Developed in the early 1980s, the M16A2's parameters were mostly driven by requests made by the United States Marine Corps. These requests included alterations to the stock and forearm, integration of an adjustable rear sight, closing off the bottom of the birdcage pattern flash hider, and swapping out the full auto fire mode for a three round burst mode. Intended to discourage "spray and pray" behavior, the burst mode was considered a good compromise between the desire to conserve ammo while retaining the increased hit probability and firepower of an automatic weapon. While a signature weapon of the U.S. armed forces through the end of the Cold War and up to the War on Terror, the window for NFA registration of these rifles was very narrow. Adjustable post front and peep rear sights, with the A2 flash hider on a "C MP 5.56 NATO 1/7" marked HBAR profile barrel with a bayonet lug and round handguard. "C/M" is cast into the carry handle, with a round button style forward assist and casing deflector integrated into the upper, and the lower marked with a "DoD Eagle" paint mark on the front of the magazine well, "(Rampant Colt)/PROPERTY/OF U.S. GOVT./M16A2/CAL. 5.56 M.M./6245133" on the left side of the well, and the four-line Colt's Firearms Division address next to the right handed "SAFE/SEMI/BURST" selector switch. Fitted with a checkered pistol grip and a fixed buttstock with trapdoor compartment. A shipping box is included, along with a sling and an assortment of cleaning tools.

Excellent plus, near new, with 99% plus original matte black phosphate finish, showing some superficial handling marks. The item is attributed by the consignor as completely unfired, and while this statement can not be guaranteed the lack of cycling wear on the carrier or "chatter" on the bolt face certainly lends credence to the claim. NOTE: This weapon is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478. Provenance: The Corner Stone Collection.