Accuracy International Arctic Warfare (AWM) vs M16

1993–Present

1964–Present

~15,000 units estimated (including all AWM variants)

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

1,150 mm (45.3 in) with stock extended; 1,030 mm (40.6 in) with stock collapsed (folding stock models)

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

508 mm (20 in) standard for .338 Lapua Magnum; 406 mm (16 in) for .300 Win Mag variants

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

6.5 kg (14.3 lb) empty (standard model, .338 Lapua); 5.9 kg (13.0 lb) empty for .300 Win Mag version

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

5‑round detachable box magazine standard; optional 10‑round magazines available for .338 Lapua Magnum

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

Bolt‑action with three‑locking lugs, 60° bolt lift, fully enclosed receiver; free‑floating heavy barrel with threaded muzzle for suppressor or muzzle brake

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

Adjustable two‑stage trigger, pull weight 1.5–2.5 kg (3.3–5.5 lb), with safety lever on the left side of the receiver

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

Standard: detachable Picatinny rail for optics; optional backup iron sights (fold‑up leaf rear, fixed front post) mounted on the chassis

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