The new SA-16A2 is not a member of the company's Saint series of modern black rifles, but instead stands alone as a new entry in Springer's catalog for 2024. Teased at SHOT Show piece.
First off, the SA-16A2 seems to be right from the circa 1985-2000 period where the M16A2 reigned supreme in U.S. Army service, sandwiched between the older Vietnam-era M16A1 and the newer sandbox-familiar M4. Fielded during the Reagan-era Cold War twilight, it entered service alongside early PASGT Kevlar helmets and vests, the M9 bayonet, the Humvee, and the M1 Abrams/M2 Bradley tracks.
An 82nd Airborne Division radio operator holding an M16A2 rifle kneels near an M998 high mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicle during Operation Golden Pheasant, in March 1988. Note the M9 bayonet on his web gear. (Photo: U.S. Army/NARA 30-CFD-DA-SC-89-11605)
Sure, American depots are no doubt still packed with these guns, but they have been increasingly rare post-9/11. With the rifle largely phased out of frontline service some 20-25 years ago, the design has now passed into throwback territory and Springfield is here to scratch the itch for those wanting a legit carry handle AR with a full 20-inch barrel.
The SA-16A2 runs forged 7075 T6 aluminum receivers, a 20-inch chrome lined barrel, round handguards, a full-length fixed stock, and a fixed A2 carry handle.
The carry handle includes an integrated rear sight that is adjustable for windage and elevation along with a dual adjustments
The lower receiver features "Government Property" rollmarks as well as a non-functional "Burst" selector marking in an ode to the M16A2.
The GI-style round, ribbed handguard of the SA-16A2 includes integral aluminum heat shields.
Speaking to the barrel, it runs a full 20 inches in length, is chrome-lined with a 1:7” twist, and uses M4 feed ramps as well as a rifle-length gas system with an F-height block.
When it comes to the bolt carrier group, the SA-16A2 features an M16-pattern BCG, with a Carpenter 158 steel bolt and staked gas key. It is high-pressure tested and magnetic particle inspected (HPT/MPI). Besides Springfield Armory's logo, it has a phosphate exterior with a hard chrome-lined interior.
The A2-pattern front sight assembly includes a functional bayonet lug (we tested with an M7 and M9) and a sling swivel.
As expected, it rocks a true A2-pattern “birdcage” flash hider with no slots at the lower 6 o’clock position to aid when shooting in a prone position.
The GI-style A2-pattern fixed buttstock, the latter with an integrated trapdoor storage compartment that stands ready for a cleaning kit, or Skittles. It also has a fixed sling swivel.
The hollow GI pistol grip, mil-spec trigger, and standard charging handle are right out of the ZZ Top era.
A single aluminum-bodied 30-round magazine is included with each rifle, but we have tested it with several other models without issue.
The SA-16A2 ships complete with a nice rifle bag that includes a three-cell mag
In initial testing, 1000 rounds were used through the SA-16A2 with no issues, mostly Federal American Eagle 55-grain FMJ with no jams, misfeeds, hang fires, or misfires.
The SA-16A2 has some upgrades to enhance performance that the 1980s M16A2 never did, including an Accu-Tite tensioning system to cut down on the slop between the upper and lower receivers and M4 feed ramps.
On our way to a full 2,000-round review, we have put about half the rounds through the SA-16A2 thus far, using several different magazine styles and factory loads, and have had no issues to report. Ejection has run in the 3 o'clock to 4:30 range relative to the user, which is generally seen as perfect, and felt recoil, befitting a 20-inch AR with a rifle-length gas system, has been mild.
Check the below with the included aluminum mag, followed by a beat-up Magpul banana, each loaded with a few dissimilar rounds.
The concept behind the gun, as noted by Steve Kramer, Springfield's VP of Marketing, is that "The SA-16A2 takes what made the A2 upgrade of the M16 rifle so great and adds some subtle — but significant — enhancements for today’s shooters. If you want a rifle that exudes classic appeal yet delivers modern performance, the SA-16A2 is the right choice."
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