The M16 series of assault rifles and carbine variants are used by the following actors in the following movies, television series, video games, and anime:
Colt and Official Government Models
M16 Rifle
Error creating thumbnail: File missingThe original M16, the first version, firing in a 20-round magazine, adopted in large numbers by the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam. This has the original 3-prong flash hider. It would later be replaced by the upgraded M16A1 - 5.56x45mmError creating thumbnail: File missingM16 aka SP1 (flat "slab side receiver") with an A1 "birdcage" Flash hider, used to imitate the M16A1 in many Vietnam era movies. This version has a 20 round magazine - 5.56x45mmError creating thumbnail: File missingM16 aka SP1 (flat "slab side receiver") with an A1 "birdcage" Flash hider, used to impersonate the M16A1 during the 1970s and 1980s. This version has a 30 round magazine - 5.56x45mmError creating thumbnail: File missingM16 aka SP1 (flat "slab side receiver") with A2 style handguards used to impersonate the M16A2 - 5.56x45mm
Since the original M16 is the first pattern AR-15 select fire rifle that was adopted in 1964 by the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam (and also given to the ARVN) all appearances of the slab side M16 in movies and television shows would be either the Class III Colt M16 or the commercially available Colt AR-15 SP1 rifle. After being phased out from active duty, the military owned weapons were issued to National guard units (and later bequeathed to Federal and local law enforcement agencies). Movie Armorers could acquire Law Enforcement Sales models of the M16, as Class III transferable weapons or built as Class III manufacturers. However, an easier way was for commercially sold semiautomatic Colt AR-15 SP1 rifles to be converted to full auto fire in the 1970s and 1980s and these were in movie armories for years.
Error creating thumbnail: File missingXM16E1 rifle with 20 round magazine - 5.56x45mmError creating thumbnail: File missingMockup of an XM16E1 rifle with 20 round magazine - 5.56x45mm. What distinguishes it from the original M16 was the addition of the forward assist button and a chrome bolt carrier (which was later dropped with the M16A1). This can be identified as a mockup by its full magazine fence and strengthened front pivot point, neither of which appeared on the XM16E1Error creating thumbnail: File missingCurrently seen Mockup of an XM16E1 (built from an M16A1 as the base) with 20 round magazine - 5.56x45mm. This example is the screen-used rifle used by Mel Gibson in We Were Soldiers.
The XM16E1 is a modified variant of the original M16 which featured several improvements, including the forward assist, the most visually obvious difference. The Army requested this feature, but the Air Force believed it had no benefit and only increased the weapon's per-unit cost. Consequently, the M16 (SP1) was the version adopted by the Air Force, while the Army adopted the slightly more expensive XM16E1. After the M16A1 was introduced in 1967, both services transitioned to this rifle. Before 1968, this was the most common version of the M16 rifle platform. Many examples in recent films are actually 'faux' XM16E1 rifles. The real XM16E1 has a partial magazine fence on its' lower receiver, whereas the M16A1 has a full raised rib around the magazine release button).
Error creating thumbnail: File missingM16A1 with 20 round magazine - 5.56x45mm. What distinguishes it from the original M16 was the addition of a raised rib around the magazine release button, changing of the forward Receiver pins, and the addition of the forward assist button on the upper receiver.Error creating thumbnail: File missingM16A1 with 30 round magazine - 5.56x45mmError creating thumbnail: File missingM16A1 with A2 style handguards - 5.56x45mm. Putting the distinctive A2 handguards on the older rifle was a method used by Movie/TV armorers to simulate A2 rifles when M16A1s were the only ones available. The same thing has been done vice-versa, Using M16A2's with A1 handguards for Vietnam War B Movies.
In contrast to the real world M16A2 rifle adopted by the U.S. Military in the early 1980s, most of the A2s seen in movies are A2 'kits' built on A1 full auto lower receivers (or converted A2 style receivers). Most movie "M16A2" rifles have the A1 Birdcage flash hider installed, since Cinematographers want the "starburst" of the Flash to go all the way around, not just divert upwards (as is the case with the correct A2 Flash hider). In the real world, the fully automatic version of the M16A2 is known as the M16A3, however, because nearly all movie "M16A2s" fire full automatic, it is not IMFDB policy to designate these rifles as "M16A3s" when identifying them in movies, since in nearly all cases they are intended to pass for M16A2s.
