M16 USA

Data for current production Colt M16 automatic rifle / LMG


Caliber 5.56x45 NATO

Weight 5.78 kg

Length 1000 mm

Barrel length 510 mm

Feed magazine, 30 or 100 rounds

Rate of fire 600 - 750 rounds per minute



Colt M16 automatic rifle is gas operated, air cooled, magazine fed weapon which fires from open bolt. Gas system is copied from M16 rifle, and is of direct-impingement type, as there is no dedicated gas piston, and powder gases are fed from the gas block via gas tube into the bolt carrier. Rotary bolt has seven locking lugs and locks into the barrel extension. Receiver is made from aluminum alloy and consists of two parts, upper and lower, which are linked by two cross-pins. Barrel is of heavy profile and cannot be replaced in the field. Gun is fitted with hydraulic recoil buffer (located in the buttstock) which decreases the rate of fire.


Feed is from magazines only; any M16-compatible magazine can be used, but most common are either 100-round double-drum magazines, made by American company Beta-C Co, or standard issue 30-round curved box magazines for M16 rifle.

Standard furniture includes large plastic handguard of rectangular cross-section, with attached vertical fore-grip and mounting point for detachable, folding bipod. Rifles of most recent production also feature detachable M16A4-style carrying handle with built-in fully adjustable rear sight; this handle can be attached to the Picatinny type rail on the top of the receiver. Alternatively, any other sighting equipment can be installed on this rail using appropriate mountings.