I carried my M16A2 service rifle through two tours in Iraq. Never had a jam. Never had a malfunction. I took care of her and she served me well. Cpl, USMC Fallujah, Iraq 2004 & 2005
@@Johnny_Cash_Flow The Corps has a prayer for the rifle, of course you'd treat it like a lover. Dad was in the Army, my uncle went to Vietnam, my brother's a Marine and I self-identify as a teddy bear but I admire USMC.
You can build a clone that's prob a more accurate representation with a better feature set. For half the price of this. Springfield doing the typical springfield thing. Runnin with a stolen name from a different time.
Anyone who gets into the Vietnam-era criticisms of the M16 really need to read the congressional studies and research ARDEC conducted. As in most things military, is was much more a training and discipline issue than a mechanical issue. Also a logistics issue. All that aside, the M16A2 is an outstanding platform to start basic rifle marksmanship and should be the starting point for anyone wanting to get into the AR platform. I have a RRA A2 clone with the heavier N9 barrel and a RRA NM 2-stage trigger and it's still my favorite 5.56mm rifle in my collection. USGI iron sights, 20" barrel, rifle-length gas system, and plenty of weight to make shooting for the sake of shooting an actual pleasure and helps develop the core marksmanship principles so many skip over these days, including the Army. We don't teach and train BRM in basic training like it should be anymore, it's not developed nor sustained like it should be.
From what I've read, Stoner designed the rifle to be "self cleaning", based on a specific 5.56 round. Hence why the Army initially issued them without cleaning kits. Problem was, the Army changed the round to be issued with the rifles - and didn't tell anybody. Typical government...
@@Britcarjunkie it was touted as such with the HC chrome coating Stoner specified and the Dupont propellant, two things that got changed before later corrected.
They changed the powder to save money from all the Vietnam/arvn vets I’ve talked to they gave them condoms to put over the barrel and half ass shit like that. I’ve never had one malfunction on an AR I’ve built and the first time I had no clue what I was doing so definitely a training thing
Is it true that Viet Nam guys were not even taught to clean their rifles, or issued cleaning kits ? The story I read said that was because Stoner claimed the '16 was "self cleaning"....Also, that the rifling/ unstable bullet flight of the original '16 caused the bullet to tumble on impact, causing severe wounds. It said that little Vietnamese were nearly decapitated and dismembered. All I kmow is what I read.
Carried the original M-16 in Viet Nam. I'm still here, so it can't be all bad. I had the opportunity to qualify with the A2 when I was a Navy doctor, battalion surgeon assigned to an infantry unit. Shot 229 out of 250 in a driving rainstorm at about 35 years old. It was a fantastic weapon. My favorite was and is still the M-14. Colion, I appreciate all you do. Tom CPL USMC CDR (MC) USNR
My Dad originally had the M-14 in 1965 in Vietnam ( US Army) .... He liked it but eventually got issued the M-16... He's 75 yrs old now & will still tell you he had NO Issues with his, he always kept it clean & Zero problems & loved he could carry a lot more ammo
My Dad loved his Vietnam M16. He deployed in '68 and did four tours in the Army cleaning out trenches after the Gun Ships came in, all of them with the M16. He said that by '68 the cleaning and maintenance was ironed out and they ran like a freight train. Ironically we (as a family) never owned an AR-15/M16 because growing up in the 70's and 80's they were like a Vietnam-era TIKI IDOL and lots of people saw them as bad juju. Truth is the rifle as everyone knows it (AR15/SA-16 or whatever) is brilliant. The soldiers that had to take them in to battle are heroes and we should all be proud of those soldiers who turned the M16 in to the legend it is today.
for those of us who started on the M-16, it was a good rifle. i get annoyed by all the people who never served or carried this machine and always talking about better triggers and better grips. it was built for one purpose and it worked.
I grew up on the M16A4 in the Marine Corps and it’s my favorite rifle ever. But when I was actually growing up in the 2000’s, the M16A2 was the rifle you saw in every movie and video game, and on the news every night when they would talk about the war in Iraq, the A2 was always there being carried by Soldiers and Marines. So seeing it so much as a kid, I’ve always wanted one
If you get one go with the Colt..... Brought back so memories for me. Price has been stable at about $1200 for the past 2 years. See some sales for under $1000 from time to time.
@@lorenzoalbertomedina6753 Not the original poster, but I was at Nord-Pole Brigade for 9 months, and 18 months later spent ANOTHER nine months in Sarajevo investigating mass graves.
Thanks on the review. Everyone is so caught up on compact everything not understanding losing the lethality of achieved by having the 20" barrel in which the weapon was designed around. The 300 blackout on the other hand was designed around a compact weapon design from the groundup. A bullpup design is a solution and still have a 20" barrel. Love your content. Keep up the great work
It's *beautiful*. This is the exact rifle that I used to qualify in basic training. Never missed with it, not once. Even those 500 meter silhouettes were not safe when that A2 post was dialed in. The genius is the simplicity. The more you mess with it, the more things can go wrong with it. Stay classy, A2. Or as I like to call her, "My first love."
Here is the duplicitous corruption of TH-cam: The dude calls me Moshe, obviously as a slur. I say it's advantageous to understand his hatred for certain people, and TH-cam blocks 🚫 my comment while leaving his racial slur. I can only assume my comment disappeared for using the anti$3@#%$ word?
I carried the Colt M16A1 in the Corps, and when I decided to get a civilian version, I bought the Colt AR-15 A4. It is the most solid AR-15 that I own. Only issue I have with it is that Colt pussied out and purposely didn't mill out part of the lower, so you cannot add a fun switch without finding yourself a milling machine.
The Marine Corps started issuing the M16-A2 two weeks after I started Boot Camp. Damn glad I didn't get it in Boot Camp because it is a pound heavier than the M16-A1. I got a M16-A2 upper receiver and put it on a built-up lower receiver. Works Great!!!
I could never understand all the hate towards the A-2 pistol grip. I, for one, always liked it. I've used others, but I've never really ever had any issues with them.
@@christophermitchell7925 Maybe so, but the angle of the A1 & A2 pistol grips are the same. My last build has a Magpul pistol grip that - I think - has a slightly different angle, and no protrusion. To be honest, I don't really notice any difference. Then again, I was one of those people that suffered muscle spasms when holding a 1911 for lenghty periods. Go figure...
@@Britcarjunkie Well as I like to say, that’s why there’s so many different pizza toppings, different colors of house paint, and different AR accessories lol. Options are good, because not everyone has the same tastes, and not everyone is built the same. Some people are less picky than others too. For example, I really don’t care what toppings are on a pizza unless it’s anchovies or ham & pineapple. I’d rather go hungry than eat that stuff. The A2 grip doesn’t bother me that much, but I do prefer a rubberized grip that’s a bit thicker and has less of an angle, and since they don’t cost that much, why not get what I prefer? What I really dislike though are the old, fixed length M16 stocks. Yuck! One of the best things about the AR platform is the adjustability & options for customization.