Also note that some American movies feature M16A1 rifles fitted with M16A2-style handguards, such as Heat and Die Hard 2. An example of such a rifle can be seen in the M16A1 entry above. When identifying M16 variants, please look at the receiver of the rifle in question, not just its handguards, to determine whether it is an A1 or an A2.
Error creating thumbnail: File missingM16A2 Rifle - 5.56x45mm. Select Fire rifle (Safe/Semi/3 round Burst Only).Error creating thumbnail: File missingColt Government Model HBAR, the A2 version of the AR-15 Civilian Rifle - 5.56x45mm (note the lack of a third position for burst mode for the selector switch)
Error creating thumbnail: File missingM16A4 with carry handle attached and standard A2 handguards - 5.56x45mmError creating thumbnail: File missingM16A4 MWS (Modular Weapon System) with KAC M5 railed handguards, AN/PEQ-2 IR designator, KAC RIS foregrip, and Trijicon TA01 4x32 ACOG scope - 5.56x45mm NATO. NOTE: This is the standard USMC style setup.
The A4 is a 3-round burst rifle like the A2. As is the case with the A2 rifle, all movie/TV appearances of the 'flat top' M16 are full auto, not three round burst, since no director wants to see only three rounds fire at a time. So these are, again, A4 uppers built on full auto lower receivers. Despite the fact that the real world A4 is a three round burst rifle, IMFDB will still refer to the movie incarnations as A4s, since that is the rifle they are supposed to represent on film.
Modeled with ejection port, brass deflector, and carry handle fastening nuts on wrong sides, with M203 grenade launcher Hogue pistol grip, and optional EOTech red dot sight & tan furniture
Post-ban version of the AR-15A2 HBAR; it has the bayonet lug deleted and features a barrel that has no threading and therefore cannot accept a muzzle brake or flash hider. A 'Competition' model was also made, incorporating a flat-top upper receiver to allow mounting of various optics. Both versions of the Match Target are available with a permanently attached compensator as a factory option.
Error creating thumbnail: File missingColt Sporter I Carbine - 5.56x45mm. Colt's public offering of a lightweight carbine based on the AR-15 Platform. This rifle has been erroneously called "the M16 Shorty" for years by Law Enforcement and Firearms "authors". The "M16 Shorty" or "Shorty Carbine" have never been authorized or used names for the rifle by Colt or the Government.Error creating thumbnail: File missingColt Sporter I Carbine modified with a 14" barrel to replicate a Model 654, the export model of the Model 653 without forward assist - 5.56x45mmError creating thumbnail: File missingColt Sporter II Carbine with 20 round magazine - 5.56x45mm. Colt model #R-6420. Colt still insisted on using the SP1 style lower receiver so any rifle that looks like this but has the ribbing around the magazine release button is not a Colt rifle. Variants of this rifle have both the round and tear drop forward assist buttons, however, most of the early years of production had the tear drop button, like this rifle in the photo.Error creating thumbnail: File missingColt Sporter II Carbine with 30 round magazine - 5.56x45mm. This is the exact same rifle as above except with a 30 round magazine instead of a 20 round magazine.
This info is incorrect. Speedman's rifle, though a 16" carbine is not either a Sporter I or Sporter II. MoviePropMaster2008 19:54, 11 October 2009 (UTC)
Known as the Colt Model 715 in the United States, the Diemaco C7 is a Canadian license-built version of the M16 that was developed in tandem with the M16A2, but retains the rear sight and the automatic firing mode of the earlier M16A1, with the further addition of a heavier barrel and brass deflector. The original C7 was gradually replaced by the C7A1 in Canadian service during the mid 1990s, eliminating the carrying handle in favor of a Weaver rail system and a 3.5x ELCAN optical sight. The C7A2 is a mid-life upgrade of the C7A1 that adds a 4-position M4-style stock, a new handguard and pistol grip in OD green, and a Triad rail system that allows for the mounting of additional accessories such as RIS foregrips or AN/PEQ-2 laser illumination devices.
