Colt M16A1 HBAR


CAR-15 Heavy Assault Rifle


Overview

M16A1 HBAR

Right side view of M16A1 HBAR light support weapon with heavier barrel and bipod.
Source: Unknown author - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin
United States
Type
Light machine gun
Entered service
Mid 1960's
Status
Limited service
Development
1960's
Developer
United States - Colt
Philippines - Elisco Tool and Manufacturing
Production
1960's - 1970's?
Producer
United States - Colt
Designations
CAR-15 Heavy Assault Rifle M1
Colt Automatic Rifle
HBAR / Heavy Barrel Automatic Rifle

Description

The M16A1 HB is a light machine gun of US origin. Early models were designated CAR-15 Heavy Assault Rifle. These were produced in small numbers in the early 1960's. They were part of the CAR-15 family, running from sub machine gun to light machine gun.

The HBAR models that were adopted for military use are based on export models of the M16A1 rifle. These have only minor modifications, including heavier barrel and a bipod. Nearly all of these were produced for export sales alongside the M16A1 assault rifle. Various nations acquired small quantities.

There are also HBAR models of the M16A1 series with heavier barrel for civilian sales and target shooting. These do not have a bipod and are semi-automatic only.

Variants of the Heavy Barrel Automatic Rifle

CAR-15 Heavy Assault Rifle R606
Light support weapon based on very early M16 with three prong flash hider and no forward assist.
CAR-15 Heavy Assault Rifle R606A
Similar to the R606, but adds a forward assist.
CAR-15 Heavy Assault Rifle R606B
Heavy Assault Rifle with forward assist and 0-F-1-3 four position trigger group.
M16A1 HBAR R611
Export model of the R606 that has all the features as found on the M16A1, including forward assist.
M16A1 HBAR R616
Export model of the R606, similar to R611, but without forward assist.
M16A1 HBAR R621
Export model of the HBAR, with forward assist and firing from the closed bolt position.

Details

Facts M16A1 HB
General
Origin
United States
Type
Light machine gun
Caliber
Caliber
5.56x45mm M193
Feed system
20 or 30 round detachable box
Barrel length
508 mm
Rifling
6 grooves, right hand 305mm twist
Muzzle velocity
991 m/s
Operation
Action
Gas operated, direct impingement
Locking
Rotating bolt
Fire selector
0 - 1 - F
Rate of fire
650 - 750 rpm
Dimensions
Stock type
Fixed
Length
986 mm
Weight
3.4 kg empty
Sights
Mechanical
Iron sights, flip aperture
Sight radius
0.5 m
Accessories
Bipod
Yes

Related articles

Colt M16A1

The M16A1 HBAR is a light machine gun variant of the M16A1 series of assault rifles. Both firearms are very similar, only to be distinguished at a glance by the bipod on the HBAR models.

Read more about Colt M16A1