@@christophermitchell7925 I have heard a lot of people talk about rubberized pistol grips: I always wear a pair of leather & nomex flying gloves when I shoot: I wasn't a ground-pounder when I was in, so I'll admit my in-field experience with AR's is limited, but with those gloves & shooting nearly all day and in 120 degree temps, I didn't have any issues. Only option I didn't really like, was the Colt freefloating handguard (the aluminum knurled tube): makes a full-length rifle look cool as hell, but it never did anything else for me! While I do like the A1 & A2 handguards, I do like the M4 types, since you now have an easier method of "accessorizing", without everything getting in the way. A funny one: I built one up especially for me (I'm left-handed): ambi selector, ambi mag release. I know - for some people it's a huge deal to have ambi controls, but not me, apparently... Well, those features do work wonderfully. However, after 35 years of not having them, I'm so used to not having them & not thinking about it, I forget they're there! I never even think about them until after the fact - then I look at the lower and realize they're there, and say to myself "You idiot!"! 🤣 I may just take them off so I don't have to re-train myself! Having R.H. only controls has just never been an issue for me. A brass deflector, however...now THAT is a big deal.
I remember when we transitioned from the M16A1 to the M16A2 when I was in Germany in 86. At the time, it was a real improvement. You didn't mention the brass deflector that has become standard on most AR upoers.
The carry handle on the older ARs have such personality that modern flat tops lack. Glad that optic heights have changed to the point where a red dot on a carry handle is in line with modern risers.
I’m a U.S. Marine Veteran from 39 years ago. I will be buying one of those rifles. I don’t think the 3 round burst is necessary. We were never allowed to use it. One shot one kill. That wasn’t a joke in a movie. The Marines take accuracy very seriously. The “bird cage” as we called the flash hider on the end of the barrel was designed for exactly that. This rifle never failed me. I can make an accurate shot to the chest cavity repeatedly with open sights from 500 yards. The video also mentions the front sight post. It is fully adjustable for elevation. We never did that because you can adjust your sights from the rear sights. We set are rifles for what we called “battle sight zero” which was center mass at 300 yards. It worked. The Armalite Rifle is the most accurate semi automatic platform you can get. I can see why many hunters and sports enthusiasts use this platform. The only rifle I’ve come across that is more accurate is the bolt action.
I own a Windham Weaponry 20" Government model close sister rifle just not the same markings , mine has a removable carry handle and I purchased it seven years ago because it very much reminded me of 1968 in QuiNhon Vietnam. Big welcome home all my brothers who returned!
Hey Colion! That "carry handle", when I was in Basic back in 1978, we had to get in the front leaning rest and lower the elevation of Ft. Gordon, GA for holding like that! 😊😊😊
Do you mean the A2? I was in from 87 - 93 and the only A1s I ever saw were rubber dummy rifles used for swim qual. If you did carry an A1 in ODS, what unit were you in?
Not sure what Springfield was thinking. Anyone who wants an ‘A2 clone can build one for $700 (probably a better one, too). If Springfield wants to break ground with a historic clone, how ‘bout a M1903 or a Garand.
I built an A-2 clone for about $500-$550 - but, I bought the upper, barrel, and furniture, a good 20 years ago. Anderson lower, Colt flat-top upper (with a Colt removeable carry handle), FN military 20" barrel, National Match M-16 BCG, standard mil-spec semi-auto trigger group (may change that, dunno yet), and Canadian (green) furniture. Runs like a charm.
I appreciate companies like Springfield stepping up to provide options like the SA-16 A2, making America's rifle more accessible. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on it!
I can hear the D.I. now.. "Is that thing made by Samsonite?!!!" Even though it was called a carry handle, they didn't want you using it as such. I absolutely love your videos. Keep up the great work. You're a great American!
I never had an M16 which did not have the forward assiston it. issued to me but I had an Arms Room full of M16A1's with the 55 gr. ammo when I was stationed at Ft. Hood in 74 to 77. In 84 I re-Enlisted and was issued an M16A2 which was much more accurate especially at Long Range with the 62 gr. ammo .These days I'm Retired but I think the Flat Top used on later variations has a lot of advantages over the older carrying handle . The old style hand guards from the A1 made it hard to sneak up on anybody if there was any wind they would whistle and give you away . The A2 hand guards didn't whistle and they shot better in a cross wind . I also liked the longer A2 stock and the built in brass deflector being Left Handed you learn to appreciate not having all that Hot Brass going down your collar.
Totally agree with Stoner it's too easy for the windage to bumped on A2 sights. The earlier sight can be windage adjusted but requires pressing the tip of a bullet or similarly shaped too to turn so it doesn't accidentally get moved.
Nice to see an attempt to bring back more retro designs by companies. I keep my eyes open for this as I’m doing the same with HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON retro line being advertised by Palmetto State Armory.
I was in VN '66-67. I was in IICORPS central highlands. At that time only the infantry maneuver battalions had the M-16. In fact at that time 1st Div was still using M14. I qualified Expert with the M14. McNamara to save money dispensed with the chrome lined barrel and chamber. The lack off cleaning kits and proper training cost many soldiers their lives, Properly trained units like the 1st Cav had none of these problems. Teflon oil and a lot of it solved almost all problems. The Marines were in favor of retaining the M14. One good hit with the 14 did the trick.
I love my A2 ..my 20in barrel 9/twist was almost $300 alone..in saying that it me almost a year to build it..mine shoots like a dame dream..but a used one ,or a 3/4 hundred dollar one good for you everyone needs one😊
Hahaha I was gonna say the same thing... just because they call it a carrying handle doesn't mean the military allowed us to carry it that way lol. Big nope.
Hey guys, I'm not American and I can see why the military wouldn't let you carry your gun line what but… then why not or when why build it like that to begin with? Would such rule apply to any rifle with a "carry handle" like the FAMAS, the British SA80 and the H&K SL8? (if they were military rifles you carry on duty/were standard issue)
Loved the range with the M16-A1 and mine was old enough to still have a “Mattel” imprint on the butt stock (very solid black plastic, lol). The barrels of the ones we took turns firing on full auto at Camp Pendleton got red hot and finally drooped over enough to render them obsolete! Ah, the days of firing limitless ammo…
The M16A2 is an icon for me and many others because it symbolizes the 1980s and 1990s. Its Americas golden age after the debacle that is Vietnam and the debacle of the post 9-11 world. Back when MTV, Nintendo 64, actual Pizzahut restaurants existing, Rock/Metal/PunkRock and Michael Jackson were on our giant TVs. Its a nostalgia bait, but I'm all for it.
been wanting one for a minute now. video just makes me want one more. ol style. no extra gadgets or scopes or flashlights. just iron, polymers, and hot lead.
00:51 *HEAVY BREATHING* My Marine Corps PMI (Primary Marksmanship Instructor) veins are popping out of my eyes and neck looking at him hold it nonchalant by the carry handle. I feel my lungs sucking in a thousand gallons of air to let loose guttural primordial screams at an unsuspecting recruit!!!!!
Love my a2bca upper with matching stock poly lower and cm mg 22 conversion has not jammed or misfired with 2 boxes of bulk available standard velocity rounds no cleaning!
Sorry auto correct didn't spell check. Aguila 250 round standard velocity two boxes still reasonably clean. And it destroyed the rim fire bullet trap at twenty yards before I realized the extra power of the twenty inch barrel several holes in the front bottom. Get out the Lincoln😉Hope that helps.
In my opinion, everyone should start out with an 20" A2 rifle. Learn everything about it. Become proficient out to 600m with it, then graduate to your URGI or RECCEs or MK18s or what have you. My first rifle ever was a BM ban era 20" A2 and is still my favorite rifle (still runs like a Swiss sewing machine) 26 years later.
