Why The Military Is Moving On From The M16

Task & Purpose ^ | October 28, 2015 | By Christian Beekman

[Brad from Tennessee]

The M16A4 may soon retire. This week, the Marine Corps announced via internal memo that the M4 carbine will become the primary-issued rifle in infantry and security units, as well as replace the M16 rifle in supporting training schools by September 2016. Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert Neller approved the change, which was first proposed to the previous commandant, Gen. Robert Dunford, according to Marine Corps Times. This decision falls in line with the Army’s phased transition away from the M16 over the past few years. The M16A4 is on the outs simply because it is outdated, and here’s why:

The fixed stock is a holdover from Cold War-era weapons design that doesn’t fit with other changes in training and equipment. The M4 retractable stock allows for an adjustable length of pull, helping troops with different body types to maintain good shooting fundamentals when they shoulder their weapon. The increasing use of body armor has underscored this, as comfortable length of pulls change once one dons a plate carrier or other protective system. Finally, the M4’s stock makes it easier to stow for transport; this is an important feature for vehicle and aircraft operations.

One of the biggest differences between the M4 and the M16A4 is the barrel length: 14.5 inches versus 20 inches, respectively. The M16A4’s longer barrel allowed for a higher muzzle velocity and a longer effective range; conversely the shorter M4 barrel limited its performance in both categories. But improvements in ammunition design have enabled the M4 to close the gap with its longer forefather. The Marine Corps adopted a new 62-grain, 5.56×45 mm Special Operations Science and Technology round. The SOST round is designed to perform out of barrels as short as 10.5 inches, so the M4 has no difficulty shooting. . .

[Paul46360]

[Eagles6]

What they've done previously is to take the rifle apart and toss the lower receiver which is where the evil full auto magic is housed and sell the remainder as a parts kit. Just rebuild on hour own lower.

With this administration I'm sure they'll be destroyed.

[onedoug]

One of these days I'd like to add a good M14 to my collection.

Me too.

MPs & Molly and Dolly, Tam Ky, early 69. Too funny.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Thanks. I didn’t know those two problems. I remember there was always controversy about the small/ light bullet at high speed didn’t have enough stopping power. The old Pop Sci article mentioned problems w lightweight magazines causing jamming. Was the mag strengthened?

It was outrageous losing our men to bad weapon design.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

I recall the puff piece criticism, too. I re-read it and found it to be somewhat honest about the jamming problem blamed on weak mags. They sure were not doing hard-hitting expose journalism.

Were you a Pop Sci reader? Couldn’t have been many girl readers at the time. It was my favorite mag from about age 10 to 18. First mag I ever subscribed to — I think the subscription was a Christmas gift from Mom & Dad. Dad was an mechanical engr and this was one of many things he did to set me off on the same path. He was really smart that way.

[Carry_Okie]

Were you a Pop Sci reader? Couldn’t have been many girl readers at the time. It was my favorite mag from about age 10 to 18.

I took the magazine from about 9-13. I loved it at first, especially "New Ideas from the Inventors," but I eventually tired of it because it was so formulaic and repetitive. High school was so demanding that I didn't have time for it. Loved the car reviews too (MoPar fan).

I think the subscription was a Christmas gift from Mom & Dad.

Same here, but I think it was my uncle. I ended up a mechanical engineer as well, a tinkerer. Now I tinker with biology. It's much more interesting.

[Brad from Tennessee]

[1966 Lackland AFB. Trained on the original M-16. No forward assist, no birdcage flash hider. Worked fine-then. Fell in love with the rifle.]

That rifle was better than the first lots of M-16’s issued to the Marine Corps and Army. It had a chrome plated bolt and bore. Later these features were added to all M-16’s.

[AndyTheBear]

Glad to hear the 7.62 machine guns are still in use. At the time I got out our mechanized infantry units were getting the 5.56 SAW machine guns.

Being big and strong sure makes a difference in hauling it and its ammo around. I think they gave it to me since I was 6.2"...

[FreedomPoster]

I think a lot of firefights in Afghanistan ended up being at long ranges, so the Marines went for relatively more 7.62 firepower with platoon MGs and squad designated marksmen with 7.62 rifles. Hopefully someone will correct me if that’s incorrect, but I don’t think it is.