle variantsĨ.81 lb (4.00 kg) (loaded with 30 rounds and sling)

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