First Look: Springfield Armory SA-16A2

by Tommy Grant

Springfield Armory has just released the SA-16A2, a faithful yet enhanced clone of the iconic M16A2.

The past few years have seen retro AR-15s come back in a big way, with several manufacturers taking a stab at the new demand for old-school, military-inspired clones. The latest company to throw its hat in the ring is Springfield Armory with the new SA-16A2, a 5.56 NATO rifle inspired by the U.S. Military’s iconic M16A2.

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The Springfield Armory SA-16A2 features a forged 7075 T6 aluminum A2-style upper receiver, boasting the iconic carry handle with an integrated rear sight. Like a proper A2-style upper, the rear sight features two sizes of aperture and is adjustable for both windage and elevation. Also made of forged 7075 T6 aluminum, the lower has “Property Of U.S. Government” receiver markings as well as SAFE/SEMI/BURST selector markings (the burst setting, of course, is nonfunctional). One feature that’s not clone-accurate is the addition of Springfield’s Accu-Tite tensioning system that eliminates movement between the two receiver halves. An invisible, but welcome addition.

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Naturally, the SA-16A2 is sporting a 20-inch barrel with a 1:7 twist, and it’s chrome-lined as well. Covering the rifle-length gas system are the correct round polymer handguards that feature an integrated aluminum heat shield. As for the BCG, it has a hard chrome lined interior with a mil-spec phosphate exterior. Made of Carpenter 158 steel, each one is also high-pressure tested and magnetic particle inspected. The other features are also what one would expect from an M16A2 clone, including a bayonet lug, an A2 birdcage flash hider and a fixed A2-length buttstock with a trapdoor storage compartment. Each gun also ships with one aluminum 30-round magazine and a rifle case.

Steve Kramer, Vice President of Marketing for Springfield Armory, said this about the new rifle:

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.

The SA-16A2 is available now and MSRP is $1,249.

  • Springfield Armory SA-16A2 SPECS:
  • Caliber: 5.56 NATO
  • Barrel: 20 Inches, 4150 CMV, Chrome Lined, 1:7 Twist
  • Sights: A2
  • Finish: Type III Hardcoat Anodized Upper & Lower, Black
  • Trigger: Mil-Spec
  • Overall Length: 39.5 Inches
  • Weight: 7.5 Pounds
  • Capacity: 30+1 (Uses standard AR-15 mags)
  • MSRP: $1,249

For more information, visit springfield-armory.com.


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