Which characteristic describes the M-16A4?

Which characteristic describes the M-16A4?

• A. Gas-operated
• B. Recoil-operated
• C. Bolt-action
• D. Manual-feed

Answer: (A)

The main concept is how the rifle’s action is powered to cycle rounds after each shot. A gas-operated mechanism uses propellant gas from the fired cartridge to drive the action. The M16A4 employs a direct-impingement gas system, where some of the gas is directed back into the receiver to push the bolt carrier rearward, which cycles the action, ejects the spent case, and chambers the next round. This is different from recoil-operated systems, where the barrel and bolt ride rearward together, and from bolt-action or manual-feed designs, which require the shooter to manually cycle or feed each round. So the characteristic that fits is gas-operated.

The main concept is how the rifle’s action is powered to cycle rounds after each shot. A gas-operated mechanism uses propellant gas from the fired cartridge to drive the action. The M16A4 employs a direct-impingement gas system, where some of the gas is directed back into the receiver to push the bolt carrier rearward, which cycles the action, ejects the spent case, and chambers the next round. This is different from recoil-operated systems, where the barrel and bolt ride rearward together, and from bolt-action or manual-feed designs, which require the shooter to manually cycle or feed each round. So the characteristic that fits is gas-operated.