Got my first M16A2 at Parris Island in1987. Was a great rifle. Bought my first AR15A2 from Stag Arms, just as good as mine in the Marine Corps, except it's left handed, 🤙
I bought my AR15 A2 when I was 17 years old. Loaded 62 grn hyper shock bullets from Hornady to hog hunt with. Back in the marsh where we hunted was thick so I bought the bayonet for it and had to use a bunch . Put a Burris fixed 4 power on it and it was a stone cold killer. That was 44 years ago.
I spent almost two years getting parts together to build a BRN-proto (1959 Stoner AR15 Prototype (produced by Brownells)) and an M16a2 clone. Each rifle was a milestone in the development of the modern AR15, and helps explain the evolution of the rifle. I am happy to see that Springfield Armory has released this almost 50 years later.
I trained with the A1and carried the A2, I bought the CZ Colt A2 that had the removable carry handle and now the Springfield is like an old friend and I put an ACOG in place of the carry handle on the CZ Colt. I love them both.
My brother's a Marine, he qualified as an expert with the M-16 A2. He said it wasn't hard, compared to the 30.30 lever action he used to hunt whitetail.
I deployed three times with three versions of the C7 rifle. The one I carried in the Gulf was the original C7, which was a select fire A2 with the A1 flip back sight. Let's just say that by the time I had an all-inclusive 6-months in rural mountainous Bosnia the C7A1 had the C79 scope and a better sling. Jump ahead to the Afghanistan, and the C7A2 was a proper adjustable and adapted combat rifle. Yes, armies learn.
In the 1980’s we were still using the original M16s the Air Force bought without forward assist. I bought a Mossberg MMR when it came out without the forward assist. Recently assembled an Aero Precision in .300 blackout with a slick upper, no forward assist.
I learned my battle sight zero in 1991, today I can pickup any AR-15 pattern rifle with irons and get on target in a few seconds. Carried an A2 through out my military service. I love this rifle and gods help anyone who earns may attention with it out to 550m.
I was issued a m16a2 & m16a4 (04-08). Only used burst on the range once. Preferred single shot. Lastly, the rifle length gas system makes it more reliable and softer shooting than the shorter varients. Also, I think the longer barrel is often overlooked. The extra muzzle velocity/terminal performance and reduced muzzle flash is sweet. Perfect rifle for Marines today would be a adjustable stock version with a vltor a5 buffer and a 18” barrel while maintaining the rifle length gas system.
They taught us in the Marine Corps, you don't grasp the M16A2 by the carry handle. You wrap your fingers around the handguard where it meets the receiver.
Bushmaster and Windham made rifles like this for years. I think Windham still does. Maybe even RRA. The parts are common and an A2 can be built easily. There are also ways to upgrade and smooth the milspec trigger so it feels a lot better. Windham has the A2 on sale right now with free shipping
The M16A2 was adopted by the Marine Corps in 1983 and the Army in 1986. I was issued a brand new A2 in Aug. 1986 when I arrived at marine Corps Boot Camp.
Here's a fun fact. The carry handle was never a handle. When the rifle was in early development, the charging handle was originally on top and resembled a pull trigger. It was actually a guard to protect the pull mechanism. When the charging handle was moved down to the base of the stock, that guard remained as a carryover in the final design.
There is something about the M16A2 that I love. I bought a clone back in 2012, and I love it and I have a s&w mp15 that I love and I put all the bell and whistles on it. But there is something about the M16A that I love. My brother served as a Marine from 92-98 and I got the opportunity to fire my first M16 A2 when I was 17 and I loved it. I love modern ARs but you can’t beat the classics. I would love to have an M16 A1 too
Served 07-2012, non combat arms. The A2 is not just for boomers many thousands of Marines trained and became proficient shooters with that style rifle with iron sights. The nostalgia is real.
My M-16A1 in the military had the triangular foregrip. And the bottom of the trigger guard would swing down for use with gloves. Plus, the adjustment for zero was manipulated by using the tip of a round to zero
@@lungcanc3r666 brother the A1E1 was a prototype. plus it had the A2 style sights and handguard, where as this guy is saying his rifle had the A1 style sights and handguard.
Bud you said all the right things. Maybe its old, maybe I am old. I loved this thing when I was given one at MCRD in 95. As a former Marine I bought one and love it. It is not as high speed as the modern versions but good lord it is super fun and enjoyable. I would carry this thing into a mess.
Everyone should do a deep dive on how the Military tried to screw over Mr. Stoner, a lot of high ups wanted Springfield to continue on with the M14. It is actually an amazing story.
You misunderstand the adjustable sights versus long-range Target Competition adjustable sights that offered very little in advantage but very much for potential detriments, point he was making
Loving some of the comments here. When I enlisted, we were making the transition from the A1 to the A2, and the 1911 to the M9. We used to tape up our A1’s on patrol, not to look cool or camouflage them, but because they (and our other issued gear) rattled and squeaked so damn much. I was delighted to get the A2. Although I was Army, I still preferred the USMC model as a civilian rifle and I really kick myself for selling it. Picking up a rock river national match rifle now. Not the sexiest rifle in the world, but they’re amazing shooters and Rock River came about because of match shooting. Still love that pony, though….
My father was a Marine Infantryman drafted into Vietnam. He has a 💜 from a chi-com grenade. He said his M-16 had a grenade launcher on it. I am in search of that exact weapon set-up. ⭐👊🏻🇺🇸💓
Hated it, all ways got issued the 203, extra cleaning hand guards were harder to remove, I just Hated it! Not to mention, always had extra wait and ammo!
Qualified with this in the U.S. Army in the early 80s. Put three rounds in one and half bullet holes. The instructors thought I missed and made me reshoot, which I did in a hurry and still grouped a quarter. This gas system is how this rifle should be used. Just add a better rail and butt stock.
That was it..... In 1975 first 3 rounds at 25 yards looked like one big hole. A few turns to adjust to zero and it was good to go. Except for the auto fire. You know fire 3 rounds auto. Next target pops up and it jambs. Have to clear and reload.... That target counted as a miss.... It went back down and the next popped up,
No you didn’t. The M16A2 was not adopted by the U.S. Army until 1986. So you could not have “Qualified with it in the early 80’s!” Furthermore, adopted does not mean issued. Only certain units started receiving the A2 in 86. Most units did receive them until well into the 90’s. You probably qualified with an A1 as I did in OSUT in 86.
@@emersonchattin9512 You may have a point.Not sure if I had the A1 or A2 in 1975. Had the plunger and the rear sight rotated up with a higher peep sight about an inch longer. Forgot the original didn't have an A.... What features did the A2 add?
@@EzBible I was referring to the OP claiming he qualified with the A2 in the early 80’s. But to answer your questions. The A2 had the A2 comp on the barrel. Heavy barrel forward of the front sight. 1-7 twist ilo the 1-12 of the A1, brass deflector, round handguards, much more sophisticated rear sight, square front sight post, longer buttstock made of new material and of course the 3 round burst that everyone hated. There were some other smaller changes to the receivers as well. I carried both in the Army.
@@emersonchattin9512 Thanks. I believe I must have used the A1. Auto was not restricted to 3 rounds. Not sure about the twist. Never counted it, LOL..... I did buy a Colt AR15A4..... pretty close. Wish we had more ranges around here in WI. Only 25 yard indoor. Did fire 1st 3 rounds all touching. 5 round groups show 3 holes together. What more can you ask for?
