File talk:M16-SP1-30Mag.jpg

An M16 is not "Also Known As" an AR-15 SP1.

Colt's SP1 is an AR-15. The Military's M16 is an AR-15. They have a short list of noticeable differences (beyond that the SP1 was always or almost always limited to semi-automatic fire).

Perhaps the most significant difference between them is the incompatibility caused by the front pivot (take-down) pin. In the M16 (as well as with most other AR-15's a person will encounter) it is the same diameter as the rear take-down pin and is also captive like the rear pin (not easily, or normally removed from the rifle). The SP1 was intentionally given a larger diameter pivot pin, which required tools to remove, discouraging the separation of the upper and lower halves of the rifle. The difference is readily apparent, as the SP1's pivot pin appears to be a large screw with heads visible on either side.

The forward assist was absent from Colt's SP1's also, but it didn't appear on military rifles either until the XM-16E1, which later became the M16A1.

The rifle pictured here is most certainly Colt's AR-15 SP1.

One more thing: "This version has a 30 round magazine" makes it sound like different versions of the AR-15 accept different magazines. The magazines are (with the exception of possible unintentional variations by various manufacturers) interchangeable amongst AR-15's. It would be better to state "this example has a 30 round magazine."

140.146.30.103 17:56, 7 September 2010 (UTC)