M16 Presentation Sheds Light On Black Rifle

by
posted on April 27, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
am2015_fs.jpg (24)

American Rifleman magazine and television contributor Martin K.A. Morgan presented a compelling case for the M16 as he detailed its history from early teething problems related to improper propellant and un-lined chambers and barrels to its near-universal use across U.S. services even today-more than a half-century after its adoption. Through numerous period photographs, he recounted some of the gun's early troubles, explaining how cartridge cases had a nasty habit of fusing to its unlined chamber, which necessitated G.I.s having to use their cleaning rods, then in short supply, to ram them out of the camber from the muzzle end of the barrel.

Further, Morgan cited the efforts of Missouri Congressman Richard Ichord in investigating the M16's deficiencies and how those efforts led to its improvements with proper propellant and chrome-lined bores and chambers. Morgan also tried to drive one more nail in the coffin of the vampire-like fable of Mattel Toy Company-produced M16s. Interestingly he also showed how Mattel-produced toy copies of the gun were used in films and by some actual soldiers as stand-ins for the real thing.

Latest

Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web
Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web

Gun Of The Week: Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine

This week, we're on the range with the Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine, a rimfire variant of the AR-15 that's designed for reliability and gives enthusiasts a way to shoot affordably.

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Japanese Last-Ditch Small Arms Of World War II

The crude assortment of fighting tools used by the Japanese during World War II give clues of an unprepared and unmatched last-ditch fight that ultimately lead to Allied victory.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors.

2025 Optic Of The Year: Burris Eliminator 6

Even as new generation after new generation of Burris Eliminator continued to add more advanced technology and functionality, it remained odd-looking—until the launch of this year’s sixth-generation product, which is the first in the line that can mount atop a rifle using standard 34 mm scope rings.

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.