Its actually really cool to see things come full circle, 20inch ARs have definitely regained popularity. Hopefully were passed that weird stage where everybody thinks a 10.5inch barrel for 5.56 is "Cool"
Yep. Just to get into the AR's I bought a 16 inch barrel. It's okay but not the same as a 20 inch. And tests show the extra 4 inches adds a lot of velosity and range.
Seriously, I only like the Poodle Shooter for being light and compact. If I'm going to carry something with a full-length bbl, it will fire a full-house round, not the 5.56.
VN era was A1, I had one in 82, A2 didnt come around until 1986 Well into GenX not boomers. The A1 which Stoner was more involved with had adjustable sights. You needed a cartridge and you adjusted elevation on the front sight post. The A2 came around when the bullets got heavier and the twist changed. When you have a heavier bullet you can shoot farther. The Corps was also part of the reason that the sights became more adjuster friendly. I have an A1234 for MCL matches (A1 hand guard, A2 rear sight assembly, A3 flattop, A4 feed ramps) One of the issues with the M16 in VN was that fact that the rifle was built around new clean burning powder. Bureaucrats decided that loading it with left over ww2 ball powder was cheaper, and it was, it was also dirty as heck. It was also claimed to be self cleaning. it wasnt, and it sure as heck wasnt with ball powder. RRA makes A2's all day long.
What I learned on in the Corps back in the mid 80s. Love the A2. Agree I don't like the finger shelf pistol grip and replace it with something else. Smoothest shooting AR platform. Awesome SA has done this!!!
I remember when the Army first brought these rifles online , it was may ? of 1986 and I was with 101st airborne at Ft. Cambell. The 101st was also one of the first to get the then brand new M249 light machine gun
I love my A2 "clone" - it was my first AR15, built on PWA lower (yes, PWA not PSA) and a Bushmaster complete upper. I later swapped out the lower when I found PSA was making the "PROPERTY OF US GOVT - M16A2" lowers with the Safe/Semi/Burst markings, I mean, how could you not. Even with other, more modernized ARs in the safe, I still take great pleasure in taking it out from time to time and popping 2/3 IPSC targets at 300 yards... with ease.
I love my Colt A2. Good video Colion. Nothing wrong with those sights, for target shooting, yet they are still quick enough to use. You are shooting it well!!
@@kevinfidler8074I bought a bca 20in about 5 years ago and it's been well used, never had an issue. I take care of it of course. Seems like the usual problems lie in the cheap bolt it comes with. I've gotten great accuracy and I've had shit accuracy with it. It was my first home assembled ar and it's my child. It's been painted a few times, I've taken it out to 500 with the carry handle sight with tula ammo. Hasn't let me down yet!
@richardmendoza738 I have 2 450bm uppers from bca. I had problems with the gas key on the bolt carrier, I swapped it out for one from psa. Seems fine now
1200 for the Springfield is way over priced . You can build one for far less even with all the parts from HR at PSA. The only thing your paying for here is the rollmark
I have the Colt AR-15A4 that goes for about $1,150. It’s got all the M-16 swag while having the removable carry handle in case you wanted to mount an optic. Plus, made in America and has a Chrome lined barrel.
@@Deltaworks23 not as good of quality as Springfield but for a budget it’s something. I went with the Sig 516 Gen 1 and I kind of hate the rifle and am looking at the SA-16 or something along them lines
Man....I just finished building a "slickside" A2 Fixed carry handle upper....with an adjustable front sight post/gas block...even with bare irons its by far my favorite rifle to shoot right now lol as plain jain as it can get!
I carried my M16A2 service rifle through two tours in Iraq. Never had a jam. Never had a malfunction. I took care of her and she served me well.
Cpl, USMC
Fallujah, Iraq 2004 & 2005
This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine.
Thank you for your service shipmate.
@@ninjabearpress2574 My rifle is my best friend. It is my life.
@@zealot777 Rah!
Back at ya.
@@Johnny_Cash_Flow The Corps has a prayer for the rifle, of course you'd treat it like a lover.
Dad was in the Army, my uncle went to Vietnam, my brother's a Marine and I self-identify as a teddy bear but I admire USMC.
I carried an A2 for over half of my career in the Corps. I was very proficient with it. I would be happy to own one of these rifles.
Bet you got some cool stories
I like it a whole lot better than the M4
@@Sly9192 a few…
Hate that pistol grip and fat, frontheavy barrel. I always liked the lighter A1 like my first Colt was modeled after.
You can build a clone that's prob a more accurate representation with a better feature set. For half the price of this.
Springfield doing the typical springfield thing. Runnin with a stolen name from a different time.
Anyone who gets into the Vietnam-era criticisms of the M16 really need to read the congressional studies and research ARDEC conducted. As in most things military, is was much more a training and discipline issue than a mechanical issue. Also a logistics issue. All that aside, the M16A2 is an outstanding platform to start basic rifle marksmanship and should be the starting point for anyone wanting to get into the AR platform. I have a RRA A2 clone with the heavier N9 barrel and a RRA NM 2-stage trigger and it's still my favorite 5.56mm rifle in my collection. USGI iron sights, 20" barrel, rifle-length gas system, and plenty of weight to make shooting for the sake of shooting an actual pleasure and helps develop the core marksmanship principles so many skip over these days, including the Army. We don't teach and train BRM in basic training like it should be anymore, it's not developed nor sustained like it should be.
From what I've read, Stoner designed the rifle to be "self cleaning", based on a specific 5.56 round. Hence why the Army initially issued them without cleaning kits.
Problem was, the Army changed the round to be issued with the rifles - and didn't tell anybody.
Typical government...
@@Britcarjunkie it was touted as such with the HC chrome coating Stoner specified and the Dupont propellant, two things that got changed before later corrected.
They changed the powder to save money from all the Vietnam/arvn vets I’ve talked to they gave them condoms to put over the barrel and half ass shit like that. I’ve never had one malfunction on an AR I’ve built and the first time I had no clue what I was doing so definitely a training thing
Is it true that Viet Nam guys were not even taught to clean their rifles, or issued cleaning kits ? The story I read said that was because Stoner claimed the '16 was "self cleaning"....Also, that the rifling/ unstable bullet flight of the original '16 caused the bullet to tumble on impact, causing severe wounds. It said that little Vietnamese were nearly decapitated and dismembered. All I kmow is what I read.
What do you mean they dont teach BRM? I was taught all about it in basic
I carried the M16A1 full auto and A2 burst and .45 ACP Grease gun while in uniform for 23 years.
Tanker?
Carried the original M-16 in Viet Nam. I'm still here, so it can't be all bad. I had the opportunity to qualify with the A2 when I was a Navy doctor, battalion surgeon assigned to an infantry unit. Shot 229 out of 250 in a driving rainstorm at about 35 years old. It was a fantastic weapon. My favorite was and is still the M-14. Colion, I appreciate all you do. Tom CPL USMC CDR (MC) USNR
A 20" barrel ain't no joke.
20" laughs at all your 3+ plates 😂
22" 30-06 wants you to hold its beer while it laughs.
20inch turns 55gr into duty rounds
@@paulis7319Fair, but 210 rounds of .30-06 costs and weighs a LOT more than a similar quantity pf 556
@@cyrusfreeman9972 Very true. That's why I don't use the 30-06 very often. lol
Yup. Love mine. Always wanted an M16 like this.
Good question.
Good Question 😂
My Dad originally had the M-14 in 1965 in Vietnam ( US Army) .... He liked it but eventually got issued the M-16... He's 75 yrs old now & will still tell you he had NO Issues with his, he always kept it clean & Zero problems & loved he could carry a lot more ammo
So he was in the Army at 16 years old?
