M16A1

Description

As the Kalashnikov family of weapons are seen as the weapon of choice for the those fighting against the ‘West’, the M16 is very seen as the weapon of the the United States and her allies.

Originally developed directly after the Korean War, the forerunner to the M16 was known as the AR-10. During trials for a replacement to the aging M1 in 1956, this revolutionary design would ultimately lose out to what was effectively a fully automatic/magazine fed M1, the M14.

Although a reliable weapon, the M14 was heavy and using the powerful 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge, it was nigh on impossible to control when firing fully automatic. With the US entering the Vietnam war in 1961, jungle operations soon saw the end for the M14, with Special Operations units trialing the updated AR-15 in combat. Their feedback sang its praises, particularly its reduction in weight (more then 1 kg less than the M14) and the stopping power of its smaller 5.56×45 mm NATO cartridge, which on impact would tumble, thus causing devastating wounds. This smaller cartridge also meant that far more ammunition could be carried by the soldier on patrol.

In 1963 production of the M14 ended and the AR-15 entered service with the US Air Force (designated the M16). From feedback gained during operational trails, the Army requested that their design be modified to include a side mounted bolt ‘forward assist’. The resulting weapon was designated the XM16E1, of which an initial order of 85000 was placed, with general issue taking place in 1965.

Due to the rush to get them into frontline service, many were issued without cleaning/maintenance kits. This resulted in multiple instances of the weapon jamming in combat and US Soldiers becoming casualties. After a Congressional investigation, further modifications were made, including a chrome-plated chamber and in 1967 the XM16E1 was re-designated the M16A1.

Still in use today, the M16A1 would undergo further modifications, including the creation of a carbine version known as the CAR-15 /Colt Commando, which was predominantly used during the Vietnam War. The latest issued versions are the M16A4 rifle and M4A1 carbine, which are both available in a multitude of configurations.