The Springfield Armory SA-16A2 5.56x45mm semi-automatic rifle, launched on the US market on April 30, is a faithful replica of one of the most fascinating retro incarnations of the AR-15 platform: the M16-A2 service rifle adopted by the US Marine Corps in 1983 and by US Army in 1986.

Offering features such as a three-rounds burst trigger group, a ribbed handguard and a Government-profile 20-inch barrel with a 1:7" twist rate to properly stabilize the 5.56x45mm M855/SS109 62-grains bullet standardized by NATO in 1980, the M16-A2 quickly became an icon of the American military culture of the late Cold War era and the end of the 20th Century.

Springfield Armory's SA-16A2 offers all the signature features of the M16-A2 in a civilian-grade package, with an A2-style front sight Delta tower, front and rear sling swivels, a bayonet lug, a fixed carrying handle with built-in fully adjustable rear sight, a Birdcage-style flash hider and fixed stock with storage space.

Both receivers are, of course, forged out of 7075-T6 lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, with black Type III MIL-SPEC hard anodization; Springfield Armory's own Accu-Tite system allows shooters to manually adjust the coupling tensions and excise any play from between the upper and lower receivers for optimized accuracy.

The Springfield Armory SA-16A2 comes with an M16-pattern bolt carrier group, with a Carpenter 158 steel bolt and staked gas key for enhanced strength and performance. High-pressure tested and magnetic particle inspected (HPT/MPI), it ensures consistent performance and durability. Additionally, its phosphate exterior and hard chrome lined interior provide protection for a lifetime of service.

Additionally, the SA-16A2 is compatible with all USGI magazines and offers a plethora of additionalm typical M16-A2 features such as a grooved pistol grip; a MIL-SPEC trigger group, safety and trigger guard; a fenced magazine release catch; a prominent brass deflector behind the ejection window; and a round forward assist button.

Standing at approximately 1 meter (39.5") in overall length, with a 20-inch 4150 CMV chrome-lined barrel, and weighing in at 3,4 kilograms (7 lbs 8 oz) when empty, the Springfield Armory SA-16A2 semi-automatic rifle is sold at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $1,249.00 on the US market.

For information concerning availability and pricing of the SA-16A2 rifle outside of the United States, consult the authorized Springfield Armory distributor for your Country.