When was the M16 made?

When Was the M16 Made?

The M16, a iconic assault rifle developed by the United States military, has a rich history that dates back to the 1950s. Its development was a response to the limitations of the earlier M14 rifle, which was the standard-issue weapon for the US military at the time. In this article, we will delve into the history of the M16, its design and development, and answer the question: when was the M16 made?

Early Development (1950s)

The development of the M16 began in the early 1950s, when the US Army was looking for a replacement for the M14 rifle. The M14, which was designed during World War II, was prone to jamming and was not suitable for the Vietnam War. The Army needed a new rifle that could fire a lighter, more efficient cartridge and was reliable in harsh environments.

The ArmaLite AR-15

In 1956, the ArmaLite company, which was a subsidiary of Fairchild Aircraft, developed a new rifle called the AR-15. The AR-15 was designed by Eugene Stoner, a renowned firearms designer, who had previously worked on the development of the M14. The AR-15 was a gas-operated, magazine-fed rifle that fired a 5.56x45mm cartridge.

The US Army’s Interest

In 1957, the US Army expressed interest in the AR-15 and sent a team of experts to test the rifle. The Army was impressed with the AR-15’s accuracy, reliability, and potential for rapid production. The Army saw the AR-15 as a potential solution to the M14’s limitations and decided to purchase a batch of 81 rifles for further testing.

Design Changes

Between 1957 and 1963, the AR-15 underwent significant design changes. The rifle’s original gas system was replaced with a new system designed by Stoner, which reduced the rifle’s weight and improved its reliability. The rifle’s barrel was also lengthened to 20 inches, and the buttstock was redesigned to provide a more comfortable fit for soldiers.

The Birth of the M16 (1963)

In 1963, the US Army officially adopted the AR-15 as the M16. The M16 was produced by the Colt Manufacturing Company, which had previously produced the M14 rifle. The first production batch of M16s was delivered to the US Army in 1964.

Key Features

The M16, as developed, had several key features that set it apart from other rifles:

• Gas-operated system: The M16 used a gas-operated system, which allowed the rifle to fire more reliably in dirty or dusty environments.
• 5.56x45mm cartridge: The M16 fired a 5.56x45mm cartridge, which was lighter and more efficient than the 7.62x51mm cartridge used in the M14.
• Collapsible stock: The M16 had a collapsible stock, which allowed soldiers to adjust the rifle to fit their body size and provide a more comfortable fit.
• 20-inch barrel: The M16 had a 20-inch barrel, which provided a good balance between accuracy and portability.

Performance in Vietnam

The M16 saw extensive use during the Vietnam War, where it proved to be a reliable and effective weapon. However, the rifle was not without its problems. Early models of the M16 were prone to jamming, and the rifle’s design was criticized for being too complex.

Improvements and Upgrades

In response to these issues, the US Army made several improvements and upgrades to the M16. These included:

• Improved gas system: The Army modified the gas system to reduce the risk of jamming.
• New cartridge: The Army developed a new cartridge, the M855, which was designed to improve the rifle’s accuracy and penetration.
• Upgraded sights: The Army introduced new sights, including the M68, which provided a more accurate and durable aiming system.

Table: M16 Variants

Conclusion

The M16, which was developed in the 1950s and 1960s, has become one of the most iconic and widely used rifles in the world. Its design and development were influenced by the limitations of the M14 rifle and the need for a more reliable and effective weapon. Today, the M16 is used by military forces around the world and has undergone several upgrades and improvements to enhance its performance and reliability.