# M16 ![[M16.svg]] > [!Infobox] Rifle, Caliber 5.56 mm, M16 > | | | |:--------------------- | -----------------------------------------------------------:| | ***Type*** | [[Firearm Types#Assault rifle\|Assault rifle]] | | ***Origin*** | ![[UnitedStatesFlag.svg\|inlL\|24]] &nbsp;[[United States]] | | ***Designers*** | *AR-10* - <br>Eugene Stoner | | | *AR-15* - <br>L. James Sullivan | | ***Designed*** | 1959 | | ***Produced*** | 1963-present | | ***Mass*** | 3.40 kg | | ***Length*** | 1,007 mm (39.63 in) | | ***Barrel length*** | 508 mm (20 in) | | ***Cartridge*** | 5.56x45mm NATO | | ***Action*** | [[Action#Direct impingement\|Stoner expanding gas operated]], [[Firearm#Closed bolt\|closed]] rotating bolt | | ***Rate of fire*** | 700-900 RPM | | ***Muzzle velocity*** | 960 m/s | [^1] *M16A2* #unfinished [^1]: Mass, length, and rate of fire of the M16A2.