NOTE: Diemaco (currently Colt Canada) does not permit sale of their weapons to civilians (including film armorers), so C7s in films is near impossible to see. However, several AR-15 manufacturers built identically-configured rifles with the same receiver style, which were usually marketed as "budget" alternatives to their M16A2 clones. Colt manufactured the Model 715, while Olympic Arms manufactured its own version, the K4B (which is currently sold as the "Plinker Plus 20"). Most of the "C7" rifles appearing in movies and TV shows are the older-model (pre-1994) Olympic Arms K4B rifles; these guns are evidently preferred by the armorers in Vancouver, British Columbia and have been featured on TV shows such as Stargate: SG1, The X-Files, Millennium, and Viper. If the movie or TV show you are watching was filmed in British Columbia, chances are that you're seeing a converted Olympic Arms K4B, and not a genuine C7.
C7A2, with Back-Up Iron Sights, EOTech red dot sight, ELCAN scope, and M203 grenade launcher
2005
Diemaco/Colt Canada C8 Carbine
Colt Canada C8A1 carbine 5.56x45mm with ELCAN scope. Also known as the "C8FT" (Flat-Top)Colt Canada C8A3 carbine 5.56x45mm with ELCAN scope and polymer magazine. Also known as the "C8FTHB" (Flat-Top Heavy Barrel)
Essentially a carbine version of the C7 rifle, the C8 carbine serves the same role in the Canadian Armed Forces as the M4A1 carbine serves in the U.S. military. The original C8 is virtually identical to the Colt Model 653 carbine, while later variants introduced heavier barrels and flat-top upper recievers.
A light machine gun variant of the C7, the LSW features an enlarged gas tube and heavier barrel with a correspondingly larger handguard with a distinctive square profile and detachable carry handle. The weapon is only capable of being fired in fully automatic from an open bolt (hence no need for a forward assist), and features a bipod, vertical grip and modified buffer tube to aid in automatic fire. The weapon was a joint venture between Colt and Diemaco, and is thus the only Canadian variant to feature the A2 rear sights as standard. The original C7 LSW was designed in the 80s and featured a barrel mounted bipod and fixed sights. The weapon was updated to the C7A1 LSW in the 90's, which featured a flattop receiver and a handguard mounted bipod. These two weapons were sold by Colt as the Model 750 and Model 950 respectively and were known as either the "Light Machine Gun" or "Automatic Rifle", however all weapons are actually made by Diemaco/Colt Canada as noted by the maple leaf stamped on the magazine well.
C7A1/Model 950, forward sight and vertical grip removed
2012
M16 with M203 Grenade Launcher
NOTE: In some movies and TV shows, the Cobray 37mm Launcher is used to impersonate the M203. For a list of ways to tell the two launchers apart, visit the Cobray 37mm Launcher page.
Error creating thumbnail: File missingColt Model 609 aka U.S. Army's XM177E1- 5.56x45mm. This Carbine utilized the partial magazine fence, the tear drop forward assist, but kept the 10" barrel and Flash hider/Suppressor that did not have a grenade ring (a later feature on the E2 model).Error creating thumbnail: File missingGAU-5/A aka Colt Model 610 - 5.56x45mm. This is the USAF version and was only used by them. This is NOT the E1 version, which was used almost exclusively by the Army.Error creating thumbnail: File missingXM177E2 Carbine aka Colt Model 629 aka - 5.56x45mm. This was the last variant of the XM177 rifle used in the Vietnam War.Error creating thumbnail: File missingLate 1970s model AR15 Sporter 1 Carbine - converted into an XM177 Lookalike for the film The Dogs of War - 5.56x45mmError creating thumbnail: File missingCommercial CAR-15 semiautomatic Rifle - 5.56x45mm. This is strictly a semiautomatic civilian copy of the XM177 style of rifles. The flash hider is a smaller diameter copy of the XM-177 and has no sound suppression qualities and is permanently welded onto the barrel to make it legal length for over the counter gun store sales.
