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M16A3

Assault Rifles · United States · 1982
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M16A3

* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Firepower
68
Accuracy
75
Effective Range
70
Controllability
65
Reliability
60
Ergonomics
72
Modularity
55
Weight
58
Versatility
70
Cost-Effectiveness
62
Origin United States
CategoryAssault Rifles
EraCold War
In service1982
Operators99 countries
Data Quality87%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
66
Assault Rifles MASS Rating
43/83
Cold War
172/279
All-Time
Assault Rifles · 10 axes scored
Firepower
68
Accuracy
75
Effective Range
70
Controllability
65
Reliability
60
Ergonomics
72
Modularity
55
Weight
58
Versatility
70
Cost-Effectiveness
62
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the assault rifles category.
01 / Overview
M16A3
Production
1982–
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
ASSAULT RIFLES · COLD WAR
43
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
70
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
66
assault rifles category
ⓘ 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
▣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
▤Construction6MOD.6
▲Production & Cost1MOD.1
  • Production Start1982
◎Additional Dimensions2MOD.2
  • Width50 mm
  • Height200 mm
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1982Production started
  2. 1983Entered service
44
years in service
92
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it. 7 countries retired it.
04 / Operators
📖 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
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Assault Rifles entry →