A1 vs A2 M16-What's the difference?

professor0643

April 17, 2003 10:48

I see the terms A1 and A2 used in reference to ARs and M16s, but I don't know the difference between these to models-somebody set me straight.
Thanks in advance -Dale

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  rldowns3

  April 17, 2003 11:51

  the little bolt plunger on the right hand side and in the case for military models, 3 round burst on the A2 where the A1 was full auto.
  
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  pikeal1

  April 17, 2003 11:52

  original military issue AR-15 / M16 rifle (circa 1965), with no forward assist and with the original three-prong flash hider
  
  
  
  M16A1 rifle, with the forward assist, "bird cage" flash hider and the 20 rounds magazine (1967)
  
  
  M16A1 rifle with 30 rounds magazine and a 40mm M203 grenade launcher attached (circa mid-1970s)
  
  
  M16A2 rifle, with the heavy barrel, modified rear sights, spent case deflector, round handguards and modified pistol handle (circa mid-1980s)
  
  
  M16A3 "flat top" upper receiver with the Picatinny rail and the removable carrying handle
  
  
  
  
  "The only way American citizens can adequately be protected from terror and violence is when" those in authority protect us from those who would harm us, instead of protecting us from ourselves.

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  drobs

  April 17, 2003 12:01

  I've been told this is bad to do but I'm gonna copy boomerang from a previous post. He is more clear than I was. What he wrote in that post is right on.
  
  quote:Originally posted by Boomerang
  A-1 = rear site adjustable for windage only, front site can be adjusted for elevation.
  
  A-2 = rear site adjustable for both elevation and windage
  
  A-3 = this nomenclature has been bastardized by several companies. It really had nothing to do with sight redesign, it has more to do with full auto versus burst trigger configuration. However, Colt and other AR clone makers use A-3 to designate flat top ARs. This varies from true military designations.
  
  A-4 = Both front and rear sites can have picatinny rails, also can accept removable carry handle with A-2 sights, front site base can receive modified A-2 sights or other accessories.
  
  Boomer
  
  P.S. - Of course there are other design modfication with the A-1 through A-4 that are not talked about here.
  
  "Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as it is by the obstacles which one has overcome while trying to succeed."
  
  NRA Life Member
  
  
  I also might add to Pikeal's post, that you can note the difference in the barrel handguards of the rifle. The A1 & before were triangular vs. the round handguards of the A2 & beyond.
  
  Recently a friend built a new AR. He put the old A1 handguards on it it. The gun looks very cool & retro! [8D]
  
  Ideally if you buy one of these AR type rifles, go for the A2 sight version at minimum. The rear windage knob allows better fine tuning of the sights. I've never messed with the rear elevation knob on my AR but the Army never taught me much about that one. [V]
  
  Well let me throw a plug in for Rock River AR's. I have one and love it. By the way welcome to the board.
  
  Regards,
  
  FREE IRAQ
  
  

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