As a gun writer, I often get the opportunity to try out guns before they get released.

Needless to say, this is a nice perk of the job.

So, when I was offered the chance to test Springfield Armorys new retro-style SA-16A2 I eagerly accepted.

In this photo we see the Springfield SA-16A2 rifle, a clone of the original M16A2 rifle issued to the United States Marine Corps, United States Army and United States Navy. The original rifle was built by Colt’s Manufacturing Company, but the Springfield Armory version is superior in every way.

The Springfield SA-16A2 rifle is a classic design based on the M16A2 rifle. It has all of the original features, but in semi-automatic form. Springfield Armory even added a few upgrades to enhance operation and performance.

SA-16A2 Details

The SA-16A2 looks at first glance like a virtual twin of the M16A2 5.56mm rifle.

Yes, you read that second part correctly.

But, dont get too excited; naturally, the rifle is semi-auto only.

The Springfield SA-16A2 is a clone of the M16A2 military rifle. It is a semi-automatic rifle that fires a single cartridge with each pull of the trigger and uses part of the fired cartridge’s energy to eject the case and load another cartridge into the chamber.

The Springfield SA-16A2 rifle’s selector switch includes SAFE, SEMI and BURST positions. The BURST position is for cosmetics only.

First, the upper has the feed ramps relieved for M4-pattern relief cuts for improved feeding and function.

Second, the magazine well is subtly flared to allow for easier feeding of magazines.

And lastly, the rifle features Springfields Accu-Tite nylon-tipped tensioning screw in the lower receiver.

In this photo, we see the M7 bayonet mounted to the Springfield Armory SA-16A2 rifle. The M7 bayonet is a bayonet that was used by the U.S. military for the M16 rifle, it can also be used with the M4 carbine as well as many other assault rifles, carbines, and combat shotguns.

A standard mil-spec M7 bayonet can attach to the Springfield SA-16A2 rifle. Likewise, any mil-spec length sling should work perfectly.

Just see to it you dont make them so tight you have difficulty driving the receiver pin out.

note: Be sure to readCan 5.56 Shoot .223?]

What had been truly revolutionary in the 1960s was by the 1980s the accepted norm.

Here we see the Springfield SA16A2 with 5.56x45mm NATO rifle cartridges. The 5.56x45mm cartridge is a NATO standard developed by FN Herstal in the 1970s. It is based on the .223 Remington centerfire rifle cartridge.

Standard USGI magazines work in the Springfield SA-16A2 rifle. This means that any surplus M16 or modern AR-15 magazine should run without any problems. It comes with one aluminum-bodied, 30-rounder.

But, as with all things, there was still room for improvement.

The M16A2 was developed as an improved M16A1.

It began with a request from the United States Marine Corps (U.S.M.C.)

Shown in this photograph is the left side of the Springfield SA-16A2 rifle. This highly effective gun is a clone of the United States military M16A2 assault rifle. The M16A2 led to the development of the M16A4 and later the M4 carbine.

For anyone having served in the U.S. military in the 80s and 90s, the Springfield SA-16A2 rifle will likely look very familiar.

whose training doctrine stressed rifle marksmanship more than the other services.

They wanted to enhance the accuracy potential of the rifle and tailor it to their aggressive combat doctrine.

In addition, they wanted a round with greater range and penetrating power.

In this photo, we see the Springfield Armory Accu-Tite in Springfield SA-16A2. The Springfield Accu-Tite is a receiver tensioning system that eliminates wobble between the upper and lower receivers in an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle.

Not visible from the outside, the Springfield Armory Accu-Tite system (note the green-tipped screw at rear of lower receiver) helps to remove any wobble between the Springfield SA-16A2 upper and lower.

The Marines also wanted a sturdier forend and stiffer barrel forward of the handguard for bayonet fighting.

Most controversially, the M16A2 would abandon the M16s full-auto function in favor of a three-round burst feature.

