The M16A3 Rifle (AR-15)

[BlackReef]

Man, who else thinks that this is still one of the best looking AR style rifles ever? When I first started getting into AR15's in the mid-2000's, it was this style of rifle that really attracted me to the black rifle world. It's got that old-school traditional look. Sleek, lightweight, all business. Im thinking about building semi-auto clone (ca-legal) just to have one in the arsenal. Plus it is not the most expensive AR-15 to build:

[isplice]

Call me traditional, and a stickler for terminology, but that is a picture of an M16A4, or an AR-15 that looks like an A4.

[RobGR]

I'll take it!

Yes, it is, but I personally prefer the M16A2 with an M203 launcher/handguards, just a beast.

[Dave07997S]

Man, who else thinks that this is still one of the best looking AR style rifles ever? When I first started getting into AR15's in the mid-2000's, it was this style of rifle that really attracted me to the black rifle world. It's got that old-school traditional look. Sleek, lightweight, all business. Im thinking about building semi-auto clone (ca-legal) just to have one in the arsenal. Plus it is not the most expensive AR-15 to build:

I agree, I own a A4 Clone as well as a Colt 6920.

Dave

[machrono]

This is the holy grail black rifle:

http://bpullignwolnet.dotster.com/retroblackrifle/ModGde/CrbGde/607.html

[BlackReef]

Call me traditional, and a stickler for terminology, but that is a picture of an M16A4, or an AR-15 that looks like an A4.

I *think* they are identical, except the real M16A3 is FA, and the A4 is burst

[quattrosam]

You can use it for Service Rifle competition as well.

[Stanze]

My M16A4 clone is my favorite AR.

[russ69]

The A2 was the big improvement.

[roger1022]

My M16A4 clone is my favorite AR.

That's a fine looking rifle there!

[mcisniper]

The A3 was an A2 with a removable carrying handle. The A4 was a heavy barrel adopted by the Corps. Yes, the A4 had other goodies (rails) but underneath that was the difference.

[fritztkatt]

Guys, from what I can see in OP's pic, that's an a2. The a3/4 should have a RAS, no? Every A4 I've seen has the RAS, which coincidentally has a cut out on the top portion for a m203.

The m16 is a beautiful rifle and quite functional if I do say so. Personally, I just find the m4 pattern to be more functional on the daily... still can't wait for the funds to be saved so I can build a NM A4.

[hermosabeach]

Having a removable Carry Handle is a must for me.....

Irons have their place but suck in target identification....

[isplice]

Guys, the M16A2 is safe-semi-burst. The M16A3 looks identical to the M16A2 but is safe-semi-auto.

[MXRider]

I think they might have made A3's with both an A2 upper, and a flat top upper with removable carry handle. Either that or as guns wore out they were replaced with A4 uppers but kept the lower since its auto and not burst.

Or I'm completely wrong. I've just seen them represented (in photos) both as fixed and removable carry handle uppers.