M16 (rifle)

M16 is the U.S. Military designation for a family of rifles derived from the Armalite AR-15. It is an assault rifle which fires NATO standard 5.56 mm ammunition. It has been the primary infantry rifle of the United States military since 1967, is in use by 15 NATO countries, and has been the most produced firearm in its caliber.

Production and usage

The M16 is the most commonly manufactured 5.56 x 45 mm rifle in the world. Currently, the M16/M4 system is in use by 15 NATO countries and more than 80 countries world wide. Together, the U.S., Canada (as the C7), Singapore, and China have produced more than 8,000,000 units with approximately 90% still in operation http://www.colt.com/mil/customers.asp.

Related Topics:
U.S. - Canada - C7 - Singapore - China

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In U.S service, the M16 primarily replaced the M14 and M1 Carbine series as standard infantry rifles, and to a lesser extent, some of the jobs of the BAR Light automatic rifle. The M14 would go on to see service as a sniper Rifle, and as a designated marksmen rifle.

Related Topics:
M14 - M1 Carbine - BAR - Sniper Rifle - Designated marksmen

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