M16A2
The M16A2 service rifle is a light weight, magazine fed, air cooled, gas operated, shoulder fired weapon, capable of firing either semi-automatic or three-round burst. The M16 has been the service rifle of the Marine Corps since the mid-1960s, and every Marine is trained to fire it. The M16A2 service rifle was updated for greater adaptability with the M16A4 model during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The M16A4 incorporates a flat-top receiver unit for mounting optical sights, lasers, night-vision devices, forward handgrips, a removable carry handle and flashlights.[1]
Characteristics
The characteristics of the M16A2 service rifle are as shown below.[2]
Primary function: Infantry weapon
Manufacturer: Colt Manufacturing and Fabrique Nationale Manufacturing Inc.
Length: 39.63 inches (100.66 centimeters)
Weight, with 30 round magazine: 8.79 pounds (3.99 kilograms)
Bore diameter: 5.56mm (.233 inches)
Maximum effective range:
- Area target: 2,624.8 feet (800 meters)
- Point target: 1,804.5 feet (550 meters)
Muzzle velocity: 2,800 feet (853 meters) per second
Rates of fire:
- Cyclic: 800 rounds per minute
- Sustained: 12-15 rounds per minute
- Semiautomatic: 45 rounds per minute
- Burst: 90 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds
Unit Replacement Cost: $586
References
- ↑ M16. The Rifle Every Marine Is Trained To Fire, marines.com, Accessed December 12, 2010.
- ↑ The M16 has been the standard weapon of choice for the Marine Corps for over 30 years. USMCWeapons.com, Accessed December 12, 2010.