What gun uses 5.56 ammo?

What Gun Uses 5.56 Ammo?

The 5.56x45mm cartridge is one of the most popular and widely used rifle calibers in the world. It was developed by the United States military as a replacement for the heavier and less effective 7.62x51mm cartridge. The 5.56x45mm cartridge is known for its high velocity, flat trajectory, and relatively low recoil. But what guns can use this caliber? In this article, we will explore the various guns that use 5.56 ammo.

Assault Rifles

Assault rifles are some of the most common platforms that use 5.56x45mm cartridges. Here are a few examples:

• AK-47 and AK-74: The AK-47 and AK-74 are two of the most iconic assault rifles ever produced. They were originally designed to fire 7.62x39mm cartridges, but many countries have developed variants that use 5.56x45mm ammunition.
• AR-15 and M16: The AR-15 and M16 are two of the most popular semi-automatic rifles used by civilian shooters and militaries around the world. They were originally designed by ArmaLite and Eugene Stoner for the U.S. military.
• FN SCAR: The FN SCAR (Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle) is a modular assault rifle designed by FN Herstal. It is used by special forces units around the world and can fire various calibers, including 5.56x45mm.
• SIG MCX: The SIG MCX (McMillan CarbineX) is a modular rifle designed by SIG Sauer. It is used by various military and law enforcement agencies around the world.

Bolt-Action Rifles

Bolt-action rifles are another type of firearm that can use 5.56x45mm cartridges. Here are a few examples:

• Remington 700: The Remington 700 is a popular bolt-action rifle used by hunting enthusiasts and target shooters alike. Many variants of this rifle are chambered for 5.56x45mm.
• Winchester Model 70: The Winchester Model 70 is another iconic bolt-action rifle that can fire 5.56x45mm cartridges. Its rugged design and accuracy have made it a favorite among hunters and shooters.
• Ruger 70: The Ruger 70 is a bolt-action rifle designed by Sturm, Ruger & Co. It is known for its durability and accuracy and can be chambered in various calibers, including 5.56x45mm.

Shotguns

Yes, you read that right – shotguns! While they are not as common, some shotguns can chamber 5.56x45mm cartridges. Here are a few examples:

• Mossberg 500: The Mossberg 500 is a popular pump-action shotgun known for its reliability and ruggedness. Some variants can be chambered for 5.56x45mm.
• Benelli M4: The Benelli M4 is a semi-automatic shotgun designed for military and law enforcement use. Some variants of this shotgun can fire 5.56x45mm cartridges.

Handguns

While 5.56x45mm cartridges are typically associated with rifles, some handguns can also chamber this caliber. Here are a few examples:

• Desert Eagle: The Desert Eagle is a semi-automatic handgun designed by IMI Defense Industries. Some variants can be chambered for 5.56x45mm.
• FN Five-seveN: The FN Five-seveN is a semi-automatic pistol designed by FN Herstal. It is chambered for the 5.7x28mm cartridge, but some specialized variants can fire 5.56x45mm cartridges.

Submachine Guns

Submachine guns (SMGs) are weapons that fire cartridges with pistol or rifle-like projectiles but are designed to fire for shorter ranges. Some SMGs can chamber 5.56x45mm cartridges. Here are a few examples:

• FN P90: The FN P90 is an SMG designed by FN Herstal. It is used by various military and law enforcement agencies around the world and can fire 5.56x45mm cartridges.
• HK MP5: The HK MP5 is an SMG designed by Heckler & Koch. Some variants can be chambered for 5.56x45mm cartridges.

What Gun Uses 5.56 Ammo? – Key Takeaways

• Assault rifles: Assault rifles are the most common platforms that use 5.56x45mm cartridges. Examples include the AR-15, M16, AK-47, AK-74, and SIG MCX.
• Bolt-action rifles: Bolt-action rifles can also chamber 5.56x45mm cartridges. Examples include the Remington 700, Winchester Model 70, and Ruger 70.
• Shotguns: Some shotguns can chamber 5.56x45mm cartridges. Examples include the Mossberg 500 and Benelli M4.
• Handguns: Handguns can also chamber 5.56x45mm cartridges. Examples include the Desert Eagle and FN Five-seveN.
• Submachine Guns: Submachine guns like the FN P90 and HK MP5 can chamber 5.56x45mm cartridges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 5.56x45mm cartridge is a versatile and widely used caliber that can be found in a variety of guns, including assault rifles, bolt-action rifles, shotguns, handguns, and submachine guns. These guns are used by various military and law enforcement agencies around the world, and by civilian shooters for both recreational and competitive purposes.

Table: Guns that Use 5.56 Ammo

References

1. "5.56x45mm NATO ammunition" by Wikipedia
2. "The 5.56x45mm cartridge" by Gun Reviews
3. "FN P90 Submachine Gun" by FN Herstal
4. "Sig Sauer MCX Rifles" by Sig Sauer