[Yosemitest]

With over 26 years of experience with the M-16 in the USAF, I SAY AGAIN:

"The M-16 is a weapon that must be cleaned, very often!"

You admit as much yourself whenyou say:

"The key to reliablility is to keep them well lubed.
I will admit they do get filthier than any rifle I have ever seen but it doesn't seem to effect functioning."

[Brooklyn Attitude]

“You admit as much yourself whenyou say:
“The key to reliablility is to keep them well lubed.
I will admit they do get filthier than any rifle I have ever seen but it doesn’t seem to effect functioning.”

Just because it gets dirty doesnt mean it HAS to be cleaned very often. You might find the article below interesting.

http://www.defensereview.com/the-big-m4-myth-fouling-caused-by-the-direct-impingement-gas-system-makes-the-m4-unreliable/