The M16A2 weighs 8.8 lb (4.0 kg) loaded with a 30-round magazine, because of the adoption of a thicker barrel profile. The thicker barrel is more resistant to damage when handled roughly and is …

The M16A2 5.56mm rifle is a lightweight, air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed, shoulder- or hip-fired weapon designed for either automatic fire (3-round bursts) or semiautomatic fire (single...

It was officially adopted by the US DoD as ‘US Rifle, 5.56mm, M16A2‘ in 1982. Since 1985 and until late 1990s the M16A2 rifle became the primary individual weapon of US infantrymen, in Army and Marine …

Oct 1, 2022 · Despite the rifle’s problematic beginning during the Vietnam War, it evolved into a world-class military weapon, and its 5.56mm cartridge has become the NATO standard. This is part III of a …

Nov 20, 2025 · The M16A2 buttstock featured an extended length of pull and textured buttplate that prevented slippage during firing. It was also made from stronger Zytel polymer to address durability …

Sep 22, 2025 · Now we come to the American battle rifle that closed out the Cold War; the M16A2. How and why did the M16A1 become A2 and what was the difference? In order to address that, we need …

Dec 3, 2025 · It started as the sleek, lightweight newcomer that tried to drag the U.S. military into a more modern era, and even with its rocky debut in Vietnam, it eventually became the standard that shaped …

Jul 9, 2025 · The M16A2 evolved from the Vietnam-era M16A1, improving upon its reliability, accuracy, and practicality. This guide explores the beginnings of the Colt M16A2, discusses its rise to power, …

The M16A2 fires the 5.56x45mm NATO round from 30 round magazines, although various other capacities are available. The M16A2 is a select fire weapon with a cyclic rate of fire of 700 to 950 …