The M16 Rifle is the United States Military designation for the AR-15 rifle. Colt purchased the rights to the AR-15 from ArmaLite and currently uses that designation only for semi-automatic versions of the rifle. The M16 entered United States Army service and was deployed for jungle warfare operation in 1963, becoming the U.S. Military's standard service rifle by 1969, replacing the M14 rifle in that role. The M16 rifle family has been the primary service rifle of the U.S. Military. The M16 has been widely adopted by militaries around the world. Total worldwide production of M16-style weapons since the design's inception has been approximately 8 million, making it the most produced firearm of its caliber.