Classic Army XM16E1 / M16A1 AEG

The XM16E1 / M16A1 is the rifle people picture when they think of an assault rifle, and for good reason. This iconic platform is the direct ancestor of the M4A1 and earned its reputation in some of the harshest environments imaginable. From service with the US Army and Marine Corps during the Vietnam War to later use by the SAS and Royal Marine Commandos in the Falklands, this rifle’s legacy is inseparable from jungle and expeditionary warfare.

Starting at the muzzle, the rifle is fitted with a period-correct XM16E1 three-prong flash hider, mounted on standard 14mm CCW male threads. It looks perfect straight out of the box, but the common threading also allows you to fit a tracer unit or suppressor if desired.

Moving rearwards along the ultra-slim 20-inch pencil-profile outer barrel, we reach the classic front sight and gas block assembly. This includes the adjustable front sight post, bayonet lug, and front sling point. Elevation is adjusted at the front sight, while windage is handled at the rear, exactly as on the real rifle. The bayonet lug is compatible with rubber dummy bayonets, making this an excellent choice for immersive Cold War or Vietnam-era Airsoft loadouts. The front sling point pairs with the rear-mounted sling point on the stock for use with a traditional two-point sling, ideal for long patrol-style games.

Behind the front sight sits the instantly recognisable triangular M16A1 handguard, completing the rifle’s authentic early-Vietnam appearance. These handguards are surprisingly ergonomic, with a gentle taper that allows multiple comfortable grip positions. Through the top vents, you can see a realistic dummy gas tube running all the way back to the receiver, further enhancing the realism.

The receiver set is fully period-correct for the M16A1. Finished in gunmetal grey to match the real rifle, the lower receiver is an A1 fully fenced type, featuring the correct lack of reinforcement around the front receiver pinhole and a full magazine release fence. These small details give the rifle its unmistakable early-AR profile.

The fire selector is located on the left side, falling naturally under the thumb when taking a firing grip. Period-correct “SAFE – SEMI – AUTO” markings are machined into both sides of the receiver. On the right side, the magazine release is protected by the integral magazine catch fence, helping prevent accidental mag drops when moving through dense undergrowth or webbing-heavy loadouts.

The upper receiver is an A1 type, featuring a fixed carry handle with A1 aperture iron sights, a teardrop forward assist, and no brass deflector, exactly as it should be for an authentic M16A1 replica. The charging handle sits at the rear of the receiver and, when pulled back, provides access to the rotary adjustable hop-up via the ejection port.

The hop-up allows fine-tuning for your preferred BB weight, letting you achieve a flat, consistent trajectory, ideal for long sightlines through woodland and jungle terrain. Once adjusted, releasing the charging handle returns the mock bolt to its correct forward position.

The pistol grip is an A1 type, with classic checkering on both sides and no finger groove, offering a comfortable grip shape favoured by many over later A2 designs. A heat-sink motor base plate helps manage motor temperature during extended use. A unique serial number is located on the left side of the lower receiver, aiding identification and theft prevention in the safe zone.

At the rear, the rifle is fitted with a fixed M16A1 stock, constructed from high-density polymer. A rear sling point on the underside pairs perfectly with the front sling mount for a traditional two-point setup. The stock also houses a quick-access battery compartment with a textured butt plate for added shoulder grip. Simply slide the butt plate downward to remove it and access the Tamiya battery connector inside.

If you’re looking for a lightweight, long-range platform purpose-built for woodland and jungle Airsoft, the XM16E1 is hard to beat. Designed for patrols through dense foliage rather than mounting modern accessories, this rifle rewards a stripped-back approach. Leave the optics and excess kit behind and embrace a fast-handling, long-barrelled primary that captures the spirit, and unmistakable looks, of the rifle that defined jungle warfare.

Features

• Full metal construction
• 6.03mm Tightbore inner barrel - Great accuracy potential
• 14mm CCW Male threaded outer barrel - Tracer/suppressor ready
• Alloy XM16E1 three-prong flash hider - Authentic looks, matches the real M16A1 perfectly
• 20-inch Pencil profile outer barrel - Alloy construction, super light and fast to point
• M16A1 Triangular handguards - Comfortable and realistic, iconic M16A1 styling
• Slip ring handguard attachment method - Compatible with aftermarket Delta ring/slip ring handguards
• Sling point on the front sight - Pair it with the rear sling point on the stock to mount a two-point sling
• "A1" Style receiver - Fixed "A1" carry handle, teardrop forward assist, no brass deflector, fenced mag catch
• Ghost ring iron sights - Front sight adjustable for elevation, rear sight windage adjustable
• Compatible with 20mm Picatinny rail mounts for fixed carry handles
• Rotary adjustable HOP-up unit - Alloy construction, accessible with the charging handle pulled back
• "A1" Style textured pistol grip - Accurate to the real M16A1, more comfortable than the "A2" for most users
• Fixed "A1" rifle stock - Sling point on the bottom, loads of room for a big battery inside
• Easy access battery compartment - Slide the butt plate down
• Compatible with  M4/AR-15 AEG magazines

Package Includes

• Classic Army XM16E1 / M16A1 AEG
• 200rnd High-capacity magazine