I Have This Old Gun: U.S. M16A2 Rifle

Published on August 9, 2018
Duration: 6:19

The M16A2 rifle, developed by Colt, incorporated significant improvements over the M16, notably influenced by the U.S. Marine Corps. Key upgrades include a heavier barrel for M203 compatibility, a 'birdcage' flash hider designed to reduce dust, a brass deflector for left-handed shooters, and an improved drum-style rear sight. It also features a three-round burst fire mode instead of full-auto and was optimized for the M855 'green tip' cartridge.

Quick Summary

The M16A2 rifle incorporated key improvements like a heavier barrel for M203 compatibility, a dust-reducing 'birdcage' flash hider, and a brass deflector for left-handed shooters. It also featured an improved rear sight and a three-round burst fire mode, optimized for the M855 'green tip' cartridge.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the M16A2 Rifle
  2. 00:15Development & Marine Corps Influence
  3. 00:43Key Design Improvements
  4. 01:44Barrel & M203 Compatibility
  5. 02:42Flash Hider Evolution
  6. 03:35Forward Assist & Brass Deflector
  7. 04:08Rear Sight Enhancements
  8. 04:34Civilian Versions & Ammunition
  9. 05:11Fire Control: Burst vs. Auto

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main improvements made to the M16A2 rifle compared to the original M16?

The M16A2 featured a heavier barrel for M203 compatibility, a redesigned 'birdcage' flash hider closed on the bottom to reduce dust, a brass deflector for left-handed shooters, and an improved drum-style rear sight. It also adopted a three-round burst fire mode.

How did the U.S. Marine Corps influence the M16A2's development?

The M16A2 was developed by Colt Industries in response to specific recommendations from the Marine Corps. These recommendations addressed flaws identified during combat and led to significant design changes incorporated into the A2 variant.

What ammunition was the M16A2 optimized for?

The M16A2 rifle design was optimized for the newer SS109/M855 cartridge, commonly known as 'green tip' 5.56mm ammunition. This differed from the M16A1 which was primarily designed for the M193 round.

What is the function of the M16A2's brass deflector?

The brass deflector is a small protrusion on the rear of the M16A2's upper receiver. Its purpose is to redirect ejected cartridge cases away from the shooter, particularly beneficial for left-handed individuals firing the rifle.

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