M16A2 M16 rifle

m16a2



new rear sight, brass deflector , forward assist of m16a2



a u.s marine m16a2 on training exercise @ camp baharia, iraq, 2004

the development of m16a2 rifle requested united states marine corps result of usmc s combat experience in vietnam xm16e1 , m16a1. officially adopted department of defense rifle, 5.56mm, m16a2 in 1982. marines first branch of u.s. armed forces adopt m16a2 in early/mid-1980s, united states army following suit in late 1980s. modifications m16a2 extensive. in addition new rifling, barrel made greater thickness in front of front sight post, resist bending in field , allow longer period of sustained fire without overheating. rest of barrel maintained @ original thickness enable m203 grenade launcher attached. new adjustable rear sight added, allowing rear sight dialed in specific range settings between 300 , 800 meters take full advantage of ballistic characteristics of new ss109 rounds , allow windage adjustments without need of tool or cartridge. weapon s reliability allowed used around united states marine corps special operations divisions well. flash suppressor again modified, time closed on bottom not kick dirt or snow when being fired prone position, , acting recoil compensator. front grip modified original triangular shape round one, better fit smaller hands , fitted older models of m16. new handguards symmetrical armories need not separate left , right spares. handguard retention ring tapered make easier install , uninstall handguards. notch middle finger added pistol grip, more texture enhance grip. buttstock lengthened ⁄8 in (15.9 mm). new buttstock became ten times stronger original due advances in polymer technology since 1960s. original m16 stocks made fiberglass-impregnated resin; newer stocks engineered dupont zytel glass-filled thermoset polymers. new stock included textured polymer buttplate better grip on shoulder, , retained panel accessing small compartment inside stock, used storing basic cleaning kit. heavier bullet reduces muzzle velocity 3,200 feet per second (980 m/s), 3,050 feet per second (930 m/s). a2 uses faster twist rifling allow use of trajectory-matched tracer round. has 1:7 twist rate. spent case deflector incorporated upper receiver behind ejection port prevent cases striking left-handed users.

the action modified, replacing automatic setting three-round burst setting. when using automatic weapon, inexperienced troops hold down trigger , spray when under fire. u.s. army concluded three-shot groups provide optimum combination of ammunition conservation, accuracy, , firepower. usmc has retired m16a2 in favor of newer m16a4; few m16a2s remain in service u.s. army reserve , national guard, air force, navy , coast guard.