Which weapon is classified as a 5.56-mm, magazine-fed, gas-operated, air-cooled shoulder weapon?

The M16 is classified as a 5.56-mm, magazine-fed, gas-operated, air-cooled shoulder weapon due to its design and operational characteristics. This rifle uses a 5.56-mm cartridge, which is known for its lightweight and low recoil, making it effective for rapid fire and increased accuracy.

Being magazine-fed means it uses a detachable box magazine to hold ammunition, which enables quick reloading and higher ammunition capacity compared to traditional single-shot firearms. The gas operation system utilizes gas from the fired cartridge to cycle the action, eject the spent casing, and chamber the next round; this allows for semi-automatic and fully automatic firing modes, depending on the variant of the M16.

The "air-cooled" aspect refers to the absence of any integrated cooling system, relying instead on the surrounding air to dissipate heat generated during firing. This characteristic also contributes to its lightweight and simpler design, making the M16 an effective and versatile weapon for military engagements.

Other choices, while notable firearms, do not meet all the specified criteria. The M14 is a different caliber and design, the M249 SAW, although 5.56mm, is a light machine gun and not classified as a shoulder weapon in the