Why do I list by BG? Because I now have 25 years experience with weapons, specifically the M16/AR15. I've handled one since I was 17, actually I got some trigger time at 16 also. I came in the military when guys still in the Guard, carried M14's in their time. I was kinda naive about the M16 issues at first, later convince "as long as I keep it clean I'll be fine", until I got that real world experience in my first and most dangerous armed encountered. Let me put it this way, mine worked. But not before I took some extraordinary measures to make it that way AND I did not feel confident about its reliability even after taking those measures. But I distinctively heard two M16A2's being cleared for falfunctions at the very moment when I fired my first 4 rounds in combat. BTW, S.P.O.R.T.S. is useless, period! It's the stupidest immediate action drill ever devised for that weapon system AND beyond a magazine not seating properly which is solved at the first "S", the remaining action just guarantees a bigger jam. I've never seen SPORTS work, ever!
Well, I WAS issued a M14 When I went in the Corps.
I was issued a M14 when I reported to Vietnam in 1967 (3rd Marine Division stayed until Late 69). Then some genius decided to issue a Toy like POS to combat troops shortly after I got there. I was always attached, so I made sure I never went by MY Armory with my M14. So I managed to hang onto my M14 through to about April 69.
Like I303, I have been in a bunch of Fire Fights. and in many, many, many of them heard, saw, and bagged and tagged good Marines because that POS M16 wouldn't/Couldn't shoot. Real excitement is when, after the first rounds are fired, the only folks still shooting are yourself, and the gun, (don't forget the M79, too). I always remember experiences like this when ever the Matty Mattel comes up in conversation.
I am often lambasted for not "understanding" that the M16 has improved in the last 40-50 years. If that is so, how come the troops are still complaining about jams? Hell, we lost a whole convoy, wiped out and captured because most of their rifles wouldn't work. I then laugh, when I hear guys complain about company XYZ and how they will not buy anything from them because of bad service, or some other implied slight, or such. I will not buy an M16, got friends of mine dead. And is still getting American troops dead. Some of you folks may not buy because of bad service, I don't buy because of deadly products. YMMV
I own a collection of US service rifles of the 20th Century. Except for that black POS I will not own one. My first 5.56 Cal rifle was a Kel-Tech SU-16. Pretty good rifle. My 4'10" daughter shoots that one because it is nice and light. For the record, her pistol of choice is the 1911, 5" in 45acp of course. (she will turn 21 next year, and I have her Colt Government all ready set up for her, short trigger, thin grips etc.) And she will get the SU probably with the EOTech 512 on it.
My daughter may be a true short round, but I would hate to see what happens to the first yahoo that messes with her. She ain't assertive, she is aggressive. But I am starting to ramble, sorry.
that is why I chose the XCR piston drive. I like the AK like gas system, some may even say it has stood the test of time. I think I may get a 556, too. But the longer I play with and shoot my XCR, the less I feel the need. I have my XCR set up primarily for Home Defense. I can disconnect one fast disconnect mount, and if/when needed, attach another, and I am set up for the elephant.
By the way, over on the SIG Forum I am Devestate Bravo, the call sign of my unit in Vietnam. (believe it or not, misspelled on purpose)
Good luck
Fred