ask the clerk

and even if you didn't want to know,
it's time
beyond time past
in the here and now
before we go much farther
the result will always be the same:
a standard M-16 gas-operated
assault rifle weighs 7.5 pounds unloaded.
Packed with a full 20-round magazine it weighs
8.2 pounds and you will carry it everywhere
in combat.  this is a combat weapon.
of course, available newer rifles are much better and lighter,
but i never owned one or cleaned one or even held one.
i see them in glass display cases at local dealerships and in
glossy pages of masculine hunting magazines.
there is maintenance gear necessary for the care and feeding
of this gun, while there might not be anything for the care and feeding
of your soul.
you will have to ask the clerk.