M16 rifle

From Command and Conquer Wiki

The M16 is a lightweight, 5.56 mm caliber, air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed rifle, with a rotating bolt, actuated by direct impingement gas operation. It is constructed of steel, aluminum and composite plastics, and is easy to break down and clean with proper training. It first entered service during the Great World War II with the Allies using it extensively. Eventually, an underslung grenade launcher, designated M203 was developed as an optional addition to the rifle. while the 5.56mm rounds can't pierce a tanks thick armour, a 40mm round from the grenade launcher could damage tank armour to some degree.

This weapon also had a special carbine version designated as the M4. It used the same internal mechanisms as the original M16, but had a shortened barrel, collapsible stock and was primarily designed as a more compact version of it's big brother. It could also have an M203 grenade launcher mounted to it.

Following the war, with the introduction of newer GAU-3 Eliminator rifles, the M16 and M4 were gradually phased out of use and sold on the market to, among many, the Brotherhood of Nod. The rifle was eventually replaced along with the GAU-3 by the Cobretti AR-70 and later the M16 Mk. II pulse rifle. Interesting is, however, that the M16 has inspired the Design of the M16 Mk. II pulse rifle.

As of 2047 these rifles are used by Yellow Zone dwellers, particularly squabbling warlords, and the Brotherhood of Nod militants.