The most interesting thing about the current
U.S. Army assault rifle is who designed it.

America's Colt Manufacturing Co. makes it, but pays a royalty to
Fabrique Nationale Manufacturing Inc. (A.K.A. FN Herstal).

FN Herstal is one of the most notorious gun-runners in the world.

They specialize in selling weapons to corrupt dictatorships
and the rebels who fight against them.

It's all part of the continuing effort to standardize
NATO weaponry, that has proved so disastrous in the past.

The M16A2 resembles its predecessor the M-16A1.

The barrel is rifled, and heavier, with a 1 in 7 twist,
to fire NATO's standard SS 109 (M855) type ammunition,
which is also used by the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW).

The SS 109 has about twice the range range
and penetration of the older .223 cal. cartridge.
But, the M16A2 can still fire the old cartridge.