During the Vietnam War, Colt made several short barreled carbines that were fielded. The Colt Model 607 (a line of carbines that would eventually be called the CAR-15 in the US Market) was designated the XM177 in Vietnam. It had a 10" barrel and a slab side receiver just like the original AR-15s. The Colt Model 609 was designated the XM177E1, where they added a forward assist, upgraded breakdown pin assembly and a chromed chamber (the same modifications made to the A1 upgrade of the M16 rifle). This version was also where they started stamping the receivers "Commando", thus known as the "Colt Commando" back in the States. The Colt Model 610 was a version built for the USAF security forces, and was called the XM177 GAU-5/A or when formally adopted by the US Air Force, 'the GAU-5/A ' (which is why the gun is seen on the show Stargate: SG1 since the USAF used the carbine until recently). The Colt Model 629 was officially designated the XM177E2 having changed the barrel from 10" to 11.5" and slightly changing the flash hider/sound suppressor. This is the version most seen as replica and airsoft guns throughout the world.
The XM177 was adopted by the US Air force during the vietnam war and is still used by the USAF. The XM177E1 and the XM177E2 was adopted by the US Army and is no longer used.
Movie Armorer's note: Since the ATF viewed the flashhider of the XM177 as a 'silencer' due to the sound baffles within the item, it was as strictly controlled as any other silencer. Also the interior design of the flash hider / sound suppressor of the XM177 made it difficult to adapt to fire movie blanks. Thus there are virtually NO real XM177s used in movies. Most of the versions seen in films are modified commercial SP1 Carbines/M16 shorties with 'fake' XM177 flash hiders slipped over or welded to the end of the barrel. Also movie armorers used aftermarket barreled uppers by third party manufacturers and mated them to existing fully automatic lower receivers, thus were constantly swapping parts to build up guns which were requested by movie directors. So it is possible to see various upper receiver assemblies on recognizable M16/A1/A2 lower receivers.
Error creating thumbnail: File missingColt Model 653 "M16A1 Carbine" - 5.56x45mmError creating thumbnail: File missingColt Model 653 "M16A1 Carbine" modified with a 16" barrel - 5.56x45mmError creating thumbnail: File missingColt Model 654 "M16A1 Carbine", the export model of the Model 653 without forward assist - 5.56x45mmError creating thumbnail: File missingColt Model 723 "M16A2 carbine" - 5.56x45mm.Error creating thumbnail: File missingColt Model 727 "M16A2 carbine" - 5.56x45mmError creating thumbnail: File missingColt Model 733 "M16A2 Commando" - 5.56x45mm. Note, the Model 733 does not appear to have a set specification from Colt, and could be found with either an A1, A1E1 or A2 upper receiver, A1 or A2 lower receiver, and a coated aluminium or fiberlite stock. This particular rifle has an A2 lower, an A1E1 upper (forward assist and case deflector with A1 sights as found on Canadian Colts), and a coated aluminium stock.
After 1973 Colt made several lightweight versions of the M16 and Commando rifles for use with Police and Security forces, as well as civilian sales worldwide. It had the features of the XM177 rifle series, including the telescoping stock, but had either a 14.5" or a 16" lightweight barrel, depending on the demands of the customer, whether domestic or foreign. It was NOT correct for Viet Nam, despite what the movie Platoon portrays. Though 'unofficially' called the "M16 Shorty" by some writers and shooters, the 16" barreled lightweight carbine was never adopted formally by the US Military, and thus never had an "M" or "XM" designation. It was used in the U.S. by Federal and local law enforcement. The Model 653 is also the basis for the Diemaco/Colt Canada C8 carbine series (see above).
Colt also made the Model 733, which was a 11.5" barreled version of the Model 653, intended for Tactical police and security work. Later manufactured versions of both guns had A2 style heavy barrels. The Model 723 was a 733 designed for export for the UAE and used by US Delta Force.
What is confusing is that other manufacturers made all sorts of modified short barreled AR-15 rifles for the Police and Civilian markets throughout the years. Colt themselves bastardized so many of their rifles throughout the years, swapping particular uppers with different lowers so that there will always be exceptions to the rule. The explosion of custom and unique looking AR-15 rifles in the 1980s and 1990s has led to a lot of confusion regarding what rifle is in what movie.
The M231 Firing Port Weapon is a stripped-down, bare-bones carbine designed for U.S. Army soldiers riding in the M2 & M3 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. The FPW was designed to allow soldiers being transported to protect the vulnerable flanks and rear of the IFV while still under armor. The weapon is only capable of full-auto fire with no semi-auto mode. Later upgrades to the Bradley blocked the firing ports on the sides of the hull with extra armor, though FPWs are still carried for the two rear ports covering the loading ramp.
