I can remember seeing the Stoner being tested on the range at Ft.Bragg. It was a competitor of the Colt AR-15 which became the M-16. At the time I was still using the Type 1 or 2 Garand aka M-1 or M-14 can't remember which now after all that was 1963. I've also fired the M-16, but it can't hold a candle to the 30-'06 or .308 (7.62 NATO) for accuracy at 600 to 1000 yards. Also the .223 Rem is not even legal for deer in most states.
yup.....love the .308 but that is the difference between a battle rifle and an assault rifle
My military career began with the Lee Enfield No 4 and the Sten Gun Mk 5...then came the FAL and the Sterling SMG and as I was leaving the Army introduced that plastic crap the SA-80.
With the Lee Enfield we zeroed at 300 yds and fired from up to 600yds.The FAL was zeroed at 100yds and fired up to 300yds.
The SA-80 was zeroed at 25yds and fell apart at 100yds.Progress.