I almost stopped reading right there. Maybe there's something in it, and maybe there isn't. But I don't trust AP, and I don't much trust congresscritters either, until I know who's paying them off.
The weapons jam in the sand? Well, weapons tend to do that. But is it a design flaw, or just a necessary consequence of using any weapons in a country with frequent sand storms?
Theres an en episode of future weapons where the host demonstrates the HK416 at the companies range. They stuff it in a box of sand and then take it out, shake it off and shoot it full auto for about 30 rds. Then they stick it in a tub of water and do the same.
Looks cool, but I have no idea if its really that great. Regardless I don’t like the idea of depending on a foreign company for our main battle rifle.
"The M4 uses 'gas impingement,' a method that pushes hot carbon-fouled gas through critical parts of the gun, according to detractors."
The gas blows right into the little tube on the top of the bolt carrier assembly in the upper receiver. It's a stupid design, IMHO. The extractor retaining pin failed on me at a very bad time. It broke in half.
5 is the bolt carrier. 4 is the bolt with the extractor pinned in place on its side. I wouldn't pay for a 'gas impingement' design.