Key Points – The M16 rifle’s introduction during the Vietnam War was deeply controversial despite its “on-paper” advantages over the M14—lighter weight, higher ammunition capacity, and ...

The M16’s predecessor in U.S. military service, the 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 caliber) M14, had become the standard-issue rifle back in 1959, except for the U.S. Air Force Air Police/Security Police ...