Bro. I’ve shot many thousands of rounds (in a single instance) from the M16-A2. It did not jam. Not once. The bitch will hot-fire, full auto after several mags. The problems with the A1s were from crappy, high-ash ammo from low-bid contracts to M14 powder specs used for M556 ball ammo contracts contrary to the manufacturer’s specs. This was sorted out in the 70s. But yes, not before a lot of soldiers died from the mix-up during Nam. It was not Armalite’s fault. It was the fault of hard-tarded Army contract officers not updating the ammunition contracts to M-16 spec requirements.
I appreciate your reply, Justa.
I have also fired and trained on a variant.
(Still shoot ‘em occasionally as my brother is a big fan.)
I really do still think it’s a lousy rifle.
I would rather go to war in an H&K or any of my Rugers,
(Heck - I’d rather have a 10-22 with the right FMJ ammo in combat,)
and certainly would rather go to war in the desert or jungle with an AK variant.
I really do think it’s a way overrated rifle (which has jammed on me many times.)
Alas, “de gustibus non est disputandum!”
I like the fact we are still free enough to talk about such things.
May it always be so.
PS. May I say: thank you for your service to our country!