http://world.guns.ru/assault/usa/m16-m16a1-m16a2-m16a3-e.html At the present time almost all of the initial flaws of the M16 have been removed and it is considered among the best assault rifles in the world. While its reliability in harsh conditions cannot match that of its main rival, the Kalashnikov AK-47 and AK-74, it is still a quite reliable weapon, especially when well maintained. It is also comfortable to fire and quite accurate. It must be noted that during recent operations in Afghanistan and Iraq (2002 and 2003, respectively), there were several controversial complaints about the effectiveness and reliability of the M16A2 and M4 rifles. It seems that most complaints about the reliability of the M16A2 rifles came from inadequate troop training and the resulting improper handling of the rifles. The M4 carbines are a somewhat different story, since the problems can be partially traced to the shortened gas system, which now operates at higher pressures, thus more violently. The M4 also rapidly overheated. Another general complaint was about the poor effectiveness of the standard M855 ammunition, which lacked stopping power especially from shorter M4 carbine barrels. To partially cure this problem, the US SOCOM recently issued a new type of 5.56 mm ammunition, the Mk.262 mod.0, which is loaded with heavier Sierra Match King bullets, weighing 4.99 gram compared with the 4.0 gram bullet in the M855 cartridge. The most recent experience also clearly showed the excessive length of the M16A2 rifles, which are too clumsy for motorised troops, riding in cars, armored carriers and helicopters. At the present time, many M16A2 rifles are being replaced in the hands of US troops with more compact and maneuverable M4A1 carbines.
The AK,King of reliability http://world.guns.ru/assault/rus/ak-akm-e.html The Kalashnikov assault rifle, also known to the West as the AK-47 (Avtomat Kalashnikova - 47, Kalashnikov automatic rifle, model of 1947), and its derivatives, also known under the common name of AK, is the most prolific small arm of the 2nd half of the XX century. It had been and still is (in more or less modified form) manufactured in dozens of countries, and used in hundreds of countries and conflicts since its introduction. The total number of the AK-type rifles made worldwide during the last 60 years is estimated at 90+ millions. This is a true legendary weapon, known for its extreme ruggedness, simplicity of operation and maintenance, and unsurpassed reliability even in worst conditions possible. It is used not only as a military weapon, but also as a platform for numerous sporting civilian rifles and shotguns (see Saiga semiautomatic shotguns, for example). The AK is an amalgam of previously known features and solutions, combined in the most effective way. The effectiveness, however, depends on the criteria used to measure it, and the key criteria for any and every Soviet and Russian military arm are: Reliability, Simplicity of operation and maintenance, Suitability for mass production. There never was any significant demand for good ergonomics or superb accuracy, though The gas operated action has a massive bolt carrier with a permanently attached long stroke gas piston. The gas chamber is located above the barrel. The bolt carrier rides on the two rails, formed on the receiver walls, with the significant clearances between the moving and stationary parts, which allows the gun to operate even when its interior is severely fouled with sand or mud. The rotating bolt has two massive lugs that lock into the receiver. Bolt is so designed that on the unlocking rotation it also makes a primary extraction movement to the fired case. This results in very positive and reliable extraction even with dirty chamber and cases. The rotation of the bolt is ensured by the curved cam track, machined in the bolt carrier, and by the appropriate stud on the bolt itself. The return spring and a spring guide are located behind the gas piston and are partially hidden in its hollow rear part when bolt is in battery. The return spring base also serves as a receiver cover lock. The cocking handle is permanently attached to the bolt carrier (in fact, it forms a single machined steel unit with carrier), and does reciprocate when gun is fired.
M4's /AR 's are lighter,shoots more rounds per minute,more accurate etc...But none of that matters when it breaks on you in the middle of combat imo
What I got from your articles was: 1. 90% of todays troops are happy with the M4 2. The M4 is better all around at what assault weapons are meant to do-kill. 3. American troops with their jamming M4 rifles repelled a larger and better equipped force ( if the AK is all that) I will take a lighter, more tactical, more accurate weapon any day, any time.
Don't forget though.................what is #1 on Amazon!!! http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/books/ref=sv_b_3 http://www.amazon.com/Wheres-Birth-Certificate-Eligible-President/dp/1936488299/ref=zg_bs_books_1
Timing sucked. They should have waited till September 2012, if their intent was to have an impact on the election. Otherwise, this book will be read, dissected, discredited, and then forgotten.
OK, I'll settle this once and for all! Here is a weapon! Here is a weapon that blows away the AK... http://tinyurl.com/4xe2ovv
I respect that.The AK vs the M variation debates are like the Democrat vs Republican ,Manny Pacquiao /Floyd Mayweather debates etc,both have their sides that won't be moved
I agree, and as you are probably aware, I have an extreme bias. If the M4 jams less than the A-2 then I for one would be ecstatic. I have never fired an AK, but when I did, I would want my target to be hit. I should not need to spray. Ultimately, this wastes munitions, and on a larger scale, this will add up. Combat lives and dies by it's supply line. If I can pick you off with three rounds, but you need ten or twelve rounds to pick me off, well, the outcome is obvious. You may win a few battles, but I will win the war.