The handguard included a heat-resistant inner lining, vent holes for lightening and air cooling with a thickened ring around the front end to act as a handstop.

The pistol grip was longer and of a different profile than a traditional M16A2, and the rifle featured ambidextrous fire control selectors, removable scope and a streamlined 6 position telescopic stock.

[1][2] Internally, an oil spring buffer was added to the lower receiver to control the cyclic rate and help reduce felt recoil.

The basic idea of the duplex load is to increase the number of projectiles fired, which is the primary determinant of battlefield casualties.

[3] However, they significantly reduced accuracy, leading to a maximum effective range of 325 m (1,066 ft) and requiring the user to also carry traditional ammunition for long-range shots.