What does the a in M-16-A2 stand for?

Question

I know m stands for model, but what does the a stand for? Thank you:)

I know the diffrence between both version, I just want to know what the A stands for!

Answer 1

I know it stand for Advance, not sure why though. Probably becuase its an ADVANCED version of the orginal model

Answer 2

freedom


model 16, variant A2 (the variant A1 was a semi-auto and a selector for full auto)
the A2 variant is semi auto with a selector for 3 round burst fire

because we were burning too many rounds in Nam and getting diminishing returns from those rounds. 3 round auto was the best configuration in lab tests because of muzzle climb while firing in rapid succession.

variant A3 is a sniper version, the handle on top of the reciever is detachable and has a rail for attaching a scope.





OK, military nomenclature, when you have variants of a design, you go down the alphabet, F-16 A was the first F-16 fighter, now we have gone through b,c,d,e,f, and now I which has an advanced radar system and avionics package. its just the way military nomenclature works in identifying a variant

Answer 3

Well it's bacially an upgrade from the M-16A1 which was still around when I was in service (91-95). They were just phasing the M16A2 in when I got to my unit.

With the A1 you had Single and Auto selection.

With the A2 they took away the Auto and you had Single and Burst.

Answer 4

Engineering changes in the rifle.