[Ex-Dem]

The reviews for the M-4 from the specops guys that served in Afghanistan weren't all positive (accuracy/range issues?).

Picture of the M-16A4 w/picatinny rail:

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[45Auto]

Stoner SR 25 long range, chambered in 7.62 Nato, aka .308 Win

[JoeSixPack1]

Looks pretty complicated. Lots of toys = lots of chances to jam.

[SirChas]

Now there is a rifle!!!

[300winmag]

The reviews for the M-4 from the specops guys that served in Afghanistan weren't all positive (accuracy/range issues?).

Their complaints boiled down to ammunition being less lethal than desired at long ranges. The rifles themselves got positive reviews.

In a sense, the M-4/M-16 is a victim of its own success. The weapon is so accurate and easy to shoot, that a decent shooter can expect to get solid hits out to 600 meters with a scoped rifle. But the 62 gr. projectile is running out of steam at that range. A hit at that range can be critical, and yet not instantly lethal. That's disconcerting because you want the bad guy to crumple and not get up again.

Even in the era of full-bore battle rifles like the Garand, 99.9% of engagements were at under 200 meters. The 30-06 round has plenty of killing power at even 1000 yards, but only snipers with scope-equiped weapons ever fired at targets at that range.

Now with better, cheaper, more compact optics, the inherent accuracy of the M-16 family allows for accurate shots in combat to 600-800 meters. Shots that long show up in desert/mountain fighting, whereas most combat is at much closer range. A competent shooter can expect to make consistent hits at long ranges, but has to take into account the reduced lethality at that range. The hits are there, but the instant killing power isn't.

The answer is to get more scoped M-14s into the hands of troops that will be firing at those long ranges. The laws of physics just won't allow M-16 ammo to be effective as desired at those ranges.

[Frohickey]

As the new rifles are being delivered the older versions will receive an inspection and sent to Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany, Ga., where they will either be destroyed or redistributed as needed.

Strike down NFA34, and give all of these old M16A2 to the DCMP. They can charge us $1000 a piece. :D

[geedee]

That sucker's got more parts than the Space Shuttle.

[Atlas Sneezed]

Bang

[Shooter 2.5]

It ain't your daddy's M-16 anymore.

Muskets fouled.
Trapdoors wouldn't eject.
Krags still used blackpowder against Mauser's smokeless.
Springfieds made troops sign for sick call after a day's firing.
Early Garands had seventh round stoppages.
For the life of me, I can't remember what the problem with the early M-14's was. I think it was minor but I'm not sure which publication I saw it.
The early M-16's used the wrong powder, they needed a chrome chamber and they were issued without cleaning equipment.

[MHGinTN]

For a better look (larger viewing), here's the URL for the images.

[steveo]

self