M16rupture

M16-A2 fired with obstructed bore 5 May 01

View from rear of M16, notice missing parts of upper receiver, extensive damage to chamber area, bulged lower receiver, magazine with internal components blown out the bottom

upper receiver missing

rounds expelled through magazine

magazine spring

View of Bolt group missing part of the right side of the bolt carrier

crushed rounds

View of Bolt group showing damage to Bolt Carrier as well as the Bolt

Inside view of right half of upper receiver; found 2-3 feet from firing position

View of left half of upper receiver found 25 – 35 yards behind and to the left of the firing position

View of Bolt Carrier group

View of Bolt Carrier group and damage to bolt

Close-up of Bolt showing remains of case head lodged in Bolt face

Gas rings blown out

Extractor peeled back and out

Path of gas through primer well and extractor slot