Iran Made High Technology Series S-5.56 Assault Rifle

Supposedly designed by the Iranian Defense Industries Organization, it is almost certain that the S-5.56 is in fact an almost exact copy of the Chinese CQ assault rifle (which is itself a close copy of the M-16A1). The S-5.56 is not intended for domestic use; rather, the S-5.56, according to the Iranians, is meant for export sales. (With the Iranians’ history, I can easily see these weapons ending up in the hands of terrorist organizations as well.)

S-5.56 Assault Rifle

The S-5.56 appears to be identical in operation to the CQ (and therefore close to the M-16A1’s operation), but uses a different pistol grip than the CQ. The S-5.56 also comes in two versions: the S-5.56A1, with a 19.9-inch barrel and 1:12 rifling to optimize it for use with M-193-type cartridges, and the S-5.56A3, with a 20-inch barrel and a 1:7 rifling twist to optimize it for firing SS-109-type ammunition. (Apparently, neither the Chinese nor the Iranians know that if you give a 5.56mm NATO-firing rifle about a 1:9 rifling twist, it is capable of properly stabilizing both M-193-type and SS-109-type ammunition…) The two versions are otherwise identical. It is not known if any sales or giveaways of any type have been made for the S-5.56.

S-5.56 Assault Rifle