The AR-15 (for Armalite Model 15) Carbine is the common name for the widely-owned semi-automatic rifle which soon afterwards became the selective fire M16 and M4 carbine assault rifles, which are currently in use by the United States military. AR-15 was the original name for what became the militarily designated M16, the assault rifle first used by the U.S. in the Vietnam War. The name AR-15 is now used almost exclusively to refer to the semi-automatic (commercially available) civilian version(s) of the M16 and M4 assault rifles.
Standard AR-15 rifles accept detachable magazines of widely varying capacities, and have a pistol grip that protrudes beneath the stock. AR-15 rifles are highly configurable and customizable. They are commonly fitted with several accessories such as bipods, folding or collapsing stocks, threaded barrels for the attachment of a flash suppressor, and a rail system for the attachment of vertical grips, flashlights, laser sights, telescopic sights, etc.
The AR-15 consists of separate upper and lower receiver assemblies, which are attached with two through-pins and can be quickly interchanged with no tools. The upper receiver assembly is simply considered a part, and may be freely purchased and mail-ordered in most locations. This is a very attractive feature for enthusiasts, who often purchase a number of upper receivers (often in different calibers) and interchange them with the same lower receiver. However, one must be thoroughly familiar with firearms laws before doing this as it is possible to make an illegal configuration.
The M4 Carbine is a 14.5" barreled select fire Assault Rifle. It has a distinctive 'step down' in the barrel to allow for mounting the M203 grenade launcher. Many of them in the battlefield are customized with forearm rails (usually holding the AN/PEQ-2 IR designator, a vertical forward grip, sometimes a flashlight, or one of many types of rifle scopes and red-dot or reflex optics). The M4 has three round burst capability, while the M4A1 has full auto fire capability. The very earliest M4s delivered to the U.S. Army had fixed carry handles and were known in Colt's catalog as the Model 777; however, soon after, the military started buying the Model 920, which featured a detachable carry handle, but continued to call these guns "M4s". Contrary to popular misconception, the carry handles on most M4s and M4A1s are detachable, and most of these carbines are used with the carry handle removed, and a folding rear sight and optic being attached to the receiver instead. As far as the procurement program has always been concerned, the burst/auto capability is the only difference between an M4 and M4A1, however, more recently produced M4A1s also have a thicker barrel profile under the handguards along with a heavier buffer to slow the rate of fire, meaning that the weapon is more controllable during fully automatic firing and is less prone to overheating.
What is confusing is that many civilian commercial makers of AR-15 style rifles call their 16" Carbine "The M4". Though there is no rule saying they can't name their gun whatever they want, the official M4 is the version used and originally issued by the U.S. Army and built by Colt. Colt tried to sue other gun makers to stop using the term 'M4' however, it was ruled that M4 refers to a type of firearm and Colt cannot copyright the term.
Seen with various accessories including Aimpoint Mark III, M68 and 5000 red dot sights, AN/PEQ-2 lasers, suppressors, PRR pressel switches, RIS handguards, carry handle mounted gooseneck rails, Cobray CM203 flare launchers and M203 grenade launchers
Can be fitted with carry handle, Aimpoint M68 CCO, Trijicon RX01 Reflex sight, Trijicon TA01NSN 4x32 ACOG scope, Harris bipod, and a KAC QDSS-NT4 suppressor.
Can be fitted with Trijicon RX01 reflex sight, Aimpoint M68 CCO, Trijicon 4x32 ACOG scope, AN/PEQ-2 IR designator (only on night missions), Harris bipod, suppressor, as well as forest, desert, and arctic camo schemes
Can be fitted with folding iron sights, suppressor, Aimpoint red dot sight, ACOG scope, SureFire WeaponLight, AN/PEQ-5 laser module, two types of RIS grips, Masterkey shotgun, and Heckler & Koch M320 grenade launcher
LTG Shepherd Capt. John Price Capt. John "Soap" MacTavish SGT Foley CPL Dunn PFC Joseph Allen PV2 James Ramirez Vladimir Makarov U.S. Army Rangers Task Force 141 operators Ultranationalist terrorist group
M4A1
Default appearance: Fitted with PRI front and A.R.M.S. #40L rear BUISs, A.R.M.S. S.I.R. system, M16A1-style pistol grip.
