Obviously, the size of a shooters hands will have a lot to do with it.
When we changed from A1 to A2 I noticed it and didn't like it. It wasn't life threatening, just uncomfortable. Having shot the HK I knew there were better grips - you can always trust the Germans for that - but the HK grip was also a little big for me.
The M16 was originally set up for Americans of 1950's average stature. It was closer to the world's average, which is why they were well received by some of the first buyers in Asia.
Later the A2 added the fat grip and long stock to better fit the new supersized American soldier.
Another problem is that the safety isn't where it fits best ergonomically - so a backstrap that fills in the grip and gives a better "pistol" type trigger pull leaves it beyond the thumb for some shooters. The shooter has to decide whether "perfect" trigger placement or safety placement is priority. Contrast that with whether 2MOA mispec accuracy needs it, or use of safeties in a mass group of relatively inexperienced users is institutionally more important.
Use what fits. There is no "best" except what works for you.
When we changed from A1 to A2 I noticed it and didn't like it. It wasn't life threatening, just uncomfortable. Having shot the HK I knew there were better grips - you can always trust the Germans for that - but the HK grip was also a little big for me.
The M16 was originally set up for Americans of 1950's average stature. It was closer to the world's average, which is why they were well received by some of the first buyers in Asia.
Later the A2 added the fat grip and long stock to better fit the new supersized American soldier.
Another problem is that the safety isn't where it fits best ergonomically - so a backstrap that fills in the grip and gives a better "pistol" type trigger pull leaves it beyond the thumb for some shooters. The shooter has to decide whether "perfect" trigger placement or safety placement is priority. Contrast that with whether 2MOA mispec accuracy needs it, or use of safeties in a mass group of relatively inexperienced users is institutionally more important.
Use what fits. There is no "best" except what works for you.