Data Quality87%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the assault rifles category.
01 / Overview
M16A3
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
ASSAULT RIFLES · COLD WAR
43
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
70
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the assault rifles category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General5MOD.5
- First Production Year1982
- Service Entry Year1986
- Weight (Empty)3.77 kg
- Weight (Loaded)3.97 kg
- Currently In ServiceYes
◈Cartridge & Calibre7MOD.7
- Cartridge5.56×45mm NATO
- Calibre5.56 mm
- Case Length45 mm
- Calibre Class5.56mm
- Bullet Weight4 g
- RimfireNo
- Caseless AmmunitionNo
▣Operation10MOD.10
- Action TypeGas-Operated
- Fire Modessafe, semi-automatic, burst, full auto
- Select FireYes
- Feed SystemDetachable Magazine
- Magazine Capacity30
- Drum / Belt Capacity0
- Cyclic Rate of Fire700
- Practical Rate of Fire150
- Trigger Typesingle-stage
- Safety Typeselector switch
◇Ballistics8MOD.8
- Muzzle Velocity960 m/s
- Muzzle Energy1,700
- Effective Range (point)550 m
- Effective Range (area)800 m
- Maximum Range3,600 m
- Sighting Range800 m
- Penetration30 mm
- Accuracy3
◆Barrel & Sights8MOD.8
- Barrel Length510 mm
- Rifling Twist1:7
- Rifling Grooves6
- Sight Typeaperture rear, post front
- Sight Radius500 mm
- Optic RailYes
- Iron SightsYes
- Threaded BarrelYes
▤Construction6MOD.6
- Receiver Materialaluminum alloy
- Furniture Materialpolymer
- Folding / Collapsing StockNo
- Bullpup LayoutNo
- Ambidextrous ControlsYes
- Modularityhigh
⬢Features5MOD.5
▲Production & Cost1MOD.1
- Production Start1982
◎Additional Dimensions2MOD.2
- Width50 mm
- Height200 mm
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1982Production started
- 1983Entered service
44
years in service
92
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it. 7 countries retired it.
04 / Operators
Operator Countries99country
05 / MASS Score
ASSAULT RIFLES RANKING Assault Rifles · Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
172ASSAULT RIFLES43COLD WAR · ASSAULT RIFLES1015UNITED STATES · ALL WEAPONS186PERFORMANCE/PRICE · ASSAULT RIFLES
ⓘ Rankings are within theAssault Riflescategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE10terms
A bayonet lug is a metal fitting on the barrel or muzzle of a firearm that provides a mounting point for a bayonet.
A firearm feed system where ammunition is stored in a separate container (magazine) that can be removed and replaced, enabling rapid reloading.
Firearm action type where expanding gas from a fired cartridge cycles the mechanism, typically via a piston or direct impingement.
A pistol feature allowing it to fire grenades or projectile rounds.
Adjustable metal aiming devices on firearms, consisting of a front post and rear notch, used without magnification.
A mounting system for attaching optical sights to rifles.
Select fire is a fire selector mechanism on a firearm that lets the shooter choose the firing mode, such as semi‑automatic, burst, or fully automatic.
A pistol barrel with external helical grooves allowing the attachment of a suppressor or other muzzle devices.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources