A Retro to Rule Them All! Springfield Armory SA16-A2 5.56x45mm NATO

Retro AR-15 rifles are all the rage right now with people going to great lengths to source and find old pieces at gun shows, online forums, and wherever else they can collect parts reproduce a “clone correct” rifle for their burgeoning collections. With this crescendo in popularity, it is unsurprising to hear that Springfield Armory has announced their first foray into building retro clones from days long gone with their SA16-A2 5.56x45mm NATO rifle.

Springfield Armory Coverage on AllOutdoor

The Springfield Armory SA16-A2 in 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 REM) is a rifle that is nearly perfect in its “clone correct-ness” with its only departures from the original design being small upgrades you’d want regardless of the vintage of rifle you own. It is also important to note that the Springfield Armory SA16-A2 is not a SAINT, SAINT Victor, or SAINT Edge rifle at all. The Springfield Armory SA16-A2 is a platform unto itself. Something original, new, and unique within the Springfield Armory portfolio of arms.

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

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.”

Some of the hallmarks of a retro rifle that all of the “clone builders” will want to see are prominent in the new Springfield Armory SA16-A2 rifle. You have the integral carry handle A2 upper receiver. The iconic fixed stock from that era, a round polymer forend on a long 20″ barrel, and a bayonet lug precisely seated by the front sight assembly. All hallmarks for a classic A2 rifle from the past.

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.

The Springfield Armory SA16-A2 in 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 REM) has a current MSRP of $1,249 putting it in a similar territory to other companies who are manufacturing A2 clone rifles right now. The difference between those other models out on the market today, and Springfield though is the fit, finish, and legendary name behind Springfield Armory. Whenever people think of “military arms” in today’s day-and-age, you automatically think of Springfield Armory. The memorable M1A… the classic 1911… and the M16-A2 rifle (or, SA16-A2). All of these historic arms throughout our country’s military history all hail from the same legendary company: Springfield Armory.

We will be reviewing this rifle very soon on AllOutdoor as well as out sister-website of TheFirearmBlog.com (TFB). So, be sure to keep your eyes pealed for 2 different reviews of the new Springfield Armory SA16-A2 in 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 REM). As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Springfield Armory and the SA16-A2 in 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 REM) in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.

Adam Scepaniak