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From: optilink!cramer@uunet.UU.NET (Clayton Cramer)
Newsgroups: sci.military,rec.guns
Subject: Re: Using the rifle suited to the previous war?
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Date: 8 Jan 91 19:44:56 GMT
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In article <1991Jan5.021709.27698@cbnews.att.com>, cga66@ihlpy.att.com (Patrick V Kauffold) writes:
# 
# 
# From: cga66@ihlpy.att.com (Patrick V Kauffold)
# >   Looking at TV presentations of the desert landscape, I
# > wonder if the M16 is the right rifle for the circumstances?
# > 
# > --henry schaffer  n c state univ
# 
# I remember from the M14/M16 argument during the mid-60's that the
# mean battle range in Europe was 500 yards; this was the argument
# for keeping the 7.62 mm NATO-compatible M14.  The M1 and M14 are
# both quite accurate at 500 yards.
# 
# The M16, on the other hand, is effective out to about 300 yards.

The M16A1 was effective out to about 300 yards; the M16A2 with the
1-7 twist rifling and the 63 gr. SS109 cartridge is another matter.
The current USMC Marksmanship Manual asserts that soldiers should
be capable of hitting man-sized targets to 550 meters, and because
of the penetrator core of the SS109 cartridges, it is supposed to
penetrate 1/4" stainless at 500 meters.

I know that *I* would prefer at M14 for long range shooting, but
realistically, most shooting, even in a desert, is probably going
to be ranges of less than 500 yards.

# The advantages for the M14 in the desert would be (a) greater
# effective range (b) more reliable in sand/dirt (c) ammo common
# to M60 MG and other NATO forces.

A number of countries have adopted 5.56mm light machine guns, 
just for that reason.  I'm not sure if the problems of M16
reliability still exist -- I know that current AR-15s are completely
reliable.

# Disadvantages are (a) weight of weapon (b) weight of ammo (c)
# lower automatic rate of fire.

The USMC Marksmanship manual is definitely emphasizing careful
aimed fire -- they strongly discourage use of automatic fire at 
distances greater than 50 meters.


-- 
Clayton E. Cramer {pyramid,pixar,tekbspa}!optilink!cramer
Gun Control: The belief that the government, with its great wisdom and 
moral superiority, can be trusted with a monopoly on deadly force.
You must be kidding!  No company would hold opinions like mine!