My Dad loved his Vietnam M16. He deployed in '68 and did four tours in the Army cleaning out trenches after the Gun Ships came in, all of them with the M16. He said that by '68 the cleaning and maintenance was ironed out and they ran like a freight train. Ironically we (as a family) never owned an AR-15/M16 because growing up in the 70's and 80's they were like a Vietnam-era TIKI IDOL and lots of people saw them as bad juju.
Truth is the rifle as everyone knows it (AR15/SA-16 or whatever) is brilliant. The soldiers that had to take them in to battle are heroes and we should all be proud of those soldiers who turned the M16 in to the legend it is today.
for those of us who started on the M-16, it was a good rifle. i get annoyed by all the people who never served or carried this machine and always talking about better triggers and better grips. it was built for one purpose and it worked.
I grew up on the M16A4 in the Marine Corps and it’s my favorite rifle ever. But when I was actually growing up in the 2000’s, the M16A2 was the rifle you saw in every movie and video game, and on the news every night when they would talk about the war in Iraq, the A2 was always there being carried by Soldiers and Marines. So seeing it so much as a kid, I’ve always wanted one
If you get one go with the Colt..... Brought back so memories for me. Price has been stable at about $1200 for the past 2 years. See some sales for under $1000 from time to time.
My A2 was made by FN, USMC 85 til 89 , 3rd Award expert on the range.
It was my issued weapon for 10-years in the Army. Deployed with it in Bosnia Herzegovina in 1996
Ya kind of like a best friend.
That is excellent ! Were you at Tuzla Main bro ?
@@lorenzoalbertomedina6753 Not the original poster, but I was at Nord-Pole Brigade for 9 months, and 18 months later spent ANOTHER nine months in Sarajevo investigating mass graves.
Yes Sir ! The mass graves back then was an overwhelming site !
Wow! Did You ever shoot it while deployed?
Thanks on the review. Everyone is so caught up on compact everything not understanding losing the lethality of achieved by having the 20" barrel in which the weapon was designed around. The 300 blackout on the other hand was designed around a compact weapon design from the groundup. A bullpup design is a solution and still have a 20" barrel. Love your content. Keep up the great work
It's *beautiful*.
This is the exact rifle that I used to qualify in basic training. Never missed with it, not once. Even those 500 meter silhouettes were not safe when that A2 post was dialed in.
The genius is the simplicity. The more you mess with it, the more things can go wrong with it. Stay classy, A2. Or as I like to call her, "My first love."
Not all Vietnam vets called it a piece of junk. I loved mine.
Everyone just assumes that because all the documentaries say that. Only small arms solutions tells the truth
with a name like that< i doubt it, moshe
@@artofkraneoxiii5335
Ha. Moshe. A proud antisemite. Knowing the truth in a man's heart is always advantageous. Understanding > than agreement.
Here is the duplicitous corruption of TH-cam:
The dude calls me Moshe, obviously as a slur. I say it's advantageous to understand his hatred for certain people, and TH-cam blocks 🚫 my comment while leaving his racial slur. I can only assume my comment disappeared for using the anti$3@#%$ word?
The AR platform of rifles is one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century
Takes me back to my days at Camp Pendleton when we switched over from the A1 to the A2 and Billy Idol was top 40.
I carried the Colt M16A1 in the Corps, and when I decided to get a civilian version, I bought the Colt AR-15 A4. It is the most solid AR-15 that I own. Only issue I have with it is that Colt pussied out and purposely didn't mill out part of the lower, so you cannot add a fun switch without finding yourself a milling machine.
The Marine Corps started issuing the M16-A2 two weeks after I started Boot Camp. Damn glad I didn't get it in Boot Camp because it is a pound heavier than the M16-A1. I got a M16-A2 upper receiver and put it on a built-up lower receiver. Works Great!!!
I could never understand all the hate towards the A-2 pistol grip.
I, for one, always liked it. I've used others, but I've never really ever had any issues with them.
Depending on your hand, the protrusions on the front can be annoying, and the angle doesn’t feel great to some ppl.
@@christophermitchell7925 Maybe so, but the angle of the A1 & A2 pistol grips are the same.
My last build has a Magpul pistol grip that - I think - has a slightly different angle, and no protrusion.
To be honest, I don't really notice any difference.
Then again, I was one of those people that suffered muscle spasms when holding a 1911 for lenghty periods. Go figure...
@@Britcarjunkie Well as I like to say, that’s why there’s so many different pizza toppings, different colors of house paint, and different AR accessories lol. Options are good, because not everyone has the same tastes, and not everyone is built the same.
Some people are less picky than others too. For example, I really don’t care what toppings are on a pizza unless it’s anchovies or ham & pineapple. I’d rather go hungry than eat that stuff.
The A2 grip doesn’t bother me that much, but I do prefer a rubberized grip that’s a bit thicker and has less of an angle, and since they don’t cost that much, why not get what I prefer?
What I really dislike though are the old, fixed length M16 stocks. Yuck! One of the best things about the AR platform is the adjustability & options for customization.
@@christophermitchell7925 I have heard a lot of people talk about rubberized pistol grips: I always wear a pair of leather & nomex flying gloves when I shoot: I wasn't a ground-pounder when I was in, so I'll admit my in-field experience with AR's is limited, but with those gloves & shooting nearly all day and in 120 degree temps, I didn't have any issues. Only option I didn't really like, was the Colt freefloating handguard (the aluminum knurled tube): makes a full-length rifle look cool as hell, but it never did anything else for me!
While I do like the A1 & A2 handguards, I do like the M4 types, since you now have an easier method of "accessorizing", without everything getting in the way.
A funny one: I built one up especially for me (I'm left-handed): ambi selector, ambi mag release. I know - for some people it's a huge deal to have ambi controls, but not me, apparently...
Well, those features do work wonderfully. However, after 35 years of not having them, I'm so used to not having them & not thinking about it, I forget they're there! I never even think about them until after the fact - then I look at the lower and realize they're there, and say to myself "You idiot!"! 🤣
I may just take them off so I don't have to re-train myself! Having R.H. only controls has just never been an issue for me.
A brass deflector, however...now THAT is a big deal.
I remember when we transitioned from the M16A1 to the M16A2 when I was in Germany in 86. At the time, it was a real improvement. You didn't mention the brass deflector that has become standard on most AR upoers.
The carry handle on the older ARs have such personality that modern flat tops lack. Glad that optic heights have changed to the point where a red dot on a carry handle is in line with modern risers.
I think for a fixed front sight they work best
The scavenger hunt to build one is half the fun! That said, it’s nice to see retro lines being offered in a complete setup.
I qualified with the M16 A2 in the army. That was back in the 90's. I didn't mind it, I hope this version isn't too expensive
I’m a U.S. Marine Veteran from 39 years ago. I will be buying one of those rifles. I don’t think the 3 round burst is necessary. We were never allowed to use it. One shot one kill. That wasn’t a joke in a movie. The Marines take accuracy very seriously. The “bird cage” as we called the flash hider on the end of the barrel was designed for exactly that. This rifle never failed me. I can make an accurate shot to the chest cavity repeatedly with open sights from 500 yards. The video also mentions the front sight post. It is fully adjustable for elevation. We never did that because you can adjust your sights from the rear sights. We set are rifles for what we called “battle sight zero” which was center mass at 300 yards. It worked. The Armalite Rifle is the most accurate semi automatic platform you can get. I can see why many hunters and sports enthusiasts use this platform. The only rifle I’ve come across that is more accurate is the bolt action.
