FN FAL vs M16

1953–Present

1964–Present

7,000,000+ units

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

1,090 mm (42.9 in) stock extended; 1,020 mm (40.2 in) stock folded (para)

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

533 mm (21.0 in) standard; 458 mm (18.0 in) para variant

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

4.25 kg (9.37 lb) empty

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

20 rounds standard; 5, 10, 30 round options available

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

Short-stroke gas piston, tilting breechblock, selective fire

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

Two-stage military trigger

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

Aperture rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation, hooded front post

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