The M16 – Part 2

Hi, I’m Chris. After successful initial tests of the M16, changes made in production proved deadly when first used in Vietnam. Armed with field feedback, the Army and Colt Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company went to work. 

Fixes and Improvements  

Chrome plating was added to the chamber and bore to reduce fouling. Cleaning kits and manuals were issued, including a famously illustrated comic-book style manual designed to make sure every soldier understood how to maintain their rifle. A new lubricant was developed for the M-16 which was designed to keep the rifle’s bolt carrier group functioning under high-heat and heavy-fouling conditions.  Lubricant, Semi-Fluid, Automatic Weapons lubricant or simply known as LSA was issued to every soldier.  In fact, LSA was so important that 2 items could be seen on nearly every combat soldier’s or Marines helmet band…. A small container of LSA along with a small container of insect repellent or “Bug Juice”.   Despite the high fouling caused by the ball powder, the original propellent was never re-introduced. However, a new cleaner ball powder formula was developed and released in 1970.   

These changes didn’t happen overnight, but by 1968 the tide was turning, and the soldier’s confidence in the M16 had somewhat improved. As the Vietnam War progressed, the M16A1, which included the improvements, proved to be a highly effective and dependable service rifle. Future variants improved reliability, and introduced refinements to the sights, barrel, and fire controls.  

Legacy and Lasting Impact  

By the 1980s, upgraded models of the original M16 were the standard U.S. service rifles used by generations of American servicemembers. Its influence spread worldwide. Many NATO countries adopted the 5.56 cartridge, and the lightweight, larger-capacity rifle concept became the new norm. Today, rifles like the M4 carbine and many others trace their lineage to the M16.  

The M16 is a reminder that military technology isn’t just about design, it’s about how infantry arms are fielded, supported, and maintained. A great concept can fail without the right logistics, but with the right fixes and improvements, it can also define an era.  

Outro  

Join us next time when we take a closer look at the M4.