M16 vs Steyr HK SL6

1964–Present

1980–1990

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

Limited production

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

990 mm

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

510 mm

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

3.8 kg

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

5 or 10 rounds

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

roller-delayed blowback

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

single-stage

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

Iron sights or optics-ready