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Technically speaking, the M-16 is an "Assault Rifle" or "Assault Carbine." A Main Battle Rifle is a semiautomatic or select-fire weapon capable of striking an instantly-incapacitating blow, over iron sights, at 600 yards, and penetrating battlefield cover at the same range. Such weapons are usually .30 calibre, and include the FN-FAL, M1A, M14, G3/HK91, and M1.
Assault Rifles/Carbines are select-fire weapons capable of striking an instantly-incapacitating blow at 200-300 yards, although they may score hits at much longer ranges. They use an intermediate-power cartridge such as the 5.56mm, 5.45mm, and 7.62x39mm, which can penetrate battlefield cover to perhaps 300 yards range, typically. The M-16, AK-series, and Steyr AUG are good examples here.
Sorry to seem so picky, but the entire "Assault Weapons" debate is basically semantic, so I think it's important to have the terms straight.
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