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Originally Posted by echo5delta
A vast majority of stoppages for the AR weapon system can be attributed directly to the magazine.
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As you know, this applies to any magazine-fed weapon... not just the AR. My experience with the M9, 1911, Uzi, MP5, et al. has been that if the gun isn't bangin' like it should... just drop the mag and try another one.
The magazine is the weakest link of any assault rifle. It is one of the least expensive and yet the most important part of the semi-auto / auto weapon. DoD knows this... but they're cheap bastards despite those mysterious $85 toilet seats.
Weapons that feature roll-lock magazines (M14, M107, AKs) don't suffer as much but aren't immune to magazine feed failures, which account for a majority of stoppages.
Last tour... my unit finally did something right and most of us were issued a UBL worth of H&K steel mags for free.
They're heavy as fuck but work every time. Standard GI mags are best used for the reserve magcan kept in the humvee for those AYBABTU situations.
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I started this thread to comment on the direct impingement gas system and what a stupid idea it is for ANY firearm, especially a tactical weapon system.
It is both sad and funny... the fact that if we weren't in the middle of two campaigns and blowing billions of dollars... we'd probably be close to having a new rifle already.
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I concur, the HK 416 / 417 series rifle appears to the best bet for replacement despite being beaten by the SCAR. Same familiar handling characteristics as well as shared parts and magazines with existing stock.
I'll be behind you in line to buy the semi civvie version of the 416, too.
Until then? I'm stuck with my Rock River M4 and M1A.
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My only two real M16 gripes are the direct impingement gas system and how any use of charging handle requires losing shooting posture. Magazines are shit but that's an easy fix.
Guns like the the G36 fix both of those problems and I want to have sex with one.