I'm joining the Marines, and there's some things that are just mandatory to know before bootcamp (11 order of a sentry, Marine Rifle Creed, etc.). Another thing that I hear that's good to know is the characteristis of the M16. Does anyone know a good site that explains this? Or can anyone give me a few pointers? Thank you for the help.

Magazine fed, air cooled, shoulder fired, selective fire 5.56mm rifle.

EQUIPMENT CHARACTERISTICS, CAPABILITIES, AND FEATURES
M16A2/M16A3
Caliber ............................................. 5.56 mm
Weight............................................. w/30 (loaded) round mag approx 8.79 lbs
Length ............................................. w/compensator 39-5/8 in
Mechanical Features ....................... Rifling (RH 1/7 twist)
Firing Characteristics:
Muzzle Velocity ............................ 3100 fps
Chamber Pressure ....................... 52,000 psi
Cyclic Rate of Fire ........................ 700-900 rpm (approx.)
Max Effective Rates of Fire:
Semi-............................................. 45 rpm
Burst/Auto..................................... 90 rpm
Sustained Rate of Fire.................. 12/15 rpm
Max Effective Range ....................... 550 m (individual/point targets)
800 m (area targets)
Max Range.. .................................... 3600 m
Fire Selector.................................... SAFE-SEMI-BURST (M16A2)
SAFE-SEMI-AUTO (M16A3)
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M16A4 (removable carry handle)
Caliber.. ........................................... 5.56 mm
Weight.. ........................................... w/30 (loaded) round mag 8.79 lbs
Length ............................................. 39-5/8 in
Mechanical Features:
Rifling ........................................... (RH 1/7 twist)
Detachable carrying handle w/integral accessory mounting rail
Firing Characteristics:
Muzzle Velocity ........................... 3100 fps
Chamber Pressure ...................... 52,000 psi
Cyclic Rate of Fire........................ 800 rpm (approx)
Fire Selector................................. SAFE-SEMI-BURST
Max Effective Rate of Fire:
Semi ............................................. 45 rpm
Burst ............................................. 90 rpm
Sustained rate of Fire ................... 12/15 rpm
Max Effective Range ....................... 550 meters (individual/point targets)
600 meters (area targets)
Max Range...................................... 3600 meters
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M4/M4A1 CARBINE
Caliber ................................. 5.56 mm
Weight ................................... w/30 (loaded) round mag 7.5 lb
Length ................................... Buttstock Closed 29.75 in
Buttstock Opened 33.0 in
Mechanical Features:
Riffling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (RH 1/7 twist)
Detachable carrying handle w/integral accessory mounting rail
Buttstock has four positions; closed, 1 R open, 3/4 open, and fully Open.
Firing Characteristics:
Muzzle Velocity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,970 fps
Chamber pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52,000 psi
Cyclic Rate of Fire................. 700-970 rpm (approx.)
Fire Selector ............................ SAFE-SEMI-BURST (M4)
SAFE-SEMI-AUTO (M4A1)
Max Effective Rate of Fire:
Semi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45rpm
Burst/Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 rpm
Sustained Rate of Fire 12/15 rpm
Max Effective Range 500 meters (individual/point targets)
600 meters (area targets)
Max Range 3600 meters


Maximum range is total flight of the bullet at calculated angles. It is not how far you can shoot somebody.

Despite stories you will hear at Boot and advanced school, NO Marine EVER advocated taking a shower with your weapon. Even if they did, no doubt it was to get some nooby squid wanna-be fried by the DI. Water is NOT your rifle's friend.

Hey, thanks for the info. I really appreciate it.