COLT M16A2 M715

The development of the M16A2 rifle was originally requested by the United States Marine Corps in 1979 as a result of combat experience in Vietnam with the M16A1. It was officially adopted by the Department of Defence as the 5.56mm M16A2 Model 715 in 1983. The Marines were the first branch of the U.S. Armed Forces to adopt it, in the early/mid-1980s, with the United States Army following suit in 1986.

Modifications to the M16A2 series were extensive. In addition to the then new STANAG 4172 5.56x45mm NATO chambering and its accompanying rifling, the barrel was made with a greater thickness in front of the front sight post, ostensibly to resist bending in the field and increase rigidity under sustained fire. The rest of the barrel was maintained at the original thickness for backwards compatibility with the M203 grenade launcher assembly. The barrel rifling was later revised to a faster 1:7 twist rate to adequately stabilize the new 5.56x45mm NATO SS109/M855 ball and L110/M856 tracer ammunition. The heavier longer SS109/M855 bullet reduced muzzle velocity from 3,260 ft/s, to about 3,110 ft/s.

A new adjustable rear sight was added, allowing the rear sight to be dialed in for specific range settings between 300 and 800 meters to take full advantage of the ballistic characteristics of the SS109/M855 rounds, and to allow windage adjustments without the need of a tool or cartridge. The flash suppressor was again modified, this time to be closed on the bottom, so the new birdcage-type muzzle device would not kick up dirt or snow when being fired from the prone position, and additionally act as an asymmetric recoil compensator to reduce muzzle climb.

The handguard was modified from the original triangular shape to a round one, which better fit smaller hands and could be retrofitted to older models of the M16. The new handguards were also symmetrical, so armories did not need to stock separate left- and right-hand spares. The handguard retention ring was also tapered to make it easier to install and uninstall the handguards.

The new buttstock became ten times stronger than the original due to advances in polymer technology since the early 1960s. Original M16 stocks were made from cellulose-impregnated phenolic resin; the newer M16A2 stocks were engineered from DuPont Zytel glass-filled thermoset polymers and became a replacement part for the preceding M16A1. The new buttstock was lengthened by 5/8 inch (15.9 mm), and whilst the hinged trapdoor and storage compartment inside the stock was retained, the anti-slip texturing now covers the entire buttplate for better grip on the shoulder.

The A2 barrel profile has a greater thickness from the front sight post to the muzzle, after bending in this area was reported in the field. Tests by the M16A2 team showed that this increased the resistance to intentional bending in this area by a factor 9. As to not further increase weight beyond acceptable levels, and to maintain commonality with the M203 grenade launcher, the rear half under the handguard maintained its original thin profile. After the new technical data was submitted, the team discovered that they had made an error in assessing the problem - the replaced bent barrels were not actually bent. When inspecting some using a borescope, they discovered that a burr left from drilling/reaming the gas port was causing copper fouling to build up at the front sight block, interfering with the gauge used. Cleaning this fouling caused the "bent" barrels to re-pass inspection. However this discovery came too late in the process to revert the change in profile. A notch for the middle finger was added to the pistol grip as well as more aggressive texturing on the sides to enhance the grip, especially while wearing winter gloves. The new pistol grips were engineered from Zytel glass-filled thermoset polymers. The M16A2 pistol grip consequently became a replacement part for the preceding M16A1.

DNA is known for creating some of the most realistic Airsoft replicas on the market to date. The DNA M16A2 715 GBB Airsoft rifle is definitely no exception. DNA once again went above and beyond to recreate probably the most accurate 1:1 replica of the M16A2 you could own. This gas Airsoft rifle is made with realism in mind, with the materials used in its construction to be as close to the real steel counter part as could be. The receiver is made using top-tier CNC machined 6061 T6 aluminum, a polymer reinforced fixed stock, a steel 20-inch outer barrel, steel fire controls and switches, buttons, and of course, the birdcage flash hider. Speaking of the flash hider and barrel, the DNA M16A2 utilizes a 14mm CCW thread, which is industry standard, allowing you to fix on different suppressors and flash hiders if you so choose. Internally, the rifle utilizes the proven VFC V3 M4/AR-15 gas system and comes with a VFC V3 30 round green gas magazine.

If you are in the market for an AR-15 style rifle but want that retro fixed carry handle, and is made to the highest quality possible, this is as close as it gets as this rifle build is a limited run only. Then this offering by DNA is a must have to add to your arsenal.

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Capacity:

• 30 Rounds

Magazine Compatibility:

• VFC M4 / AR15 Style Green Gas Magazine (V2/V3)

Includes:

• x1 DNA M16A2 (MOD 715) GBB Airsoft Rifle