CAR-15 Commando
The Commando is an ultra short development of the M16. It was developed as a survival weapon, but became a favored assault weapon by all kinds of special operations forces in the Vietnam war. The Commando was never adopted as standard equipment in US forces, but several thousand were bought. The original models featured a 10 inch barrel. The R609 has a forward assist, while the R610 has not. Later models featured a 11.5 inch barrel to reduce noise and muzzle flash and the ability to accept the XM148 grenade launcher. The R629 has a forward assist while the R630 has not. The US army adopted the R609 and R629 as XM-177E1 and XM-177E2. The US air force adopted the R610 and R630 as the GAU-5A and GAU-5A/A. Overall the production started in 1966 and ended in 1970.
The Commando is an ultra short development of the M16. It was developed as a survival weapon, but became a favored assault weapon by all kinds of special operations forces in the Vietnam war. The Commando was never adopted as standard equipment in US forces, but several thousand were bought. The original models featured a 10 inch barrel. The R609 has a forward assist, while the R610 has not. Later models featured a 11.5 inch barrel to reduce noise and muzzle flash and the ability to accept the XM148 grenade launcher. The R629 has a forward assist while the R630 has not. The US army adopted the R609 and R629 as XM-177E1 and XM-177E2. The US air force adopted the R610 and R630 as the GAU-5A and GAU-5A/A. Overall the production started in 1966 and ended in 1970.
Click here to open the XM177E1 specifications datasheet
Click here to open the XM177E2 specifications datasheet
CAR-15
The CAR-15 is the carbine version of the M16. It was introduced after the Vietnam war, limiting its adoption by US forces. The CAR-15 is similar to the later Commando versions, but has a longer barrel and a standard birdcage flash hider. Due to its late development the CAR-15 is usually seen with 30 round magazines. Colt developed four models: R651, R652, R653, R654. The latter two feature a forward assist and the odd numbers have a retractable stock, with the even numbers having a fixed stock. The vast majority of CAR-15 are of the R653 model.
The CAR-15 is the carbine version of the M16. It was introduced after the Vietnam war, limiting its adoption by US forces. The CAR-15 is similar to the later Commando versions, but has a longer barrel and a standard birdcage flash hider. Due to its late development the CAR-15 is usually seen with 30 round magazines. Colt developed four models: R651, R652, R653, R654. The latter two feature a forward assist and the odd numbers have a retractable stock, with the even numbers having a fixed stock. The vast majority of CAR-15 are of the R653 model.
Click here to open the CAR-15 specifications datasheet
M16A1
The Colt R604 was adopted by the US Air Force as the M16. The M16 has no forward assist. Early variants had a three prong flash hider, later replaced by a birdcage flash hider as on the M16A1. For export sales the R604 was designated R614. The M16A1 is the US army version of the M16. It is similar to the M16, but is fitted with a forward assist to manually push the bolt forward in case the bullet failed to seat in the chamber. The forward assist is fitted on the right side of the receiver near the stock. For export sales the R603 was designated R613. The M16A1 is also often fitted with the M203 grenade launcher. The launcher comes with a proprietary forearm with iron sights for the launcher on top.
The Colt R604 was adopted by the US Air Force as the M16. The M16 has no forward assist. Early variants had a three prong flash hider, later replaced by a birdcage flash hider as on the M16A1. For export sales the R604 was designated R614. The M16A1 is the US army version of the M16. It is similar to the M16, but is fitted with a forward assist to manually push the bolt forward in case the bullet failed to seat in the chamber. The forward assist is fitted on the right side of the receiver near the stock. For export sales the R603 was designated R613. The M16A1 is also often fitted with the M203 grenade launcher. The launcher comes with a proprietary forearm with iron sights for the launcher on top.
Click here to open the M16 specifications datasheet
Click here to open the M16A1 specifications datasheet
M16A1 HBAR
The Heavy Barrel Assault Rifle versions of the M16A1 were developed as squad support weapons. They are fitted with a thicker and stronger barrel. The barrel also acts as the attachment point for the bipod. The HBAR versions of the M16A1 can be distinguished from the A2 models by the use of a normal triangular handguard instead of a square one.
The Heavy Barrel Assault Rifle versions of the M16A1 were developed as squad support weapons. They are fitted with a thicker and stronger barrel. The barrel also acts as the attachment point for the bipod. The HBAR versions of the M16A1 can be distinguished from the A2 models by the use of a normal triangular handguard instead of a square one.
Click here to open the M16A1 HBAR specifications datasheet