[Long Cut]

There's got to be some way to design the things from the start to be less sand-sensitive. I can think of only two ways:

1. Somehow design the weapon to seal out the dirt and sand, at least whilst unloaded or with a mag in place;

2. Design the internals to reduce their sand-and-dirt sensitivity.

As for the cleaning issue, that's a training and mindset thing. I'm interested here in the actual weapon itself.

So, what are some ways to effect #'s 1 and 2 above?

[Squantos]

Ceramic coatings........Stay Safe

[archy]

2. Design the internals to reduce their sand-and-dirt sensitivity.

As for the cleaning issue, that's a training and mindset thing. I'm interested here in the actual weapon itself.

So, what are some ways to effect #'s 1 and 2 above?

Internal sand cuts, as mentioned in my response above, and as used in the British L1A1 version of the FAL and as helical cuts on the bolts of the L2A3 Patchett/Sterling 9mm SMG; similar *ribs* are seen in the external machinework of the rectangular bolts of the Israeli Uzi and the Ingram M10 and M11 SMG. Of questionable utility on some designs, but certainly usable on some. And more feasable nowadays with modern CNC machine tooling techniques, and even moreso on such injection molded plastic or investment cast components when designs call for such materials.

[Shooter 2.5]

I have no idea how they can seal out the talcum powder sand. I think the weakness of the M-16 series from what I've seen is the tighter chamber and the extractor. If sand gets into either of these areas, it's all over.

The only solution I can think of is to tell the troops to stop soaking the rifles in oil during desert operations.

Anyone can tell me I'm wrong if they choose to.