Military Variants on the M-16's?

[Indydrew]

I recently built an AR-15 just to see if I could. I did my research and checked out all the parts and upgrades and was amazed at the vast array of options for barrels and such I found for civilian versions.

I wanted to ask if the military M-16's have a similar array of options? (i.e. do they have a part number of an M-16 with a 20" barrel or are the standard across the board)? I understand the attachments that can be mounted, etc. But is everyone issued the same version of the M-16 or are there variants?

If any of you military folks have a second to jot down an answer just to satisfy my curiosity - it would be appreciated.

Thanks,

-Drew

 

[TD12]

There are different barrels and calibers for different jobs. Most carry identical weapons, however yes there are different variants.

 

[Kirk Freeman]

Are you speaking of the different variants that are carried by the militaries of different nations (Canada, Netherlands, UK, etc.) or inside our own military?

Canadian (C7, C8) variants: Colt Canada C7 rifle - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Indydrew]

Was referring to US military...I just wondered if the variety in the civilian world carried over.

Curiosity satisfied.

Thanks,

-Drew

 

[cook5oh]

There is some variety but not nearly as much as in the civilian world. In basic training we all got M-16's to practice on. Mostly old worn out ones that didnt work most of the time. After basic most will go to the M-4 typically. I remember there being different brands but the configuration was mostly identical. The only real variants I can think of was NVG's on some.

 

[Echelon]

Besides the large number of variants, there are tons of mods and optics options, not including an unofficial changes done in the field.

Good reading:
M16 rifle - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
M4 carbine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[ScouT6a]

Very few variants in the Army now. Most carry M4's. Some in the rear with the gear units still carry M16A2's. Coolest one I ever played with I found tucked away in a safe in the back of an out of the way arms room. It was stamped Colt AR-15 XM16 E1.

 

[Indydrew]

Thanks for the info guys as well as your service...carry on. :-)

- Drew