What is the Zero range, the maxmimum effective range, and the sastained rate of fire of the M-16 Rifle?

NOTE: The M16 was in the field for a very short time. It was soon standardized as the M16A1, which is simply the M16 with a forward assist plunger to help push the bolt into battery in the event that a cartridge failed to seat in the chamber through fouling or corrosion.

**The concept of Zeroing the M16A1 rifle: Simply put, the purpose of zeroing a rifle is to align the sight with the rifle barrel. When this is done correctly the point of aim and the point of bullet impact are at a standard battle sight zero: **250 meters for the M16A1.

To Battle sight Zero the M16A1:

(1) Set the sights to mechanical zero.

(2) Flip the rear sight so that you can see the (L).

(3) Turn the rear sight windage drum until it moves all the way to the left side and locks. Then, turn the windage drum back (right) 17 clicks so that the rear sight is approximately centered.

(4) Adjust the front sight post up or down until the base of the front sight is flush with the well. Then adjust the front sight post 11 clicks in the direction of UP.

**M16A1 Maximum Effective Range (i.e., greatest distance a shooter may be expected to hit a target using the weapon’s sighting system): point target: 550 meters (602 yds.); area target: 800 meters (875 yds.).

**M16A1 Sustained Rate of Fire: 12-15 rounds per minute (note: semiautomatic rate of fire = 45 rounds per minute; burst rate of fire = 90 rounds per minute).

**The M16 rifle family (including the M16/A1/A2/A3/A4/M-4C) has been the primary infantry rifle of the United States military since the 1960s. With key modifications, the M16 rifle family remains in use. Today, common issue is the M16A2, supplemented by the M16A4, which incorporates the flattop receiver unit. Some special issues are also in use (e.g., M-24 Sniper Weapon; M40A1 Sniper Rifle; M-249 SAW).

**The M16A1 has the "Safe/Semi/Auto" selector lever. The M16A2, which remains the standard army issue, also has the "Safe/Semi/Auto" selector lever.

[EDIT: Loading 18 rounds in clip of 20 was regarded as prudent when using the M16A1.]