On M16/M4, what does the three-round burst setting do on supported models?

On M16/M4, what does the three-round burst setting do on supported models?

• A. It locks the bolt open.
• B. Fires a single round per trigger pull.
• C. Fires a three-round burst.
• D. Fires a continuous stream until release.

Answer: (C)

Three-round burst means that a single pull of the trigger will fire exactly three rounds, then stop. The firearm’s firing mechanism limits the sequence to three shots, so after the third round you must release the trigger and press it again to fire another burst. This setup helps with controllability and conserving ammunition, giving you quick hit capability without the unpredictability of full-auto. It’s not a single-shot-per-pull or a continuous auto mode, which is why the burst setting is distinct and useful on these models.

Three-round burst means that a single pull of the trigger will fire exactly three rounds, then stop. The firearm’s firing mechanism limits the sequence to three shots, so after the third round you must release the trigger and press it again to fire another burst. This setup helps with controllability and conserving ammunition, giving you quick hit capability without the unpredictability of full-auto. It’s not a single-shot-per-pull or a continuous auto mode, which is why the burst setting is distinct and useful on these models.