The M16 or M4A1, is an assault rifle used by the SGC and the US Military in general. The M16 is the standard issue rifle for the US military, and is therefore often seen in use by airmen and marines in the Stargate program. It is possible that the reason that it is not usually used by units like SG-1 is that the M16 is a lethal and longer range alternative to the submachine gun. The P90 has a larger magazine but a less deadly and powerful bullet which is better suited for the close range, more diplomatic missions of SG-1. The M16, as with most Tau'ri projectile firearms, are more effective and better constructed than their alien projectile counterparts. (SG1: "Children of the Gods")