M-16 Dimensions

The size of the M16 A2 assault rifle is 39.5 in / 1,000 mm (length) and weighs 7.8 lbs (3.5 kg) unloaded. Loaded, it weighs 8.79 lbs (4 kg). The rest of the M16 A2’s technical specifications are as follows.

M16 A2 Specifications

The barrel length is 20 in (508 m). The cartridge is 5.56 x 45 mm. It is gas operated (rotating bolt). The rate of fire is 700 to 950 rounds per minute. The muzzle velocity is 3,200 ft/s (975 m/s for the M16 A1). For the M16 A2, it is 3,050 ft/s (930 m/s). The range for the M16 A2 is 550 m (600 yards).

Sizes of the M16 Variants

The M16A1E1/PIP has a barrel length of 20 in (508 mm). The barrel is the A2 profile (1:7 twist). The handguard type is full length ribbed. The buttstock is fixed A2 and the trigger pack safe semi auto.

The M16A2E4/M16A4 has a barrel length of 20 in (508 mm; its barrel is A2 profile (1:7 twist) and the handguard type is full-length ribbed or KAC M5 RAS. The buttstock type is fixed A2. The muzzle device is M16A2-style birdcage flash suppressor and the trigger pack is safe, semi burst.

The M16A1 Special Low Profile has a barrel length of 20 in (508 mm) and the barrel is HBAR profile (1:12 twist). The handguard type is full-length triangular; the buttstock is fixed A1. The muzzle device is M16A1-style birdcage flash suppressor and the trigger pack is safe semi auto.

The size of the M16 A1 Special High Profile’s barrel is 20 in (508 mm). The barrel is HBAR profile (1:12 twist); the handguard is full-length triangular and the buttstock is fixed A1. Its muzzle device is the M16A1-style birdcage flash suppressor. The trigger pack is safe semi auto.

Other Types of M16 Rifles

The M16 has produced numerous variants. The M16A2E3/M16A3 has a barrel length of 20 in (508 mm). Its handguard is also the A2 profile (1:7 twist) and the buttstock is fixed A2.

It comes with a bayonet lug and the trigger pack is safe semi auto. The size of the M16 AR 15 means it has a barrel length of 20 in (508 mm). The barrel is A1 profile (1:14 twist).

The handguard type is green or brown full-length triangular and the buttstock type is fixed A1. Its pistol grip is A1 and the device is Duckbill flash suppressor. The trigger pack is safe semi auto.

A variant of this is the AR-15 or XM16. It has a barrel 20 in (508 mm) in length; the barrel is A1 profile (1:12 twist. The muzzle device is Duckbill or three-prong flash suppressor and comes with a bayonet lug.

The XM16E1 barrel length is 20 in (508 mm. The buttstock type is fixed A1. The three-prong or M16A1 birdcage flash suppressor is the muzzle device. The trigger pack is safe semi auto.

The versatility and size of the M16 has turned it into an efficient assault rifle. Since it was first used in Vietnam, the M16 has become an indispensable part of the infantry.