Technical data

TM 9-1005-319-23&P 0002
0002-1
FIELD MAINTENANCE
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION AND DATA
EQUIPMENT CHARACTERISTICS, CAPABILITIES, AND FEATURES
Characteristics
The M16 series rifles and M4 series carbines are lightweight weapons. They are air-cooled, gas-operated,
and magazine-fed. They have a semiautomatic, burst fire capacity, or full automatic fire.
Capabilities and Features
The rifles and carbines provide personnel with an offensive/defensive capability to engage targets with direct
small arms fire.
The receivers are made of light-weight aluminum alloys; however, the safety, durability, and function of the
rifles/carbines are in no way reduced. The portability and logistical values are greatly increased,
particularly when air transport is used.
The bolt locking action is one of the mechanical features of the rifle/carbine. The bolt assembly and barrel
extension contain locking lugs which engage and lock the bolt assembly firmly in the barrel extension. The
initial force of the explosion of the cartridge is absorbed by the barrel, barrel extension, and bolt assembly.
The trigger guard is easily adaptable to winter operations. A spring-loaded retaining pin is depressed to
allow ready access to the trigger when wearing arctic mittens.
The ejection port cover prevents dirt or sand from getting into the ejection port. The ejection port cover must
be closed during periods when firing is not anticipated. It opens automatically with the forward or rearward
movement of the bolt carrier assembly.