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It is arguably the most recognized firearm in the world, and the longest serving US infantry rifle ever fielded. It has been copied by numerous countries, and its civilian counterpart is produced by virtually every firearms manufacturer out there.
Yet, when it was first introduced, many people immediately began writing its obituary because of the problems it encountered. Some claimed it was adopted more through political pressure rather than performance. And the design was a polar opposite of what a United States military rifle’s virtues were supposed to be.
But many of its early problems were brought about by factors that its designer had never intended the rifle to operate with.
Aired first time: 08-10-11.
Air Times on Outdoor Channel: 09-28 at 2:00PM | 09-28 at 7:30PM | 09-28 at 10:30PM | 09-29 at 1:30AM | 10-02 at 6:30AM. All times EST.
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Looks like it will be a good episode to watch.
While it is true that the M-16 in current production is accurate and quite reliable when properly maintained, I agree that the 5.56 round is more of a CQB round than a reach-out–and-touch-someone round. Anecdotal evidence coming from our troops in Afganistan and Iraq tell a story of abject failure of the round out past 200 meters. That’s why the 6.8 SPC round came out. Personally, I trust my life to a HK 91 and an Imbel FAL in 7.62 caliber. Both are famously reliable and very accurate for battle rifles. I’ll keep my 5.56s for perimiter duty and CQB but I’m going with my 7.62 rifles if things get dicey.