What gun shoots 5.56?

What Gun Shoots 5.56?

The 5.56x45mm cartridge has become a staple in the world of firearms, with many popular rifles chambered for this caliber. In this article, we’ll explore the various guns that shoot 5.56mm and what makes them special.

What is 5.56x45mm?

Before we dive into the guns that shoot 5.56mm, let’s quickly discuss what the 5.56x45mm cartridge is. The 5.56x45mm cartridge is a rimless, bottlenecked cartridge designed for semi-automatic and selective-fire rifles. It was originally developed in the 1950s for the M16 rifle, which was adopted by the US military. The cartridge is characterized by its small caliber (5.56mm) and moderate velocity (approximately 3,000 ft/s).

Assault Rifles

Assault rifles are perhaps the most well-known guns that shoot 5.56mm. These rifles are designed for close-quarters battle and are characterized by their selective-fire capability, allowing the user to switch between semi-automatic and fully automatic fire. Some popular assault rifles that shoot 5.56mm include:

• AR-15: The AR-15 is a civilian version of the M16 rifle, popularized by the Second Amendment and the gun enthusiast community.
• M16: The M16 is the military version of the AR-15, used by the US military and other countries.
• AK-47: The AK-47 is a Soviet-designed assault rifle that has been widely adopted around the world. Although not originally designed for 5.56mm, many modern variants are chambered for this caliber.

Bolt-Action Rifles

Bolt-action rifles are a type of rifle that uses a bolt-action mechanism to load and eject cartridges. These rifles are known for their accuracy and reliability, making them popular among target shooters and hunters. Some popular bolt-action rifles that shoot 5.56mm include:

• Remington 700: The Remington 700 is a popular bolt-action rifle chambered in 5.56mm, known for its accuracy and reliability.
• Savage 110: The Savage 110 is another popular bolt-action rifle chambered in 5.56mm, known for its affordability and accuracy.

Carbines

Carbines are shorter versions of rifles, designed for close-quarters combat and urban warfare. These rifles are often chambered in 5.56mm and are popular among law enforcement and military personnel. Some popular carbines that shoot 5.56mm include:

• M4: The M4 is a compact version of the M16 rifle, used by the US military and other countries.
• HK 416: The HK 416 is a popular carbine used by law enforcement and military personnel, known for its modularity and reliability.

Pistols

Pistols are a type of firearm that is designed to be fired with one hand. These guns are often chambered in 5.56mm and are popular among law enforcement and personal defense enthusiasts. Some popular pistols that shoot 5.56mm include:

• HK 53: The HK 53 is a popular pistol-caliber carbine that is chambered in 5.56mm, known for its modularity and reliability.
• Barrett REC7: The Barrett REC7 is a popular pistol-caliber rifle that is chambered in 5.56mm, known for its accuracy and reliability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 5.56x45mm cartridge has become a staple in the world of firearms, with many popular rifles, carbines, and pistols chambered for this caliber. Whether you’re a target shooter, hunter, or law enforcement officer, there’s a gun that shoots 5.56mm out there for you. By understanding the different types of guns that shoot 5.56mm, you can make an informed decision when choosing the right firearm for your needs.

Table: Comparison of Popular 5.56mm Firearms

Note: The weights and lengths listed are approximate and may vary depending on the specific model and configuration.