First Look: Springfield Armory SA16-A2 5.56 NATO – Retro Perfection?

The internet is abuzz with the news that Springfield Armory has finally provided more details to their “Easter Egg” from SHOT Show 2024. Springfield Armory has announced their first foray into building retro clones from days long ago with the new SA16-A2 5.56x45mm NATO rifle. The Springfield Armory SA16-A2 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 REM) retro, clone rifle is meant to be as correct as a “clone collector” might desire with a few minuscule, upgrade differences that even the most discerning shooter wouldn’t mind. Today, we are going to walk through this rifle from front-to-back and side-to-side with our first impressions so you can have the best perspective possible as to whether you may want to add one of these to your collection or not. Let’s dive in!

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Specifications – Springfield Armory SA16-A2 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 REM)

The new Springfield Armory SA16-A2 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 REM) retro, clone rifle has an MSRP of $1,249 placing it in similar territory to other retro, clone rifles currently on the market today. From the exterior, this looks to be a perfect clone rifle, but just how perfect is it? Let’s dive down the rabbit hole of all of the specifications and components that Springfield Armory has poured into the build of this rifle:

Cartridge: 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 REM)
Barrel: 20″ 4150 CMV, Chrome Lined, 1:7
Sights: A2
Upper Receiver: Forged 7075 T6 Aluminum, Type III Hardcoat Anodized, Forward Assist, M4 Feed Ramps
Lower Receiver: Forged 7075 T6 Aluminum, Type III Hardcoat Anodized, Accu-Tite™ Tension System
Bolt Carrier Group: Enhanced M16 w/ 9310 Steel Bolt, HPT/MPI, Phosphate
Gas System: Direct Impingement Rifle-Length, A2 Pinned Gas Block

Handguard: A2 Polymer w/ Integral Heat Shield
Stock: A2 Fixed
Trigger: Mil-Spec
Muzzle Device: A2 Flash Hider
Receiver Extension: Mil-Spec Rifle Length
Receiver End Plate: Mil-Spec
Buffer Assembly: Rifle

Charging Handle: GI Style
Safety Switch: Single Side 90 Degree
Trigger Guard: Mil-Spec
Grip: A2
Magazines: (1) GI Aluminum 30-Round
Weight: 7 Lb 8 Oz
Length: 39.5″
MSRP: $1,249

As you can see, Springfield Armory is big on the finer details for all of their rifles and that includes this new Springfield Armory SA16-A2 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 REM) rifle. From the A2 upper receiver to the receiver markings including a “Burst” position, and even a storage pocket in the fixed stock for a ~~candy bar~~ cleaning kit. Some of the more prominent features that make this rifle historically correct can be read below:

CARRY HANDLE – Integral to the upper receiver the A2 carry handle features an integrated dual aperture rear site adjustable for windage and elevation.
FIXED STOCK – The fixed stock provides a stable foundation for shooting and includes a trapdoor storage compartment in the buttplate.
20″ FOREND – The round polymer forend houses integral aluminum heat shields as well as a 20″ chrome-lined barrel paired with a rifle-length gas system.
BAYONET LUG – The SA-16A2 from Springfield Armory features an integral bayonet lug located at the base of its front sight assembly.

A2 FRONT SIGHT TOWER – The fixed, A2-style front sight tower is pinned and designed to work with the A2-pattern rear sight assembly for maximum downrange performance.
PISTOL GRIP – The A2-pattern pistol grip features a finger groove and grip-enhancing texturing.
A2 FLASH HIDER – The A2-pattern flash hider has a closed bottom design with no slots at the 6 o’clock position.
ALUMINUM MAGAZINE – Each SA-16A2 rifle comes with a 30-round magazine, featuring an aluminum body and plastic follower.
SLING SWIVELS – Dual sling swivels are located on the buttstock assembly and forend of the SA-16A2 rifle.

As always, in the rare event that you should ever need service for your firearm, Springfield Armory has a Lifetime Warranty that stands behind all of their firearms. One final snapshot into what the new Springfield Armory SA16-A2 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 REM) retro rifle is all about can be read below in Springfield Armory’s Press Release statement:

Geneseo, Illinois – April 30th, 2024 – Springfield Armory® is proud to announce the launch of the SA-16A2 5.56mm, inspired by the M16A2 rifle — one of the most capable and iconic firearms in history. Built to exacting standards, the SA-16A2 offers shooters the opportunity to own a piece of history while enjoying the performance and reliability of a modern semi-automatic firearm.
“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,” said Steve Kramer, Vice President of Marketing for Springfield Armory. “If you want a rifle that exudes classic appeal yet delivers modern performance, the SA-16A2 is the right choice.”

First Impressions – Springfield Armory SA16-A2 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 REM)

So, what are some of our first impressions?… The two most noticeable features – in my mind – in any clone rifle are the carry handle and fixed stock. The Springfield Armory SA16-A2 has an A2 carry handle that is integral to the upper receiver for peak nostalgia. Additionally, you have the fixed stock that oozes the vibes of: “I can hit steel targets further away with iron sights than you can with an optic.” Even the most jealous haters will admit that a fixed stock when appropriately paired with other furniture is sexy.

Next, you have the 20″ round polymer forend that bridges the gap. No, M-LOK. No, Keymod. Not a quad rail in sight. Just an old school cool round polymer handguard. This covers the direct impingement rifle-length gas system which leads to the A2 pinned gas block, A2 front sight tower, and A2 flash hider (you have A2 components for dayssss).

Some of the more modern features and upgrades which don’t hurt the aesthetic of this rifle are the flared and beveled magwell for easier insertion of magazines, and the Accu-Tite wedge integrally built into the lower receiver for a tighter lock-up from the upper to lower receiver. Both are so small and innocuous that most gun owners may never notice those alterations.

The last couple features people should look for in a correct M16-A2 that the Springfield Armory SA16-A2 does have are a bayonet lug and a metal magazine (there were no Magpul PMAGs back in the day, kids), and Springfield is once again correct on those metrics. This rifle from the surface looks very unassuming, but it is clean, correct, and the nearly unnoticeable upgrades are a nice refinement from Springfield Armory.

Final Thoughts – Springfield Armory SA16-A2 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 REM)

So, what are our final thoughts on the new Springfield Armory SA16-A2 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 REM) retro rifle?… Overall, this is an impressive rifle. We unfortunately have not had the opportunity to get to the range and shoot it yet, but barring a poor range day (which we would not expect from Springfield), this is a phenomenal rifle. At an MSRP of $1,249, this rifle is a bit expensive, but still within reach of most people’s budgets if they are wanting an M16-A2 clone rifle.

In closing, I want to say thank you to Springfield Armory for allowing AllOutdoor and myself the opportunity to try out their new Springfield Armory SA16-A2 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 REM) retro rifle. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think? Do you believe that the Springfield Armory SA16-A2 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 REM) retro rifle is something worth spending your money on? Would you deploy one for hunting? Take it with you camping or hiking? Shoot a league with it? As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Springfield Armory and the SA16-A2 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 REM) retro rifle in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.

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Adam Scepaniak