Hi to all!

I have to post a question: I�ve read it all about the Minimi, the G 36 and the FAL being the most reliable weapons in the field ...

But as for M1A ( M 14 ) and AR rifles ( I prefer the 10 = 7.62 ) debate:

The M 1�s system is in the open. It might be cleaner as powder fouling is not blown in the action, but any sand may enter the action from the top.

The AR�s have a dust cover, closed until action starts.

So in theory the AR�s should do not so bad in the desert - right ???

Hope for some hints, Hermann

P.S.: how did the AUG do?

Is the AR 10 more reliable than the AR 15? I would call the stronger recoil spring and the bigger cartridge ( with more taper? )an advantage

how many rounds in an AR until stoppages because of powder gas in the action are guaranteed?

[ 11-17-2003, 18:37: Message edited by: aHunter ]

aHunter, in the Free World G36 and FAL's are likely the MOST reliable.

You'll likely hear from the AK side of the house though... AK's seems to function even with frozen boulders in the action. May not shoot very straight but it will shoot.

My experience with M14's and M1A's is limited so I'll leave that for more qualified folks.

AR's of BOTH flavors are somewhat susceptible to fouled actions. They like extruded and flake powders. They DO NOT like ball powders. They DO NOT like fine powdery sand. They like to be maintained in the field. Don't know that much about AR10's under field conditions. Haven't been that many. Sure there are reports of SOCOM guys using KAC equipment but those guys are the best of the best getting the best equipment and maintenance and not really a representative sampling. And pics from the 'Stan showed soldiers carrying M14 or M1A's for .308 rifles.

Hope this helps.

I don't have much to say on what rifle is more reliable in action, but have been reloading for my Colt AR for about 2500 rounds now. I use BLC-(2), which is a ball powder, and have never had a problem with powder fouling. I'm sure that I keep my rifle cleaner than most soldiers in action, but have put as much as 700 rounds through it in a weekend without cleaning. This is a desert environment, I know that Washington is the Evergreen state, but the east side of the state is all desert. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks, krawler! 700 rounds without cleaning in two days is great news.

My programmed test course will involve less rounds, but starting with lotsa rounds, first with a 10 rd group with the first round from a deoiled bore. Then casual shooting for two days, eventually with scope on/off group. Third day some shots, then a burst, then a 10 shot group to check.

Should simulate combat conditions.

I clean my guns religiously. So I will start with a clean gun and sleep bad because of a dirty gun. If Elmer would know ...

Regards, Hermann

I'd heard that powder was the main reason that the AR didn't want to function when it first went into battle. It's too bad that somebody tried to sabotage the rifle because they didn't like how it looked. How many men lost their lives in Viet Nam because their weapon wouldn't work? Fortunately, the problem was straigtened out. I had also heard that BlC-(2) was designed for use in the AR15 to address the powder fouling, which is one of the reasons I started using it. Anybody know if this is true?

Another problem with the early M16 was that the bore and chamber were not chrome-plated.

I gather that the fine dust which prevails in Iraq is purpose-designed to jam actions like nothing else. Even the legendary .50 M2 was seen on TV experiencing stoppages...

Tony Williams: Military gun and ammunition website and discussion
forum

So, in reality there is only one weapon fit for Iraq:

a loose as a goose Smelly ;-))

I think AR recommends chrome plated barrels for max reliability, but SS for better accuracy.

IMHO the smoothness of the chamber might be the real important thing, and that could be the reason earlier chrome plating was so important. Or is it the greater "lubricity" of chrome??

But I bet AK�s have not the smoothest chambers, only the most tapered case.

Regards, Hermann

What do you guys think of an adjustable gas tube for the AR?

I mean, in every discussion where FAL is stated, its claimed that the dial-in-on-ammo or one step up if gun is dirty, is one of the major points for the gun - right?

Also, if a cartridge is bigger the same amount of tolerances or the same amount of fouling is less in percentages. Coupled with the stronger spring this means more reliability to me - your opinions?

Good shooting! Hermann