How to Operate the M16A Rifle

The M16A rifle is the standard-issue rifle used by the infantry division of the United States Army. The rifle is also commercially available for civilians who have a special license for automatic weapons. This rifle is a very accurate and versatile weapon. The rifle fires ammunition in single bursts or multiple bursts for different types of situations. You will be able to safely operate a M16A rifle after learning the following steps: (1) performing a function check, (2) loading the M16A, and (3) unloading the rifle. These instructions are for use by infantry personnel entering basic training but can be used by any civilians owning this type of rifle.

DANGER

Whenever you begin operating any type of firearm, make sure the weapon is pointed in a safe direction at all times.

Equipment

You need three items are needed for you to begin your operation of this rifle:

Performing the Function Check

 Each time the rifle is disassembled or any time there is a doubt the rifle is not functioning properly, you must perform a function check on the rifle. This can be done by following these steps:
  1. Pull the charging handle, which is located on the top of the rifle, to the rear and release. Place the selector on "SAFE" as figure one shows. The position marked "SAFE" means the rifle should never fire. Now pull the trigger and the hammer should not fall.

  2. Place the selector on "SEMI". When the rifle is in this position, the rounds will fire one at a time. Pull the trigger and the hammer should fall. Continue to hold the trigger down, pull the charging handle to the rear, and release it. Slowly release the trigger to the front, and the hammer should not fall. Now pull the trigger, and the hammer should fall.

  3. Place the selector on "AUTO". When the rifle is in this position, the rounds will fire at a rapid interval. Pull the charging handle to the rear and release it. Pull the trigger, and the hammer should fall.

Figure 1. Position setting on the M16A Rifle. Source: U.S. Army, Soldier's Handbook, 197.

Loading the Rifle

After you have completed the function check on the rifle, you are ready to load the weapon. You can do this by following these easy steps:

DANGER

Always point the muzzle of the rifle in a safe direction.

  1. Cock the rifle by pulling the charging handle to the rear and returning it to the forward position.

  2. After you have the rifle cocked and the bolt open, place the lever on "SAFE." The first block of Figure 2 shows this step. Look into the chamber of the rifle to ensure that the chamber is clear (see Figure 2).

  3. Insert the magazine as shown in Figure 2, and push upward until the catch engages and holds the magazine in place.

Note: The magazine may be loaded with the bolt assembly open or closed.

Figure 2. Loading the Rifle. Source: U.S. Army, Soldier's Handbook, 200.

Chambering the Round

You are now ready to place the round into the chamber. This can be performed with the bolt assembly open or closed. To do this:
  1. Press the upper portion of the bolt catch to release the bolt.

  2. Tap the forward assist to ensure the bolt is forward and is locked.

  3. Place the selector switch on "SAFE."

DANGER:

The weapon is now loaded. Be sure you point the rifle in a safe direction.

Unloading the Rifle

When you are ready to remove all of the rounds from the rifle:
  1. Place the selector switch in the "SAFE" position, and remove the magazine from the rifle.

  2. Lock the bolt open by pulling the charging handle to the rear. Then press the bottom of the bolt catch and allow the bolt to ease forward until it engages the bolt catch.

  3. Look into the chamber to ensure there is no ammunition left in the weapon. Allow the bolt to go forward by pressing the bolt catch.

You have completed the steps involved in checking, loading, and unloading an M16A rifle. All you need now is practice to perform these steps efficiently and accurately. Remember to always be safe when operating any type of firearm.