AI overview
The M16 is an assault rifle that was widely used by the U.S. military, particularly during the Vietnam War and for decades afterward. It matters because it became one of the most influential and recognizable military weapons in modern history, shaping infantry combat tactics and remaining relevant in military and civilian discussions about firearms.
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Article
The M16 rifle (officially designated Rifle, Caliber 5.56mm, M16) is a family of assault rifles adapted from the ArmaLite AR-15 rifle for the United States military. The original M16 rifle was a 5.56×45mm automatic rifle with a 20-round magazine.
In 1964, the XM16E1 entered US military service as the M16 and in the following year was deployed for jungle warfare operations during the Vietnam War. In 1969, the M16A1 replaced the M14 rifle to become the US military's standard service rifle. The M16A1 incorporated numerous modifications, including a bolt-assist ("forward-assist"), chrome-plated bore, protective reinforcement around the magazine release, and a revised flash hider.
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5.56×45mm NATO assault riflesAR-15 style riflesArmaLite AR-10 derivativesAssault rifles of the United StatesCold War firearms of the United StatesColt riflesFN Herstal firearmsGas-operated firearmsHarv and Sfn no-target errorsRifles of the Cold WarUnited States Marine Corps equipmentWeapons and ammunition introduced in 1964