M16A1 Assault Rifle

The M16A1 (AR15) is a gas operated, select fire, magazine fed rifle. The rifle functions using the direct gas system where the gases are fed from the barrel and down to a stainless steel tube into the receiver. Inside the receiver the rear end of the gas tube enters into a gas trap located on top of the bolt carrier. The receiver is made from aluminum alloy and consists of two parts, an upper and lower receiver. A bolt assist handle is attached to the right rear of the receiver. The furniture on military rifles is made from the black plastic. The magazine housing will accommodate a twenty or thirty round magazine. The handguards are of round cross section and have two interchangeable upper and lower sections. A black plastic pistol grip is attached to the rear of the receiver. The thumb operated fire selector, safety switch is located on the left side of the receiver above the pistol grip. This switch has three operating positions - safe, semi automatic and full automatic. The front sight consists of a protected post mounted on the gas block. The rear sight which is mounted within the carrying handle consists of an adjustable aperture with two range settings and is adjustable for windage and elevation. The barrel has a bird cage flash hider and a bayonet lug attached. The rifle has a black phosphate finish. Markings - MFG HYDRAMATIC DIV, GM CORP USA; PROPERTY OF OS GOVT; M16A1; CAL 5.56 MM.

The M16A1 assault rifle was introduced into Australian Army service in 1967 as a section weapon for use by scouts and section commanders. It was used during the Vietnam War by Australian and American forces.