Developed in the early 1980s, the M16A2's parameters were mostly driven by requests made by the United States Marine Corps. These requests included alterations to the stock and forearm, integration of an adjustable rear sight, closing off the bottom of the birdcage pattern flash hider, and swapping out the full auto fire mode for a three round burst mode. These were the signature weapon of the U.S. armed forces through the end of the Cold War and up to the War on Terror. Although marked "M16A2" on the receiver and externally identical, this example offered features "SAFE/SEMI/AUTO" modes with the auto mode in place of the A2's "BURST" mode; with this example officially termed an M16A3. The M16A3, a modified version of the M16A2, was adopted in small numbers by the U.S. Navy SEALs, Seabees, and Security units. Adjustable post front and peep rear sights, with the A2 flash hider on a "C MP 5.56 NATO 1/7" marked HBAR profile barrel with a bayonet lug and round handguard. "C/M" is cast into the carry handle, with a round button style forward assist and casing deflector integrated into the upper, "(Rampant Colt logo)/COLT/M16A2/CAL. 5.56 MM./8093925" marked on the left of the magazine well, and the four-line Colt's Firearms Division address next to the selector switch. The bolt head and carrier are both matte black finished, with "C" on the carrier and "MPC" on the head. Fitted with a checkered pistol grip and a fixed buttstock with trapdoor compartment. Includes black nylon sling and plastic muzzle cap. Provenance: The Al Walker Collection