What is the nomenclature and specifications of the M16A1 rifle?

Answer 1

The M16 automatic assault rifle:

The M16 is a shoulder fired, fully automatic, gas operated, rotating bolt, low recoil, standard military issue assault rifle.

History of the M16:

Designed in 1960 by Eugene Stoner, this Rifle was made specifically to shoot a highly accurate, high velocity round (5.56 x 45mm NATO cartridge) with a new theory in mind, the three round burst. The idea being that three rounds fired very quickly will have a much better grouping than a slower, automatic rate of fire.

And he was right.

The M16 was put into service in 1963 during the Vietnam War with disastrous results, the gun powder (ball gunpowder) used would resonate around the bolt face disabling the next round to be loaded in. This was because of the very humid conditions. (^this is why there is a 'forward assist' on every M16 since the M16A2)

When the new gun powder was applied the results were as expected, easy to handle, durable, and very accurate. In fact, the 5.56 round is extremely effective against a person because the round travels so fast that when it strikes, it tumbles. This leaves a huge cavity inside the body.

Specifications of the M16:

• Length: 39.625"
• Barrel L: 20"
• Cartridge: 5.56x45mm NATO
• ROF: 900 r/m
• Effective Range: 800m
• Mag Capacity: 20-30 round STANAG Magazine
• Firing Modes: Single fire, Three round burst, Fully automatic
• DOP/DOS: 1960/1963-present
• Forward assist (located on right exterior of gun behind the bolt assembly)

Answer 2

M16A1 is the nomenclature.