Exactly! Ooorahh & Semper Fi Brother.
@@vinces3516 Semper Fi my brother.
It must be USMC doctrine. SOI instructors told us "You carry all of your ammo, so don't burn it the f**k up".
@@GT0311 Exactly.
Thank you for your service ❤
I own a Windham Weaponry 20" Government model close sister rifle just not the same markings , mine has a removable carry handle and I purchased it seven years ago because it very much reminded me of 1968 in QuiNhon Vietnam. Big welcome home all my brothers who returned!
I bought the 20" 1/9 Windham upper for my binary lower. I like there products. They're selling bayonets on there site
Hey Colion! That "carry handle", when I was in Basic back in 1978, we had to get in the front leaning rest and lower the elevation of Ft. Gordon, GA for holding like that! 😊😊😊
True. I was at Fort Gordon in '76..
Yep. Civilians don't understand. They probably think shit on a shingle is actually shit on a shingle, too.
The A2 is what I used in boot camp, pretty cool rifle.
I carried the M-16 A1 during the Gulf war and trained with it during my time in the army as long as it's clean it's a very reliable weapon .
Do you mean the A2? I was in from 87 - 93 and the only A1s I ever saw were rubber dummy rifles used for swim qual. If you did carry an A1 in ODS, what unit were you in?
10/10 at 500 yards and expert marksman with the M-16A2 with iron sights.
My eyes aren’t good enough anymore lol
Not sure what Springfield was thinking. Anyone who wants an ‘A2 clone can build one for $700 (probably a better one, too). If Springfield wants to break ground with a historic clone, how ‘bout a M1903 or a Garand.
Fulton Armory beat them to it. They make M1 Garands, carbines, but only sell 1903 parts
I built an A-2 clone for about $500-$550 - but, I bought the upper, barrel, and furniture, a good 20 years ago.
Anderson lower, Colt flat-top upper (with a Colt removeable carry handle), FN military 20" barrel, National Match M-16 BCG, standard mil-spec semi-auto trigger group (may change that, dunno yet), and Canadian (green) furniture.
Runs like a charm.
*Fulton makes Garands with customer supplied receivers...
Springfield tried Garands back in the early 2000s, that didn't last long.
@@Britcarjunkiethen that’s a A4 clone
I appreciate companies like Springfield stepping up to provide options like the SA-16 A2, making America's rifle more accessible. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on it!
I can hear the D.I. now.. "Is that thing made by Samsonite?!!!" Even though it was called a carry handle, they didn't want you using it as such. I absolutely love your videos. Keep up the great work. You're a great American!
I never had an M16 which did not have the forward assiston it. issued to me but I had an Arms Room full of M16A1's with the 55 gr. ammo when I was stationed at Ft. Hood in 74 to 77. In 84 I re-Enlisted and was issued an M16A2 which was much more accurate especially at Long Range with the 62 gr. ammo .These days I'm Retired but I think the Flat Top used on later variations has a lot of advantages over the older carrying handle . The old style hand guards from the A1 made it hard to sneak up on anybody if there was any wind they would whistle and give you away . The A2 hand guards didn't whistle and they shot better in a cross wind . I also liked the longer A2 stock and the built in brass deflector being Left Handed you learn to appreciate not having all that Hot Brass going down your collar.
Totally agree with Stoner it's too easy for the windage to bumped on A2 sights. The earlier sight can be windage adjusted but requires pressing the tip of a bullet or similarly shaped too to turn so it doesn't accidentally get moved.
My first M16A1 was built by Harrington and Richardson. 3/4 inch groups. Wish I could have kept it.
Mine was made by the Turbo Hydromatic Corp. In the '80s most of our gear was Vietnam surplus.
Nice to see an attempt to bring back more retro designs by companies. I keep my eyes open for this as I’m doing the same with HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON retro line being advertised by Palmetto State Armory.
I was in VN '66-67. I was in IICORPS central highlands. At that time only the infantry maneuver battalions had the M-16. In fact at that time 1st Div was still using M14. I qualified Expert with the M14. McNamara to save money dispensed with the chrome lined barrel and chamber. The lack off cleaning kits and proper training cost many soldiers their lives, Properly trained units like the 1st Cav had none of these problems. Teflon oil and a lot of it solved almost all problems. The Marines were in favor of retaining the M14. One good hit with the 14 did the trick.
I love my A2 ..my 20in barrel 9/twist was almost $300 alone..in saying that it me almost a year to build it..mine shoots like a dame dream..but a used one ,or a 3/4 hundred dollar one good for you everyone needs one😊
thanks to your youtube channel i recently got my license to carry !!! a year ago i was against 2A. now ima real american. lol
The look, the sound. They did a really good job with this one!
@ :56, as a military guy. Seeing you carry it by the "Carry Handle", is killing me inside, lol. This comes along after I build one for PSA parts.
Hahaha I was gonna say the same thing... just because they call it a carrying handle doesn't mean the military allowed us to carry it that way lol. Big nope.
it’s not that serious
@@Fishin-mission1I’m not military, I just enjoy my carry handles lol. Why did they not want you to carry it like that?
Try to grab it after a sustained firefight.
Hey guys, I'm not American and I can see why the military wouldn't let you carry your gun line what but… then why not or when why build it like that to begin with?
Would such rule apply to any rifle with a "carry handle" like the FAMAS, the British SA80 and the H&K SL8? (if they were military rifles you carry on duty/were standard issue)
Loved the range with the M16-A1 and mine was old enough to still have a “Mattel” imprint on the butt stock (very solid black plastic, lol). The barrels of the ones we took turns firing on full auto at Camp Pendleton got red hot and finally drooped over enough to render them obsolete! Ah, the days of firing limitless ammo…
Being an Army veteran, I’m super excited to own this version of the popular M16A2, which i trained with in the Army… 👍🏼💪🇺🇸
The M16A2 is an icon for me and many others because it symbolizes the 1980s and 1990s. Its Americas golden age after the debacle that is Vietnam and the debacle of the post 9-11 world. Back when MTV, Nintendo 64, actual Pizzahut restaurants existing, Rock/Metal/PunkRock and Michael Jackson were on our giant TVs. Its a nostalgia bait, but I'm all for it.
Im seeing a lot of companies coming out with retro M16 clones and im here for it.
'Merca F' YEA!!!
Makes me drool
Aye
been wanting one for a minute now. video just makes me want one more. ol style. no extra gadgets or scopes or flashlights. just iron, polymers, and hot lead.
00:51 *HEAVY BREATHING* My Marine Corps PMI (Primary Marksmanship Instructor) veins are popping out of my eyes and neck looking at him hold it nonchalant by the carry handle. I feel my lungs sucking in a thousand gallons of air to let loose guttural primordial screams at an unsuspecting recruit!!!!!
I had the same reaction 😂
@@SpinozUSMC 🤣Semper Fi bro!
I got my M16A2 clone to a state that I'm satisfied with, don't need a big name like Springfield to make me happy.
Love my a2bca upper with matching stock poly lower and cm mg 22 conversion has not jammed or misfired with 2 boxes of bulk available standard velocity rounds no cleaning!
