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How does an M16 rifle work?

In: Firearms, Military Equipment [Edit categories]

Answer:

The M16 is a gas-operated automatic rifle. The barrel has a small hole which routes some of the gas produced by the burning powder through the gas tube back to the action. The stream of gas hits the gas key (a small protrusion on the bolt) and pushes the bolt back to open the action and extract the cartridge case. The bolt on the way back cocks the hammer and compresses the recoil buffer spring. The spring returns the bolt forward picking up a fresh round from the magazine and chambering it. The rifle is then ready to fire again.

First answer by JPaganel. Last edit by JPaganel. Contributor trust: 379 [recommend contributor ]. Question popularity: 0 [recommend question].

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