Optional: Can be fitted with red dot sight, EOTech 551 Holographic sight, Trijicon 4x32 ACOG scope, thermal scope, suppressor, KAC Masterkey, heartbeat sensor, FMJ rounds, and extended magazines.
Default appearance: Fitted with LMT SOPMOD Crane Stock, flip-up BUISs, and KAC railed handguard with KAC rail covers. Optional: Can be fitted with EOTech 552 Holographic sight or Trijicon ACOG scope.
Not usable, seen only on the cover, fitted with Trijicon TA31-RMR 4x32 ACOG scope, AN/PEQ-15 IR designator, SureFire Universal WeaponLight, and a RIS foregrip
Ftted with iron sights and KAC railed handguard with KAC rail covers (default build). Can be fitted with EOTech Holographic sight and Trijicon ACOG scope
SSgt. Henry "Black" Blackburn U.S. Marines Engineer kit
M4A1
Default appearance: Fitted with carry handle, Crane SOPMOD stock, KAC RIS handguard, M16A1-style flash hider, Hogue pistol grip, and a Magpul Ranger Plate.
Optional: Can be fitted with Trijicon RX01 reflex sight, EOTech Holographic sight, Trijicon TA01NSN 4x32 ACOG scope, ELCAN M145 3.4x scope, infrared sight, KAC RIS foregrip, AN/PEQ-2 IR designator, WeaponLight, heavy barrel, and a suppressor.
Capt. John Price Capt. John "Soap" MacTavish MSG "Sandman" SFC "Grinch" SFC "Truck" SGT Derek "Frost" Westbrook U.S. Army soldiers U.S. Delta Force operators Vladimir Makarov (flashback only) Yuri
M4A1
Default appearance: Fitted with Magpul MOE Carbine Stock, customized charging handle, rear and front flip-up BUISs, KAC railed handguard with KAC rail covers, RIS foregrip, M16A1 pistol grip, and a 20-round STANAG magazine with Magpul loop.
Optional: Can be fitted with SureShot reflex sight, EOTech XPS Holographic sight, EOTech MPO III 3x magnifier, Trijicon TA31F 4x32 ACOG scope, thermal scope, suppressor, KAC Masterkey, heartbeat sensor, and extended magazines.
Fitted with AN/PVS-17 NVG sight, Trijicon TA01 4x32 ACOG scope (Episode 1 only), UTG railed handguard with UTG rail covers, and an AN/PEQ-4 IR designator
The Colt Model 933 carbine is similar to the M4 carbine listed above, except with an 11.5" barrel as opposed to the 14.5" barrel on the M4. Aside from that, it has all the same features, including the removable carry handle/rear sight assembly. This has led some people (including Airsoft manufacturers) to nickname it the "M4 Commando" or "M4 CQB", though these are not it's official designations.
With M68 Aimpoint red dot & AN/PVS-17 night vision scopes, Vltor Clubfoot stock, Surefire M900 weaponlight foregrip, AN/PEQ-2 IR designator, and Phantom muzzle brake
Customized with a different flash-hider, a custom gas-block, back up iron sights, RIS handguard with rail covers, a TangoDown BG-16 Battlegrip, a Vltor Modstock, Magpul 5.56x45mm NATO magazine grips, and a Trijicon ACOG TA31RCO-M4CP-like sight
An even shorter-barreled M4 Carbine, it has about a 10.5 inch barrel. The upper receiver, which is used on a regular M4 lower receiver, is designated CQB-R (Close Quarters Battle-Receiver), while the entire weapon system is designated as Mark 18 Mod 0 by the United States Navy. Used by Navy VBSS units, NCIS and Navy SEALs. It is another one of the weapons that fell under the 'M4 Commando' nickname as an airsoft gun.
With Aimpoint M4 red dot sight, Aimpoint 3x Magnifier, Gemtech G5 suppressor, LaRue Tactical 7.0 railed handguard, Yankee Hill Mfg front & rear sights, DPMS Inc. 4-railed Gas Block, and Vltor Modstock
with EOTech Holograhic sight and Beta C-Mag 100 rounds drum magazine
2010
Colt AR-15A2 Government Carbine
A civilian released carbine rifle with a 16" barrel, A2 upper reciever. Designed for law enforcement.
