Mission:
Deter and, if necessary, compel adversaries by enabling individuals and small units to engage targets with accurate, lethal, direct fire.

Entered Army Service:
1964

Description:
A lightweight, air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed rifle designed for either automatic or semi-automatic  fire through use of a selector lever. There are four variants - the M-16A1/A2/A3/A4. The M-16A2 incorporates improvements in iron sight, pistol grip, stock and overall combat effectiveness. 

Accuracy is enhanced by incorporating an improved muzzle compensator, three-round burst control, and a heavier barrel; and by using the heavier NATO-standard ammunition, which is also fired by the squad automatic weapon. The M-16A3 is identical to the M-16A2 but has a removable carrying handle that is mounted on a Picatinny Rail (for better mounting of optics) and is without burst control. The M-16A4 is identical to the M-16A2 except for the removable carrying handle and Picatinny Rail.

Specifications:

Caliber: 5.56 mm
Weight:  8.8 pounds (includes sling and one loaded magazine)
Range:  800 meters for an area target / 550 meters for a point target

Manufacturer:
Colt Manufacturing and Fabrique Nationale Manufacturing Inc. 

(US Army Photo)