designed to accommodate a 20-round magazine, theM76 grenade launcher, and the M6 bayonet.The overall length of the rifle (with a flashsuppressor) is 41.31 inches. The weapon has a muzzlevelocity of 2,800 feet per second and a maximum rangeof 4,075 yards. Empty, the rifle weighs about 9 pounds.Fully loaded and ready to fire, the rifle weighs about 11pounds.THE M16A1/A2 RIFLELearning Objectives: When you finish this chapter, youwill be able to—Identify the differences between the M16A1 andM16A2 rifles.Recognize procedures to load and unload themagazine.I d e n t i f y p r o c e d u r e s f o r c l e a n i n g a n dmaintaining the M16A1 and M16A2 rifles.The M16A1 and the M16A2 rifles (fig. 11-3 and fig.11-4) are magazine-fed, gas-operated shoulderweapons. They are chambered for a 5.56-mm (about.22-caliber) cartridge. The magazine has a capacity of20 or 30 rounds and may be loaded with any amount, upto capacity. The caliber may seem small, but the bullethas a muzzle velocity of more than 3,000 feet per secondand a muzzle energy of more than 13,000 foot-pounds.A forward assist assembly, located on the right rear ofthe upper receiver, permits the operator to ensure thebolt is locked in the forward position. They have amaximum effective range of 460 meters.DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE M16A1 ANDTHE M16A2The steps you take when field-stripping andcleaning the M16A1 and M16A2 weapons are basicallythe same. However, there are some major differencesbetween the two weapons. These differences includethe barrel, sights, selector assembly, ammunition, andhand guards of the two rifles.WARNINGEnsure you are using the proper ammunitionfor the M16A1 and the M16A2. Improper usemay cause serious damage.11-3Student Notes:Figure 11-2.—The 7.62-mm M14 rifle.
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