M16 rifle

The M16 is a family of U.S. 5.56×45mm NATO select-fire rifles developed from the AR-15 and adopted by the U.S. military in 1964.

Direct impingement: A firearm operating system that routes propellant gas into the receiver to cycle the action. The M16 routes gas from the barrel into its bolt carrier to cycle the action.
AR-15: A family of rifles designed by ArmaLite and later produced by multiple manufacturers. The M16 developed from ArmaLite’s AR-15 design, which Colt sold to the U.S. military.
M16A1: A modified M16 rifle adopted by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War era. The M16A1 introduced changes intended to improve reliability and field maintenance.
M16 rifle controversy: Public and military disputes over the M16’s reliability, ammunition, and introduction during the Vietnam War. The controversy followed reports of stoppages and inadequate maintenance during early deployment.
AK-47: A Soviet-designed 7.62×39mm assault rifle developed by Mikhail Kalashnikov. The AK-47 became the M16’s best-known opposing service rifle during the Cold War.
5.56×45mm NATO: A rimless intermediate rifle cartridge standardized by NATO in 1980. This cartridge became the M16’s standard ammunition and shaped its range and recoil.
Eugene Stoner: An American firearms designer who created the AR-10 and AR-15 rifle designs. Stoner’s AR-15 design supplied the M16’s basic architecture.
M16A2: A U.S. military M16 variant with a heavier barrel, revised sights, and burst fire. The M16A2 adapted the rifle for improved accuracy and a three-round burst option.
Small-caliber high-velocity: A military ammunition design approach using relatively light, fast projectiles in small-caliber cartridges. The M16 became a prominent service rifle built around this ammunition approach.
FN FAL: A Belgian-designed 7.62×51mm NATO battle rifle adopted by many countries. The FN FAL represents the full-power battle-rifle approach that the M16’s lighter cartridge contrasted with.

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