In 1967 the M16A1 was
adopted by the US Army, and it became
the Army's standard issue rifle,
with some 3,690,000 manufactured. The weapon,
chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO caliber,
was a mainstay of the U.S. military for
two decades, until it was replaced by
the M16A2starting in 1983.
The M16A1 featured a
positive forward assist to help close
the bolt when dirty, a chromium plated
chamber and bore to resist corrosion,
and an improved gas system with a new
bolt buffer designed to reduce the rate
of fire on full auto. These
improvements, together with a new field
cleaning kit and better maintenance
instruction, helped to alleviate some of
the original M16's reliability problems.
The major
difference between the M16A1 and M16A2
is the fact that the M16A1 could operate
in full-automatic mode, emptying an
entire 30-round magazine in just a few
seconds; whereas the M16A2 is restricted
to 3-round bursts, a feature which
preserves ammunition and improves
accuracy.
ArmyProperty.com is researching the BII
/ COEI listing and component hand
receipt for this item, and will post
these documents when available.
Video: TOP 10 Combat Rifles of All Time - M16 (No.2)
Accessories (While it is physically possible
to install these accessories on the M16A1, it is not routinely done, due to the
M16A1's old age and the fact that the M16A2 replaced it in most Army units many
years ago):
PVS-14, Monocular NVG (Can be mounted on M16 carrying
handle using a rail adapter)
5860-01-471-2091
Laser Borelight System (LBS); used for field-zeroing
mechanical and optical sights
RFI (Rapid Fielding
Initiative) Accessories (Major End Items). Fielded routinely
to units through Force Modernization program, or through RFI bulk-issue
during prep for deployment.
1005-01-452-6771
M5 Rail Adapter System (allows installation of accessories,
such as a PEQ-2 or Surefire Tac-Light on front handguard)
RFI (Rapid Fielding
Initiative) Accessories (Non
Major End Items). Fielded routinely
to units through Force Modernization program, or through RFI bulk-issue
during prep for deployment.
NSN
Description
1005-01-541-1772
Rifle Bipod; Also called Forward Grip
Bipod
1005-01-541-1771
Tactical Sling; Also called 3-Point
Sling
(TBP; LIN ZA905D)
Enhanced sliding M4/M4A1 buttstock
assembly; currently being mounted and used on M16-series rifle in large
numbers because of the need to maneuver the weapon inside confined
spaces (HMMWV interiors, for
instance). However, Ground Precautionary Messages state
that this is "not authorized and can result in injury or equipment
damage."
Tactical Sling (not the RFI version),
made by Blackhawk! and distributed
through the Army supply system. Carries weapon across chest,
muzzle oriented downward, "at the ready"
Multiple magazine holder; New AAL
Item, may be included in RFI in the future
1005-01-541-2476
Forward rail bracket (also called CQB
kit mini-rail); New AAL Item, may be included in RFI in the future
1005-00-921-5004
Standard 30-round magazine
1005-00-118-6192
M15A2 Blank Firing Adapter / Attachment (red in color,
for M16 rifle only; yellow BFA, M23, NSN 1005-01-361-8308, is for the M4
carbine only)
5340-00-880-7666
Cap, Protective, Dust. Keeps dust and dirt from
entering the muzzle during normal operations, and can be left in place
until the weapon is fired, but must be removed periodically to prevent
rust build-up.
3rd Party Accessories
-- COTS (Commercial, Off-the-Shelf)
Company
Description
Various
Tactical Sling. Carries weapon across chest,
muzzle oriented downward, "at the ready"
