Part 15

Battlefield Hardline guide to the M16A3, M416, and AKM. Learn their stats, unlocks, and damage profiles.

M16A3

The M16A3 boasts a high damage profile, achieving a four-hit kill out to 46 meters and a six-hit kill at longer ranges. It also features the highest muzzle velocity in its category. While its vertical and horizontal recoil are only slightly higher than the L85, its first-shot recoil multiplier delivers a larger kick, and it has a significantly slower recoil recovery rate. The M16 comes equipped with the vertical grip (a type of attachment that can be added to weapons).

Patched: Several stat changes were applied on PC on the final day of the beta in February 2015. For the M16A3, the vertical recoil and horizontal right recoil were increased significantly, and the spread increase per shot (SIPS) specifically for stationary standing hipfire (firing from the hip without aiming down sights) was also increased. In the Criminal Activity update on June 16, the M16 and M416 both received increases to horizontal recoil and SIPS. Additionally, the M16 had its spread recovery rate nerfed.

Trivia: The M16 is the US military version of the semi-auto ArmaLite AR15, designed by Eugene Stoner. It was adopted as the US service rifle in the 60's, replacing the M14 during the Vietnam War. The M16A1 addressed field issues and had semi-auto and full auto modes. The M16A2, introduced in the 80's, featured semi-auto and burst modes. The M16A3 was an 80's era A2 variant with the full auto option of the 60's A1, but it is not widely used. The current model is the M16A4 with semi-auto and burst modes, full quad rails on the handguard, and a removable carrying handle, serving as the standard infantry rifle of the US Marine Corps. In October 2015, it was confirmed that the USMC will be replacing the M16 with the M4 carbine.

M416

Ammo: 5.56x45mm Capacity: 30+1 Fire-rate: 850 RPM Reload: 2.21 secs

Unlocks: $43,800 (criminals) / get 1,250 kills with it and buy license (cops)

The M416 is quite similar to the police's M16A3. It fires 50 RPM faster, but in return, it has slightly more vertical recoil and a larger spread increase per shot. The recoil multiplier is a bit lower, though, and reloads are marginally faster. The M416 comes equipped with the Comp M4s sight.

Patched: Several stat changes were applied on PC on the final day of the beta in February 2015. For the M416, vertical recoil was increased by around 60%, and recoil recovery was reduced, but horizontal recoil (left and right) was also reduced. Following the February beta, the M416 assault rifle was moved to the criminals, and the G36C carbine was moved to the cops. Previously, the cops faction had both the M416 and the M16A3. In the Criminal Activity update on June 16, the M16 and M416 both received increases to horizontal recoil and SIPS.

Trivia: The M416 is produced by HK and is correctly known as the HK416. It was designed as an improved version of the M4 carbine, but Colt took issue with the use of their trademarked name, so it was labeled HK416. The major design difference compared to the M4 is the incorporation of the gas piston system from HK's G36 assault rifle. The HK416 was adopted by the Norwegian military in 2008 and confirmed as the replacement for the FAMAS in French service in 2016. It is also used by numerous special forces units. The latest model is the HK416A5. In early 2017, HK unveiled their new HK433 assault rifle.

AKM

Ammo: 7.62x39mm Capacity: 30+1 Fire-rate: 600 RPM Reload: 2.65 secs

Unlocks: $12,000 (criminals) / get 1,250 kills with it and buy license (cops)

The AKM offers a heavier alternative to the M416 in the base game. Its 7.62mm Soviet load gives a max damage of 36 and a min damage of 24, resulting in a three-hit kill to 34 meters, a four-hit kill to 48 meters, and a five-hit kill at the longest ranges.