Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - M-16 vs AK-47

moonpie · 09-11-2003, 07:32 PM

Okay, since most of you have dealt with the fact that the M16A1 had a 20 not a 30 round clip, I won't go there. I've heard a lot of bashing about the M-16 in the past, mainly by VN vets and people who have heard of the troubles the rifle had in Nam.

Lets start with the basics. This gun was made with some pretty sophisticated stuff for its time. Plastic and composite parts for example. The M16 was developed after the AR-15 failed in field test. The AR had a slew of problems: underpowered, design flaws, some barrels exploded blowing of soldiers' hands.

When it was first used in combat in Nam, our soldiers were told it could go through hell and still fire. A false sense of security. Hell folks, they didn't even issue a cleaning kit until after it got started and thousands of troops died after guns failed when the enemy would be 10 feet away. Field repairman said that they were getting more requests for replacement guns than they were gun parts. They didn't chrome plate the receiver either, yet another reason it jammed.

My vote is for the M16. Even though you can't drag it behind your car, going 30 mph down a dirt roadfor half an hour, then shoot away; it is an excellent, well made gun.

P.S. - If this is a bit lengthy, I apologize. I'm a history major and have a tendency to get carried away.

09-11-2003, 07:32 PM	#55 (permalink)
moonpie Upright	THE TRUTH ABOUT THE M-16, and my vote. Okay, since most of you have dealt with the fact that the M16A1 had a 20 not a 30 round clip, I won't go there. I've heard a lot of bashing about the M-16 in the past, mainly by VN vets and people who have heard of the troubles the rifle had in Nam. Lets start with the basics. This gun was made with some pretty sophisticated stuff for its time. Plastic and composite parts for example. The M16 was developed after the AR-15 failed in field test. The AR had a slew of problems: underpowered, design flaws, some barrels exploded blowing of soldiers' hands. When it was first used in combat in Nam, our soldiers were told it could go through hell and still fire. A false sense of security. Hell folks, they didn't even issue a cleaning kit until after it got started and thousands of troops died after guns failed when the enemy would be 10 feet away. Field repairman said that they were getting more requests for replacement guns than they were gun parts. They didn't chrome plate the receiver either, yet another reason it jammed. My vote is for the M16. Even though you can't drag it behind your car, going 30 mph down a dirt roadfor half an hour, then shoot away; it is an excellent, well made gun. P.S. - If this is a bit lengthy, I apologize. I'm a history major and have a tendency to get carried away.