New Product Highlight: Springfield Armory SA-16A2

You can now relive the glory days of action movies and iron sights with the new civilian-spec Springfield Armory SA-16A2.

Like a digital remaster of an old Led Zeppelin vinyl, this riff on an old classic should be better than ever.

In a sea of lookalike AR-15 carbines, the SA-16A2 stands out with retro features that we don’t see often anymore. Most noticeable are the sights: an A2-style front sight assembly and a fixed carrying handle.

Specs

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO
• Action: Semi-automatic direct impingement
• Barrel Length: 20”
• Gas System: Rifle-length
• Front Sight: A2 sight post
• Rear Sight: A2 carrying handle
• Capacity: 30+1
• Weight: 7.5 lbs
• MSRP: $1,249

Features

• Fixed carrying handle, retro cleaning kit, and bayonet lug
• Fully adjustable rear sight, elevation-adjustable front sight
• Cosmetic “U.S. Government” and fire selector markings

Its rear sight is adjustable for elevation and windage with apertures for precision and low-light shooting. The front sight is adjustable for elevation (but, as veterans of a certain age know, that’s just for establishing your zero).

Springfield Armory continues to play the hits with a birdcage flash hider, 20-inch barrel, ribbed handguard, sling mounts, and a fixed buttstock complete with a storage compartment and vintage-inspired cleaning kit.

The fire selector switch even has settings for safe, semi, and burst – although the burst position is only cosmetic. Oh, but it does have a functional bayonet lug (get some).

The SA-16A2 also sneaks in a few modern touches that keep it competitive in today’s Ar-15 market. The upgraded bolt carrier group, heat-resistant polymer handguard, and Accu-Tite system will help it run more reliably and accurately than the ones the military issued back in the day.

Past and present join forces to create a rifle that will evoke all kinds of nostalgia but perform far better than the rifles that made the M16A2 a force to be reckoned with. Go ahead and kick it old-school with a parade sling and rack number, then stuff a mag with match ammo and show everyone at the range what iron sights are capable of. 

Springfield Armory lists an MSRP of $1,249 for the SA-16A2.

What do you think of the new Springfield Armory SA-16A2? Let us know below. For more old-school firearms, check out our guide to the best retro reproductions.