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M231 Firing Port Weapon
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2013) |
| Compact M16, 5.56mm: Port, Firing, M231 | |
|---|---|
 M231 | |
| Type | Personal defense weapon Carbine |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1980–present |
| Used by | United States |
| Wars | Gulf War Iraq War |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1979 |
| Produced | 1980–present |
| Variants | None |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | Empty: 7.34 lb (3.33 kg) w/30-round magazine: 8.34 lb (3.79 kg) |
| Length | 28.25 in. (71.76 cm) |
| Barrel length | 396 mm (15.6 in) |
| Cartridge | 5.56×45mm NATO |
| Action | Gas-operated, rotating bolt |
| Rate of fire | Sustained (Short Bursts): 50–60 rounds per minute Minimum Cyclic: 1225 rds per min |
| Effective firing range | 328 yds (300 m) |
| Feed system | 30-round STANAG Magazine |
The M231 Firing Port Weapon (FPW) is an adapted version of the M16 assault rifle for shooting from firing ports on the M2 Bradley. The M16, standard infantry weapon of the time, was too long for use in a "buttoned up" APC, so the FPW was developed to provide a suitable weapon for this role. Designed by the Rock Island Arsenal, the M231 FPW remains in service. All but the rear two firing ports on the Bradley have been removed.
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