@@baitwaitfishing7625 2 boxes? 40 rounds?
don't worry, Springfield is a fake name now, not the original at all
Sorry auto correct didn't spell check. Aguila 250 round standard velocity two boxes still reasonably clean. And it destroyed the rim fire bullet trap at twenty yards before I realized the extra power of the twenty inch barrel several holes in the front bottom. Get out the Lincoln😉Hope that helps.
@@beargillium2369wait....what? You mean it's not the US government arsenal that closed in the 60's? Thanks for the update.
In my opinion, everyone should start out with an 20" A2 rifle. Learn everything about it. Become proficient out to 600m with it, then graduate to your URGI or RECCEs or MK18s or what have you. My first rifle ever was a BM ban era 20" A2 and is still my favorite rifle (still runs like a Swiss sewing machine) 26 years later.
Got my first M16A2 at Parris Island in1987. Was a great rifle. Bought my first AR15A2 from Stag Arms, just as good as mine in the Marine Corps, except it's left handed, 🤙
Im an army veteran 12 bravo combat engineer. I absolutely loved my M16a2. Qualified expert marksman 38 out of 40 rounds.
As a Seabee we had the A2E3. Same feature, just had Auto as a fuction instead of Burst.
I bought my AR15 A2 when I was 17 years old. Loaded 62 grn hyper shock bullets from Hornady to hog hunt with. Back in the marsh where we hunted was thick so I bought the bayonet for it and had to use a bunch . Put a Burris fixed 4 power on it and it was a stone cold killer. That was 44 years ago.
Bad Azz.
I spent almost two years getting parts together to build a BRN-proto (1959 Stoner AR15 Prototype (produced by Brownells)) and an M16a2 clone.
Each rifle was a milestone in the development of the modern AR15, and helps explain the evolution of the rifle.
I am happy to see that Springfield Armory has released this almost 50 years later.
I trained with the A1and carried the A2, I bought the CZ Colt A2 that had the removable carry handle and now the Springfield is like an old friend and I put an ACOG in place of the carry handle on the CZ Colt. I love them both.
I used the A2 during my hitch.
My brother's a Marine, he qualified as an expert with the M-16 A2.
He said it wasn't hard, compared to the 30.30 lever action he used to hunt whitetail.
I deployed three times with three versions of the C7 rifle. The one I carried in the Gulf was the original C7, which was a select fire A2 with the A1 flip back sight. Let's just say that by the time I had an all-inclusive 6-months in rural mountainous Bosnia the C7A1 had the C79 scope and a better sling. Jump ahead to the Afghanistan, and the C7A2 was a proper adjustable and adapted combat rifle. Yes, armies learn.
In the 1980’s we were still using the original M16s the Air Force bought without forward assist. I bought a Mossberg MMR when it came out without the forward assist. Recently assembled an Aero Precision in .300 blackout with a slick upper, no forward assist.
I learned my battle sight zero in 1991, today I can pickup any AR-15 pattern rifle with irons and get on target in a few seconds. Carried an A2 through out my military service. I love this rifle and gods help anyone who earns may attention with it out to 550m.
I was issued a m16a2 & m16a4 (04-08). Only used burst on the range once. Preferred single shot. Lastly, the rifle length gas system makes it more reliable and softer shooting than the shorter varients. Also, I think the longer barrel is often overlooked. The extra muzzle velocity/terminal performance and reduced muzzle flash is sweet. Perfect rifle for Marines today would be a adjustable stock version with a vltor a5 buffer and a 18” barrel while maintaining the rifle length gas system.
They taught us in the Marine Corps, you don't grasp the M16A2 by the carry handle. You wrap your fingers around the handguard where it meets the receiver.
Bushmaster and Windham made rifles like this for years. I think Windham still does. Maybe even RRA. The parts are common and an A2 can be built easily. There are also ways to upgrade and smooth the milspec trigger so it feels a lot better.
Windham has the A2 on sale right now with free shipping
The M16A2 was adopted by the Marine Corps in 1983 and the Army in 1986. I was issued a brand new A2 in Aug. 1986 when I arrived at marine Corps Boot Camp.
Here's a fun fact. The carry handle was never a handle. When the rifle was in early development, the charging handle was originally on top and resembled a pull trigger. It was actually a guard to protect the pull mechanism. When the charging handle was moved down to the base of the stock, that guard remained as a carryover in the final design.
Im only 2:16 in, but paused it to say great job showcasing the M16 in different ways. That's how you do it!
Thanks for another outstanding review Collin! Takes me back to my Chair Force days where I easily earned my marksman ribbon with the then issued M16.
There is something about the M16A2 that I love. I bought a clone back in 2012, and I love it and I have a s&w mp15 that I love and I put all the bell and whistles on it. But there is something about the M16A that I love. My brother served as a Marine from 92-98 and I got the opportunity to fire my first M16 A2 when I was 17 and I loved it. I love modern ARs but you can’t beat the classics. I would love to have an M16 A1 too
Served 07-2012, non combat arms. The A2 is not just for boomers many thousands of Marines trained and became proficient shooters with that style rifle with iron sights. The nostalgia is real.
My M-16A1 in the military had the triangular foregrip. And the bottom of the trigger guard would swing down for use with gloves. Plus, the adjustment for zero was manipulated by using the tip of a round to zero
those are all features of the A1. Not the A2
Wrong! The A2 had the round waffle grip!
The A2 Had the round waffle tubes to make both halves interchangeable!
Would have been a1e1 then just a a1 with some of the features the a2 introduced
@@lungcanc3r666 brother the A1E1 was a prototype. plus it had the A2 style sights and handguard, where as this guy is saying his rifle had the A1 style sights and handguard.
I was in the army from 1984 - 1987 and this brings back such memories.
Hell yeah finally some content! We got the email product release as a dealer but there wasn't any pictures or videos online about it until now!
Bud you said all the right things. Maybe its old, maybe I am old. I loved this thing when I was given one at MCRD in 95. As a former Marine I bought one and love it. It is not as high speed as the modern versions but good lord it is super fun and enjoyable. I would carry this thing into a mess.
Everyone should do a deep dive on how the Military tried to screw over Mr. Stoner, a lot of high ups wanted Springfield to continue on with the M14. It is actually an amazing story.
Well Stoner was wrong about soldiers and their sights. The US had soldier adjustable sights on every smokeless powder service rifle since 1892.
You misunderstand the adjustable sights versus long-range Target Competition adjustable sights that offered very little in advantage but very much for potential detriments, point he was making
You clearly did not understand what Stoner says lol
I own two A4’s,a Colt and an aero precision I built-love em! You know they repop the triangle handguards that are pretty cool!
I just ordered mine. I carried the 16A2 for years in the Army Engineers. Im pretty pumped about putting some rounds down range like I did at Ft. Hood.
Loving some of the comments here. When I enlisted, we were making the transition from the A1 to the A2, and the 1911 to the M9. We used to tape up our A1’s on patrol, not to look cool or camouflage them, but because they (and our other issued gear) rattled and squeaked so damn much. I was delighted to get the A2.
Although I was Army, I still preferred the USMC model as a civilian rifle and I really kick myself for selling it. Picking up a rock river national match rifle now. Not the sexiest rifle in the world, but they’re amazing shooters and Rock River came about because of match shooting. Still love that pony, though….
Nailed the description of the handguard.
My father was a Marine Infantryman drafted into Vietnam. He has a 💜 from a chi-com grenade. He said his M-16 had a grenade launcher on it. I am in search of that exact weapon set-up.