Error creating thumbnail: File missingColt Model R6520 "AR-15A2 Government Carbine" - 5.56x45mmError creating thumbnail: File missingColt Model AR6520 "AR-15A2 Government Carbine" with 20-round magazine - 5.56x45mm.Error creating thumbnail: File missingColt Model R6530 "AR-15A2 Sporter Lightweight" - 5.56x45mm. This rifle is a civilian version of the AR-15A2 Government Carbine, and is identical apart from the addition of a fixed stock and removal of the bayonet lug.
A civilian released carbine rifle with a 16" barrel and a removable carry handle. By designating this rifle as an "A3", much confusion has been made leading people to believe the M16A3 has a removable carry handle as opposed to the M16A4.
Features full-auto fire, four-position collapsible stock, M16A1-style flash hider and pistol grip, KAC RIS handguard, KAC rail cover, KAC foregrip, and lacks the bayonet lug.
2007
Colt Law Enforcement Carbine
The "M4A1" of the civilian world, this rifle has a 16" barrel (as opposed to the M4A1's 14.5") with step-cuts to attach a launcher such as an M203 grenade launcher and the Cobray 37mm Launcher. In films, this gun has been converted to full auto to trick viewers into believing it is an M4A1, earning it the nickname "M4gery".
Many of the guns seen as Colt model guns aren't Colt at all, but the many other manufacturer copies of the M16/AR-15 series of firearms. The most common clones are the guns made by Bushmaster, PWA and Eagle Arms. Though there are now many semi-automatic rifles made by companies like Panther DPMS and others, most of the Movie Prop houses acquired their guns before the 1990s. So only the most common third party manufacturers will be seen. Since it's difficult to determine which maker built the gun, for the sake of simplicity, the rifle variants in movies will be identified by the COLT model they most look like, unless there is clear evidence of a third party manufacturer. Sometimes this is possible via DVD commentary, direct information from the Armorer, or a clear shot of the manufacturer trademarks on the gun in a screenshot.
Bushmaster XM-15 Rifle Series
Error creating thumbnail: File missingThe Bushmaster HBAR Carbine - listed in the Bushmaster Sales catalog as "Bushmaster 16" Heavy Barrel Carbine" - 5.56x45mm
Note the sight arrangement to reduce weight and restriction for confined spaces. Special order weapon system built for Law Enforcement and Government Agencies.
Error creating thumbnail: File missingThe MGC M16 Assault rifle: a non firing metal replica built by the Model Gun Corp of Japan and one of the most used non firing replicas of the M16 in movies and television. The 'forward assist' on the early models like the one imaged here are bolt inserts to keep the receiver together. Modern MGC M16 replicas have improved by third parties over the years (like adding A1 flash hiders) making it more accurate to the real thing making it harder for 'Connoisseurs' to identifyError creating thumbnail: File missingThe MGC M16 Assault rifle: a non firing metal replica built by the Model Gun Corp of Japan. This is a closeup of the receiver and clearly shows how the 'fake' forward assist is actually a connector with allen nut in the back. Removal of this nut separates the upper and lower receivers.Error creating thumbnail: File missingMGC CAR-15 replica assault rifle with 20 round MGC magazine.Error creating thumbnail: File missingThe MGC CAR-15 Assault rifle: Model Gun Corporation's XM177 offering. Interesting enough, MGC called their replica rifle the CAR-15 which was Colt's name for the civilian (non-military designation) rifle, rather than any of the names give by the U.S. Military. This replica rifle was built on the same MGC M16 receiver, however the buttstock was pot metal, not plastic and it did not telescope. Instead the makers of the gun split the difference and locked the non-adjustable stock into the 'half extended/half closed' position. This feature did not enamor replica gun collectors to the weapon and it did not sell well.
