SERVICES: All
FEATURES: The M-16A2 is a lightweight 5.56mm (approx. .22 caliber) rifle with a 30-shot magazine. The weapon was designed for either automatic (three-round bursts) or semiautomatic (single shot) fire. The bottom of the trigger guard opens to provide access to the trigger when the shooter is wearing gloves or mittens. A compensator helps keep the muzzle down during firing.
BACKGROUND:
The M-16A2 is a product improvement of the M-16A1 rifle, with these features: a heavier, stiffer barrel that can fire a NATO standard 5.56mm cartridge; ¥ a muzzle compensator that curbs "riding up" of the barrel; ¥ a burst control that limits the number of rounds fired in automatic mode to three per trigger pull; ¥ an improved rear sight; ¥ a new buttstock and pistol grip made of a tougher plastic; ¥ a redesigned handguard that provides a better grip; and ¥ a modified upper receiver, designed to prevent an ejected cartridge from hitting the face of a left-handed shooter. The Army was issued the M16A2 in 1987, and has more than 380,000 M16A2s, with an objective to procure 620,000. Of these, 130,000 will be modified M-16A1s. The Air Force has more than 200,000 M-16A2 rifles.
