Never fired one, but from what I read and what people tell me I get the impression that the M-16 series was good but not great. I get the impression that there are better rifles out there, espically from Germany-Austria.

With regards to penetrating power, I've heard some very negative things on the green-tip carbide penetrator round, and really don't agree with the whole concept of the bullet. Someone care to dispell any problems with overpenetration? I'd rather my bullet stay in the target and fragment, thank you very much. Besides, do we really need armor penetration rounds in Iraq when we're in an urban environment and want to reduce civilian casualties?

The rounds we use in our M16 family weapon systems were designed to defeat Warsaw-pact body armor in conventional conflicts, and it is no suprise to me that these bullets are going through flesh like a pin through warm butter. Also, it doesn't help that some of the enemies we face today are taking adrenaline, horse tranquilizers, and other pain suppressing drugs to keep them fighting after getting shot three, four, and I've heard up to eight times by an M16 before physically stopping. Pisses me off.

yeah, and from what I understand we aren't changing from the carbide-penetrator because we dont' feel like screwing with Geneva, although we technically don't have to regard the small-arms ammunition piece of it.

Originally Posted by deerslayer

yeah, and from what I understand we aren't changing from the carbide-penetrator because we dont' feel like screwing with Geneva, although we technically don't have to regard the small-arms ammunition piece of it.

The standard green tip, 62gr (M885), is being phased out and replaced with the 77gr (Mk 262).

"And they were jumpin' pews and shoutin 'Hallelujah!'" -Ray Stevens, "The Mississippi Squirrel Revival".

Originally Posted by phoenix80

Have not used it and think it is OK but I'd love to try it

Ditto that

Having used this weapon in Vietnam, (never fired in combat), I have to agree with the comments made by PJ24, Luis and especially DTop. most of the complaints on this weapon are old i.e. based on early ammo types and poorly designed magazines, both of which have been taken care of. More telling is PJ24's and Luis' comments on the proper care and maintenance of the weapon. If you don't take care of your weapon (any weapon), it won't take care of you.

Originally Posted by tomtom22

If you don't take care of your weapon (any weapon), it won't take care of you.

Well said, Sir.

M-16 is okay, its in the top 10 but its not number one. But does have die hard fans. I've used the C-7 and C-7 a1 in the CF and liked it. But the direct gas system is a pig and needs too much care to work well.

No other weapon has as has many gucci items.... If given the chance I would take one over a AK but that is because training and I've developed a feeel for that weapon. The FN-FAL is still by far better than M-16/C-7, but that's my personal opinion.