Posted on 09/21/2016 5:33:58 AM PDT by w1n1
The AR15 is known for being a top player in modern wartime scenarios. But what happens when it’s put to one of the harshest firing tests there is? If that isn’t surprising, then I don’t know what is. The AR15 went 5 for 5 right after having mud poured over every inch of its mechanical parts. During the second round of testing, it even had mud poured directly onto it with the dust cover open.
The key to this rifle’s success is centered on the way it was designed. Since all if its moving parts are designed to essentially seal off entry, the construction is enough to prevent mud from entering parts of the gun that would cause it to misfire. When it comes to passing the mud test with flying colors, this is as good as it gets. Watch the video to see this rifle stellar performance to the challenge.
The much vaunted reliability of the AK is a myth. The claims on unreliability in the Eugene Stoner design are only valid if you don’t lubricate the weapon.
The Stoner platform has been in service for over half a century now because in that time no one has been able to produce anything better.
“...poured over every inch of its mechanical parts...”
I doubt it. I suspect that the bolt itself, and the various internals of the lower, were still clean.
More important, however, is how close did the rifle get to a malfunction by the end of that test? If they poured mud on it, fired it 5 times, and it worked, great. But if they left that mud on the weapon, dragged it through the woods for 30 minutes, then tried the test again, would it still pass?
I’ve carried the M-16, as I am sure have many others on this board (and most in more demanding circumstances than I), and while most any weapon will probably function for a short time after being fouled like that, the AR design really doesn’t like to stay dirty. Yes, every part is fitted very closely to prevent the ingress of contamination, but by the same token, a lot of those closely fitted pieces don’t work very well when they are contaminated. The tolerances around the splines on the bolt are very close; if dirt gets in there, the bolt won’t properly lock into the chamber, which in turn can cause wear or stress on the bolt, accelerating the possibility of cracking the bolt face or damaging the splines. You also have the very small components of the ejector that can very easily become jammed if something gets into it. I’m not a gunsmith, but it’s pretty easy to see that the AR design is not going to run well if it’s full of FOD.
I carried an M-16 in Vietnam for 13 months, including hauling one down into the tunnels once (long story - large group of VC, the other 3 Marines had their .45s and I was “fire support”) and the only stoppage I ever had was MY fault.
“Do NOT disassemble the lower receiver!” we were told. Well, old smarty-pants here decided he need to clean out a bit of crud in there. Upon reassembly, I put the leg of one of the springs UNDER the pin, instead of OVER the pin they were designed to lock in place.
After firing most of a magazine, the pin drifted out and I experienced the terrifying sound of silence... or at least “click, click, click” of a trigger being pulled with no result.
I had no complaints with the M-16, and I liked being able to carry 300 to 500 rounds in addition to my radio & other gear.
Still room on the rail. Clearly not tactical enough.
I’d suggest part #87-5542.2. With this adapter an entire AR-15 can be added to the AR-15 for critical redundancy. It’s effectively an AR-30 when you get right down to it.
And let’s not forget that the second AR-15 gives you..... more rail space! I’d suggest part #44-5376.9 - it’s completely compatible with Android and IOS. Take selfies as your last paycheck’s purchase of .223 evaporates in 22.3 seconds. Text your friends with questions on how to reassemble your gun. And, as an added bonus - the adapter fits the handlebars of most high speed motorcycles (VMAX, Ninja, etc.).
Still not tactical enough? Part #99-5548.3 (special order) launches a full-on GLOBAL WARMING ASSAULT. Powered by a ‘72 Ford LTD Wagon and stealthily clad in wood veneer, the 460 monster has 8 cylinders and is not afraid to use ‘em. When approaching the enemy, they’re likely to be the least bit concerned, “Don’t worry, it’s just the Country Squire.” But once you’re close enough unleash the hounds of hell and watch as a giant ozone hole opens up and burns your enemy like ants under a magnifying glass. Now that’s something to upload to youtube.
He he, ‘The Country Squire.’ You have a deft touch my FRiend.
One can over lube an AR also. See it at the range all the time. AR’s literally dripping in exotic lube.
I have always wondered what those little thingies were called, and now I know, so thanks for that.
Actually, I think they’re technically called “lugs”, but I couldn’t call that word to mind at the time that I was writing, so I used the closest thing I could think of.
myth??? please...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.