Accuracy International L96A1 vs M16

1985–Present

1964–Present

~30,000 estimated

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

1,180 mm (46.5 in) with stock extended, 1,050 mm (41.3 in) with stock collapsed

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

508 mm (20 in) standard, 457 mm (18 in) for some export variants

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

5.5 kg (12.1 lb) empty, 6.2 kg (13.7 lb) with optics and accessories

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

10‑round detachable box magazine standard, 5‑round options available

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

Bolt‑action, three‑locking lug, controlled round feed, free‑floating barrel mounted to chassis

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

Two‑stage, adjustable pull weight, fully ambidextrous safety

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

Standard: detachable Picatinny rail for optics; optional: backup iron sights (fold‑up aperture rear, post front)

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