3. Ambidexterity
The M16, in 1964, was designed as a right handed rifle and to be fired prone.
The M16A4, in 1998, was designed as a right handed rifle and to be fired prone.
The M16A5 concept is designed to be fired from either shoulder and operated with near equal utility from either shoulder while standing, kneeling, or prone. Additionally it can be swapped from left to right or vice versa to take a shot from the ‘off shoulder’ in a way never possible with the A4 or M4.
This is accomplished with several overall minor part changes.
- Ambidextrous Safety Selector
- FN Provides a 90 degree throw one already on current A4 commercial models
- Upgraded to a short throw Magpul/Noveske STS
- Ambidextrous Charging Handle
- Bravo Company
- Charging handle can be used left or right handed with one hand, leaving the “t-rex claw” method in the past where it belongs
- QD Sling Swivels
- The M16 never possessed a good option for mounting a sling.
- A rail mounted QD sling swivel that can be moved forward and backward on either the left or right side of the quad rail, alleviating the forward sling mount problem
- Magpul MOE Rifle Stock
- The A2 stock was designed for a 5’11” individual.
- The reduced length of pull, better cheek weld surface, and up to 4 additional QD sling mount points makes the MOE a superior choice for more users
- Where the front QD starts fixing the sling concern this stock finishes it
- BCM MOD3 Pistol Grip
- The A2 grip was always suboptimal for anything other than prone shooting angles
- The MOD3 more vertical angle, removal of the middle finger shelf, and round profile fits more hands while aiding the shooter in far more shooting positions and angles.
This true ambidexterity ergonomic shift of the A5 concept is the heart of this product improvement program. Before the in vogue tactical optic or the choice of light these positively influence the base rifle’s viability.
Why not an M-LOK handguard? Or at least freefloat?
Ultimately, unnecessary for the application at this juncture. Picatinny is still a worldwide standard that ancillary equipment is made to and will be for a long time. Free floating the barrel does not increase the overall practical accuracy of the platform by a great enough degree to make it an update necessity for a non precision fighting rifle.
