After the Vietnam War, the M16A2 rifle was developed by Colt Industries in response to a number of improvements to the M16A1 suggested by the U.S. Marine Corps. In November 1983, the USMC adopted this new version chambered for the 5.56x45 mm NATO round. The rifle differed significantly from its predecessor with changes such as improved rear sights, a brass deflector, a heavier barrel and 1:9" rifling. Additionally, the M16A2 replaced the M16A1’s “AUTO” selector setting with a “BURST” setting, delivering three rounds with every trigger pull. The M16A2 has the longest service life of any American military shoulder arm and continues to serve to this day. Due to federal firearms laws, the M16A2 is not available to civilians. However, civilians can own a similar version by mounting an M16A2 upper on a lower receiver. For more on the U.S. M16A2 Rifle, watch this "I Have This Old Gun" segment from a recent episode of American Rifleman TV.
Join American Rifleman staff in this week's video to learn about a new version of the famed Beretta 92, a line extension that offers up single-action-only operation, optic-ready capability and more.
The Model 5946 duty pistol faithfully served police forces nationwide until it was pulled from production just before the turn of the millennium. Now, lots of these trade-in duty guns are available to commercial sales through distributors such as Aim Surplus, LLC.
From its Range Development and Operations Online Course to Range Conferences, the National Rifle Association is leading the charge to educate potential and current range owners and operators with range development information, environmental issues, safety and more.
Colt is the brand that's traditionally associated with the M1911, and in this Rifleman Review, we look at how they're paying homage to the classic design with the Gold Cup National Match model.