Editing M16 rifle (section)

===Recoil===
{{blockquote|The (M16's) Stoner system provides a very symmetric design that allows straight-line movement of the operating components. This allows recoil forces to drive straight to the rear. Instead of connecting or other mechanical parts driving the system, high-pressure gas performs this function, reducing the weight of moving parts and the rifle as a whole.{{sfnp|''Armalite''|2010}} }}
The M16 uses a "straight-line" recoil design, where the recoil spring is located in the stock directly behind the action,{{sfnp|Ezell|Pegg|Smith|Smith|1993|pp=746–762}} and serves the dual function of operating spring and recoil buffer.{{sfnp|Ezell|Pegg|Smith|Smith|1993|pp=746–762}} The stock being in line with the bore also reduces muzzle rise, especially during automatic fire. Because recoil does not significantly shift the point of aim, faster follow-up shots are possible and user fatigue is reduced. In addition, current model M16 flash-suppressors also act as compensators to reduce recoil further.{{sfnp|Meehan|1985|p=32}}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto; text-align:center; width:350px;"
|-
! colspan=2 |Free recoil{{sfnp|''KS, Recoil Calculator''}}
|-
!
! M16
|-
|'''Momentum'''
| style=|40.4&nbsp;lb-ft/s
|-
|'''Velocity'''
| style=|{{convert|5.1|ft/s|m/s|abbr=on}}
|-
|'''Energy'''
| style=|{{convert|3.2|ftlb|J|abbr=on|adj=off}}
|}
Notes: Free recoil is calculated by using the rifle weight, bullet weight, muzzle velocity, and charge weight.{{sfnp|''KS, Recoil Calculator''}} It is that which would be measured if the rifle were fired suspended from strings, free to recoil.{{sfnp|''KS, Recoil Calculator''}} A rifle's perceived recoil is also dependent on many other factors which are not readily quantified.{{sfnp|''KS, Recoil Calculator''}}