AAC Honey Badger vs M16

2011–Present

1964–Present

~10,000 units estimated

8,000,000+ units (including all variants and licensed production)

16.5 in (420 mm) stock collapsed, 20.5 in (520 mm) stock extended

990 mm (39 in) with stock extended; 860 mm (33.9 in) with stock collapsed (carbine)

10.5 in (267 mm) (suppressor attached adds ~2.5 in)

508 mm (20 in) standard; 406 mm (16 in) for carbine variants

6.5 lb (2.95 kg) empty, 7.5 lb (3.40 kg) with suppressor attached

3.26 kg (7.2 lb) empty, standard rifle; 3.40 kg (7.5 lb) carbine

30‑round standard STANAG, 10‑ and 20‑round options available

30 rounds standard STANAG; 20, 40, 60 round options and drum magazines available

Short‑stroke gas piston, rotating bolt, AR‑15 derived platform

Direct‑impingement gas system with rotating bolt, short‑stroke operation

Mil‑spec single‑stage trigger (optional two‑stage upgrade)

Single‑stage military trigger; three‑round burst mechanism on A2/A4 models

Low‑profile flip‑up iron sights (front post, rear aperture) with full‑length Picatinny rail for optics

Standard: detachable carrying handle with integrated rear aperture (M16A1) or flat‑top receiver with Picatinny rail and removable iron sights (A4); front post fixed