I recently wrote an article discussing the modern military arms collector. In it, I referenced the popularity of “Clone” or “Retro” style weapons and their relevance to the collector. Well, it appears that fans of this style of rifle are about to have another new rifle to either rave or eviscerate—the Springfield Armory SA-16 A2.

Why Clones?

No, this isn’t a fan page talking about Star Wars Clone Wars, I’m talking about why clone rifles have become so popular. Originally this was a novelty meant to commemorate, but instead has unleashed a fury of manufacturers and product lines built around this niche. Part of it may do with the influx of veterans after two decades of sustained combat. They want to replicate what they served with. Coincidently there also has been tremendous growth in gun culture here in the United States during that same period. Many enthusiasts simply want to build copies of service guns because they can and because it’s cool (remember, as the military-defense industry has grown, so has the consumer market, one supports the other).

As for when or exactly who introduced the world to this concept, I'm not sure, but I remember when Brownells released their Retro line of rifles and parts that it was here to say. Since then, almost everyone with a name that is synonymous with the AR-15 is bringing a rifle to market. The latest is Springfield Armory and the SA-16 A2.

The Rifle

As of this moment, we don’t have a lot of information on the gun, other than it is coming soon and the price. For some diligent folks, this rifle isn’t new. And that’s true. Springfield debuted a prototype earlier this year at SHOT Show (there are videos on YouTube showcasing the gun), however, Springfield has remained hush on it.

What is it, then? Well, as the name suggests, it’s a civilian clone of the M16A2 rifle. And from the highly stylized pictures, it looks correct, even down to the “Property of U.S. Govt.” markings on the receiver. The A2 “Birdcage” flash hider, a heavier barrel profile, a 1/7-barrel twist (presumable), a 20” barrel, a bayonet lug, plastic furniture, and a fixed carry handle are all present and should be familiar to the older veterans of GWOT (or Global War on Terror). It seems like a well-rounded facsimile of one of the most produced U.S. service rifles.

What Does This Mean?

This rifle is introduced at a time when other similar ones are already out there. For example, FN, Colt, Harrington & Richardson (via Palmetto State Armory), Aero Precision, and Brownells, all make rifles or offer components to make clone rifles. But Springfield is a known commodity in the AR space. The Saint series of AR-15 rifles, for instance, are solid guns and show that Springfield knows how to source and build an above-average rifle. I also think the SA-16 A2 is on-brand for them. The company already makes other classics such as the M1A (the commercial version of the M14), Browning Hi-Power (SA-35), and the 1911A1, so the next logical step was to tackle the AR market. At a retail price of $1249.99, it’s on par with many other options (however, look out for sales). If anything, I hope this drives more companies to build clone rifles and components while simultaneously keeping the pricing affordable.