9x56MS
Member
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2021
- Messages
- 886
I joined the U S Army in January of 1975 and reported to basic training in August of 1975. We were issued the M-16 rifle which was at the time unaffectionately called the Mattel jam o matic. That POS couldn't discarge 4 rounds in a row without jamming. Even the Drill Seargants warned us against auto fire. The plastic stock was hard to grip let alone aim and fire. With this experience I viewed all rifles with a plastic stock with a Jaded eye. My unit I joined in Germany had just come from Viet Nam and to a man cursed the M-16 as a POS. When I won a Ruger American 30-06 rifle I first thought of selling it. I sighted it in and was shocked. The 1st 3 rounds went into 3/4". I still could not abide the black plastic stock. I took it and had it hydro dipped in a Burlwood pattern that it makes it at least visually acceptable. When I think of the stories I was told of the casualties taken due to jamming and failure to fire issues I cringe at every black synthetic stock I see. Just an old mans ranting at his governments ineptitude costing good mens lives I guess. Some lessons cost more than they are worth I guess.