The earlier M16A1 featured a very slow 1:12 rate of twist designed for lighter bullets than the 62-gr.

In this photograph, a USMC drill instructor teaches rifle drill to Marine recruits. The recruit Marines are carrying M16A2. The image is from the National Archives and Records Administration.

In 1985, a drill instructor shows a Marine recruit the proper M16A2 rifle drill technique during basic training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island. Image: Sgt. R. Kilka/NARA

round, and was not effective at stabilizing the longer or heavier bullets.

As a result, the new M16A2 featured a much tighter 1:7 rate of twist.

[Learn about the1:7 twist rate.]

Shown here is the access to the storage compartment in the rifle stock of the Springfield SA-16A2 rifle. You could store a cleaning kit or other items in it.

The fixed-length stock on the SA-16A2 has a hinged trapdoor that allows access to a storage compartment that can hold a cleaning kit like the one shown.

The rifles new A2 flash hider was generally liked, too.

The geometry of the new stocks was changed to improve their ergonomics and utility, too.

In the end, the U.S.M.C.

In this close up photo, we see the square front sight used on the Springfield SA16A2 rifle. The SA-16A2 is the same as SA16A2.

An easy-to-see square front sight post is used in the Springfield SA-16A2. It is adjustable for elevation changes.

got what it wanted, adopting the M16A2 first, with the U.S. Army following a few years later.

All the features were there, including the M16-style bolt carrier and chrome-lined barrel.

I zeroed the rifle easily by bore sighting it at an 11.5 bullseye at 100 yards.

In this photograph, we see a Marine armed with an M16A2 rifle. He communicates with other members of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit during Exercise Valiant Usher 88 in the Philippines. The exercise included hostage rescue scenarios and special operations missions.

A Marine armed with an M16A2 rifle communicates with other members of the 11thMarine Expeditionary Unitduring Exercise Valiant Usher 88 in the Philippines. Image: PHCS Ron Bayles, U.S. Navy/NARA

A bullseye of that size appears the same thickness as the front sight post at that range.

and windage equaled 1.25 cm (1/2 in.)

The SA-16A2s sight seemed to match this.

The Springfield Armory SA-16A2 is the same as a Springfield SA-16A2. IT is a semi-automatic rifle chambered for the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge. It uses STANAG magazines and is based on the M16A2 assault rifle.

The Springfield SA-16A2 rifles use forged 7075-T6 aluminum uppers and lowers with Type III Hardcoat anodized finishes. The 20″ barrel is chrome lined with a 1:7″ twist.

The single stage military trigger had a pull weight of 5.3 lbs.

Since my target wasnt shooting back, I used the small ring.

Match King JHP ammo.

In this digital photo, we see a Springfield SA-16A2 rifle leaning against a gun safe.

As one might expect, the Springfield SA-16A2 rifle uses a fixed A2 stock, A2-style flash hider and a two-piece A2 polymer handguard with an integrated heat shield.

Obviously, this rifle shoots better than I can see.

Go to forum thread

SA-16A2

In this image, we see a U.S. Marine engaged in a rifle competition at Rodman Naval Station in 1989. Rodman was part of the Naval Base Panama Canal Zone military bases designed to protect the Panama Canal and shipping lanes around the Panama Canal Zone.

A U.S. Marine participates in a live-fire competition at Rodman Naval Station, Panama. He fires his M16A2 rifle from a sitting position. Image: PH1 Jeff Elliott/U.S. Navy

In this image, we see a close-up of the upper and lower receivers for a Springfield SA16A2 rifle. They are forged of 7075 T6 aluminum.

One of the enhancements of the SA-16A2 over the original M16A2 is the slightly beveled/funneled magwell for more positive magazine insertion. Image: Carson McDaniel

In this photograph we see a Springfield SA-16A2 rifle, a M7 bayonet, two M67 grenade replicas and an entrenching tool.

The Springfield SA-16A2 rifle is a complete gun ready for your collection and fun times on the range.

SA-16A2

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