[Jimmy Valentine]

All of our weaponry is built to very close tolerances, which means that you have to be very careful to keep them clean. You might notice that some of our troops carry small brushes with them to help keep their weapons clean.

The AK-47 is a simpler weapon, [fewer moving parts] and is set up a little "looser". That is one of the reasons that third world countries prefer it. Easier to keep clean, more reliable when dirty or in inclement conditions.

Regards.

[harpu]

"The AK-47 is a simpler weapon, [fewer moving parts] and is set up a little "looser". That is one of the reasons that third world countries prefer it. Easier to keep clean, more reliable when dirty or in inclement conditions."

You forgot to mention; the AK-47 is significantly LESS ACCURATE at 25 meters.

[SBprone]

A classic tradeoff of performance characteristics.

Our military has chosen a system that is harder to keep clean and actually a bit dirtier due to gases being driven through the bolt carrier.

On the other hand, the M-16 is capable of very accurate shooting within 200 to 300m, which the AK-types are not. I can't fault the Pentagon for the choices that were made.