Maybe not the first AR, but certainly the one that kicked things off in the public eye. The M16VN is today considered one of the classic keystones of modern assault rifles, but back then it was practically space age with it's polymers, pistol grip and brand new intermediate round. It was smaller and lighter than a battle rifle, 50% more ammo capacity, a controllable automatic rate of fire and made of metal and plastic, it was far quicker to manufacture than the m14 preceding it.
Today just like it's real steel counterpart, the M16 family dominates the airsoft scene and while it's nice to see the cutting edge variants with tactical accessories and modifications, sometimes it's nice to go back to basics.
World War Two?
No, not that basic, but Vietnam themed games of course revolve around VC with AKs and GIs with M16s. While VC forces do have a GBB AK option, it's sadly rather more obscure but at least we are happy to say that the GIs have this high end option.
While AEGs are fine, GBBRs have a retro charm grounding their feel and flavor with their real steel origins. and this M16VN is no exception
Using a Prime fully CNCd Receiver, it features the correct slab sided magwell and the correct absence of forward assist and shell deflector, making this a true VN era M16. The furniture predates the whole modern era of firearm ergonomics and lacks the refinements of more contemporary weapons but features such as the pistol grip, it's diamond grip pattern on the grip and the ridged buttpad all to increase grip for better operation. The early era triangular hand guard was an attempt to fold in ergonomic grip, structurally sound design and decent thermal venting and while historically we can say in hindsight it wasn't that effective, but all the same they are hallmarks of this new trend who's new approach to design direction would be seen in every contemporary weapon built since,
Replicating all these features creates a faithful nod to history and this recreation is packaged with the rock and roll experience of it's WA style gas blowback system complete with functioning bolt, bolt catch, charging handle, trigger group, buffer tube, groovy soundtrack and rockin' kicks.