⭐👊🏻🇺🇸💓
The grenade launcher was called the M-203. It was basically a bolt on type of deal.
You haven't searched very long!!
You can get a 37mm flare launcher m203 look alike for it
Hated it, all ways got issued the 203, extra cleaning hand guards were harder to remove, I just Hated it! Not to mention, always had extra wait and ammo!
After realizing we are loosing Paul Harrell very soon, you are now my favorite channel! Thanks for this video!
This was a super smart move my Springfield. Hopefully they keep up with the retro line
Qualified with this in the U.S. Army in the early 80s. Put three rounds in one and half bullet holes. The instructors thought I missed and made me reshoot, which I did in a hurry and still grouped a quarter. This gas system is how this rifle should be used. Just add a better rail and butt stock.
That was it..... In 1975 first 3 rounds at 25 yards looked like one big hole. A few turns to adjust to zero and it was good to go. Except for the auto fire. You know fire 3 rounds auto. Next target pops up and it jambs. Have to clear and reload.... That target counted as a miss.... It went back down and the next popped up,
No you didn’t. The M16A2 was not adopted by the U.S. Army until 1986. So you could not have “Qualified with it in the early 80’s!” Furthermore, adopted does not mean issued. Only certain units started receiving the A2 in 86. Most units did receive them until well into the 90’s. You probably qualified with an A1 as I did in OSUT in 86.
@@emersonchattin9512 You may have a point.Not sure if I had the A1 or A2 in 1975. Had the plunger and the rear sight rotated up with a higher peep sight about an inch longer. Forgot the original didn't have an A.... What features did the A2 add?
@@EzBible I was referring to the OP claiming he qualified with the A2 in the early 80’s. But to answer your questions. The A2 had the A2 comp on the barrel. Heavy barrel forward of the front sight. 1-7 twist ilo the 1-12 of the A1, brass deflector, round handguards, much more sophisticated rear sight, square front sight post, longer buttstock made of new material and of course the 3 round burst that everyone hated. There were some other smaller changes to the receivers as well. I carried both in the Army.
@@emersonchattin9512 Thanks. I believe I must have used the A1. Auto was not restricted to 3 rounds. Not sure about the twist. Never counted it, LOL..... I did buy a Colt AR15A4..... pretty close. Wish we had more ranges around here in WI. Only 25 yard indoor. Did fire 1st 3 rounds all touching. 5 round groups show 3 holes together. What more can you ask for?
I picked up an Armalite 20" A2 a couple years back, I love the carry handle and it's one of my preferred rifle for shtf.
20" 5.56 is deadly.
Its actually really cool to see things come full circle, 20inch ARs have definitely regained popularity. Hopefully were passed that weird stage where everybody thinks a 10.5inch barrel for 5.56 is "Cool"
Yep. Just to get into the AR's I bought a 16 inch barrel. It's okay but not the same as a 20 inch. And tests show the extra 4 inches adds a lot of velosity and range.
@@EzBible exactly, 5.56 really shines at 18-20", especially against plates.
Seriously, I only like the Poodle Shooter for being light and compact. If I'm going to carry something with a full-length bbl, it will fire a full-house round, not the 5.56.
@@OneNationUnderGod.45 I don;t know. All I do is punch holes through paper. Goal is 3 shots 1 hole.
VN era was A1, I had one in 82, A2 didnt come around until 1986 Well into GenX not boomers. The A1 which Stoner was more involved with had adjustable sights. You needed a cartridge and you adjusted elevation on the front sight post. The A2 came around when the bullets got heavier and the twist changed. When you have a heavier bullet you can shoot farther. The Corps was also part of the reason that the sights became more adjuster friendly. I have an A1234 for MCL matches (A1 hand guard, A2 rear sight assembly, A3 flattop, A4 feed ramps) One of the issues with the M16 in VN was that fact that the rifle was built around new clean burning powder. Bureaucrats decided that loading it with left over ww2 ball powder was cheaper, and it was, it was also dirty as heck. It was also claimed to be self cleaning. it wasnt, and it sure as heck wasnt with ball powder. RRA makes A2's all day long.
What I learned on in the Corps back in the mid 80s. Love the A2. Agree I don't like the finger shelf pistol grip and replace it with something else.
Smoothest shooting AR platform. Awesome SA has done this!!!
Looks fantastic. Once you shoot a 20” whether it’s a a1 or a2 you won’t want to give it up.
I remember when the Army first brought these rifles online , it was may ? of 1986 and I was with 101st airborne at Ft. Cambell.
The 101st was also one of the first to get the then brand new M249 light machine gun
Triangle handgaurd is iconic
I love my A2 "clone" - it was my first AR15, built on PWA lower (yes, PWA not PSA) and a Bushmaster complete upper. I later swapped out the lower when I found PSA was making the "PROPERTY OF US GOVT - M16A2" lowers with the Safe/Semi/Burst markings, I mean, how could you not. Even with other, more modernized ARs in the safe, I still take great pleasure in taking it out from time to time and popping 2/3 IPSC targets at 300 yards... with ease.
I love my Colt A2. Good video Colion. Nothing wrong with those sights, for target shooting, yet they are still quick enough to use. You are shooting it well!!
Palmetto states “freedom 20
Nitrite complete upper”
is the true king!!!!!
It’s also made by H&R, that’s more clone correct than a COLT!
I saw bca has a 20" a2 with the removable carry handle for $230-$245
@@kevinfidler8074I bought a bca 20in about 5 years ago and it's been well used, never had an issue. I take care of it of course. Seems like the usual problems lie in the cheap bolt it comes with. I've gotten great accuracy and I've had shit accuracy with it. It was my first home assembled ar and it's my child. It's been painted a few times, I've taken it out to 500 with the carry handle sight with tula ammo. Hasn't let me down yet!
@richardmendoza738 I have 2 450bm uppers from bca. I had problems with the gas key on the bolt carrier, I swapped it out for one from psa. Seems fine now
Was looking for this. I absolutely love mine 😂
1200 for the Springfield is way over priced . You can build one for far less even with all the parts from HR at PSA. The only thing your paying for here is the rollmark
$800 or less with PSA 😮 that’s how I did mine
$30 PSA lower and a Geiselle URGI upper 2k with a Geiselle trigger and bcm furniture and ok optic
@@Darth-Nihilus1 And of course the inevitable arrival of the "just as good" PSA enthusiasts. lmao
I have the Colt AR-15A4 that goes for about $1,150. It’s got all the M-16 swag while having the removable carry handle in case you wanted to mount an optic. Plus, made in America and has a Chrome lined barrel.
@@Deltaworks23 not as good of quality as Springfield but for a budget it’s something. I went with the Sig 516 Gen 1 and I kind of hate the rifle and am looking at the SA-16 or something along them lines
I loved the M-16,but I already learned marksmanship as a child before Basic Training
0:16 how the hell is that character holding his AR? 😂
He threw it in the air so freedom can fly proud 😂😂😂😂
Holding it like a civilian!
It has a second frontsite tower on the end of the barrel.. definitely a weird depiction
Man....I just finished building a "slickside" A2 Fixed carry handle upper....with an adjustable front sight post/gas block...even with bare irons its by far my favorite rifle to shoot right now lol as plain jain as it can get!
My dad was in the Army and loved the M16 in Vietnam war. My wife loved the M16 when she was inthe Air Force for 13 years.
I love the AR15 A2. My favorite of all the variations of the M16/AR15.