Data Quality88%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the assault rifles category.
01 / Overview
M16A4
Category
Country
Production
1963–
Quantity
8,000,000
Operators
Conflicts
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
ASSAULT RIFLES · COLD WAR
13
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
80
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 Year1963
- Service Entry Year1964
- DesignerEugene Stoner
- Weight (Empty)3.4 kg
- Weight (Loaded)4 kg
◈Cartridge & Calibre6MOD.6
- Cartridge5.56×45mm NATO
- Calibre5.56 mm
- Case Length45 mm
- Bullet Weight4 g
- RimfireNo
- Caseless AmmunitionNo
▣Operation6MOD.6
- Action TypeGas-Operated
- Fire ModesSafe, Semi, Auto
- Select FireYes
- Feed SystemDetachable Magazine
- Magazine Capacity30
- Cyclic Rate of Fire800
◇Ballistics4MOD.4
- Muzzle Velocity960 m/s
- Effective Range (point)550 m
- Effective Range (area)800 m
- Maximum Range3,600 m
◆Barrel & Sights6MOD.6
- Barrel Length508 mm
- Rifling Twist1:7
- Rifling Grooves6
- Optic RailYes
- Iron SightsYes
- Threaded BarrelYes
▤Construction5MOD.5
- Receiver MaterialAluminum
- Furniture MaterialPolymer
- Folding / Collapsing StockNo
- Bullpup LayoutNo
- Ambidextrous ControlsNo
⬢Features4MOD.4
▲Production & Cost1MOD.1
- Total Production8,000,000
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1945First deployment: Cold War
- 1963Production started
63
years in service
8,000,000
units produced
13
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Conflicts
M16A4 · CONFLICTS SERVED IN100% win
Total Conflicts
2
Victories
2
Ongoing
0
Losses
0
ⓘ Shown only from conflicts recorded in our database.
05 / Operators
Operator Countries13country
06 / MASS Score
ASSAULT RIFLES RANKING Assault Rifles · Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
78ASSAULT RIFLES13COLD WAR · ASSAULT RIFLES630UNITED STATES · ALL WEAPONS141PERFORMANCE/PRICE · ASSAULT RIFLES
ⓘ Rankings are within theAssault Riflescategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE9terms
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