Before the advent of inexpensive Airsoft guns there were precious few replica weapons that could be used in productions if they didn't want to have a live firing weapon on set, or for a stunt or if they didn't have the budget to get a real gun (and armorer). Though the U.S. Army had a "rubber duck", i.e. slang for the hard rubber training M16 they used, it was not readily available on demand for the movie prop houses of the 1970s and the 1980s. Thus the metal REPLICA gun was used (those models that were actually available for purchase). Model Gun Corporation of Japan made and built excellent quality metal replica guns between the late 1960s and the early 1980s and the most utilized one was the MGC M16 assault rifle. They were sold in the United States by Collector's Armory, Ltd. (and should not be confused with the inferior quality zinc-pot metal replicas currently coming in from Spain). There is also the MGC XM177 Commando carbine variant (listed in the catalog as the CAR-15), which is basically the same as above but with a non-retractable stock for imitation purposes.
If you've seen a movie with M16s in it, chances are you've seen many replicas of the rifle on camera.
In the following, the use of a metal replica M16 was (painfully) obvious:
Apocalypse Now : mounted on the PBR boat, shot up by tracer rounds.
Full Metal Jacket : the MGC M16 was visible being held by all soldiers who carried the M16. Only when they were firing on screen, did it switch to a live version of the weapon.
Hamburger Hill : used by background Airborne Soldiers during a medical Evac.
The Spy Who Loved Me : used by the British/Russian/US Navy Sailors during the gun battle on the Liparus.
Commando : Used by bad guys who kidnap Matrix and hold their M16s on him.
Uncommon Valor : in any of the armory scenes or flashback scenes of soldiers not firing their M16s, the MGC M16 is evident. Also the CAR-15 replica is heavily used by the LRRP teams in the beginning of the film.
First Blood : the Army National Guardsmen are seen holding many MGC M16 rifles. Only when an actor fired, did the weapon change to a real weapon.
Rambo: First Blood Part II : seen in the weapons hold of the pirate boat used to smuggle Rambo up river.
Hulk : when the Hulk explodes out of the ground on Powell Street in San Francisco, many of the U.S. Army Soldiers were carrying MGC-16 replica rifles (in addition to real AR15-A2 rifles). One of the soldiers holding the fake rifle has a closeup in one of the 'split screen' shots of their reaction to the Hulk.
The Final Countdown : used by Marines on the deck of the Nimitz in scenes where there is no firing.
Barb Wire : outfitted with ill fitting 30 round magazines, A2 handguards and A1 birdcage flash hiders, held by Congressionals.
Dragon Wars: D-War : outfitted with ill fitting 30 round magazines, A2 handguards and A1 birdcage flash hiders, used by background U.S. Army troops defending Los Angeles.
Ghostbusters : some of the Army National Guard soldiers near the climax can be seen with these weapons fitted with A1-style flash hiders, supplimenting real M16A1's.
An L.A.P.D. SWAT officer in Bandits (fitted with A2-style handguards)
Error creating thumbnail: File missingArmi-Jager AP15 rifle - .22 LR. The AP -15 has a slab side receiver and a tiny ejection port (for the .22 brass) and a birdcage flash hider. The AP74 has a three prong flash hider.Error creating thumbnail: File missingAdler-Jager AP74 rifle - .22 LR. Note the sharply angled three prong flash hider and the forward assist, which differentiate it from the AP15.
Adler-Jager AP-74/Armi-Jager AP-15
Made in Italy and imported by Mitchell Arms (during the 1970s and early 1980s), these M16 clones were chambered for .22 LR and looked very similar to the M16 or M16A1 rifles. The dummy "20 round magazine" was a solid part of the lower receiver. A small .22LR magazine was inserted into the bottom of the dummy magazine. They were used sometimes in films due to budgetary reasons, since low budget films (especially in the 1970s and 80s) could pick up a .22LR M16 clone for less than a real AR-15. There were .22LR guns imported into the U.S. with either Armi-Jager or Adler-Jager markings (but the Armi-Jager was most common), so both names are correct.
Armscor (out of the Philippines) made another .22LR clone rifle, the Armscor M16 22, however this rifle looked even less like a real M16 and was rarely (if ever) used in a film to impersonate an M16 rifle.
Due to popular demand for .22LR versions, a number of manufacturers have produced such models for the civilian market, predominantly for plinking and varmint hunting. Smith & Wesson are offering the MP15-22, a realistic semi-auto copy with 25 rounds capacity that can be equipped with many accessories due to the Picatinny rails.
Knight's Armament SR-25 - Firearm that uses the AR-10 (and by extension the M16) as the base of its' design, sometimes mistaken for the Mk 12 Special Purpose Rifle.
