Interesting to note that at one point HK was looking at a forward assist for the G3 and proto types were offered the Bundeswehr. Late model G3 had a "Finger print" on the bolt carrier to help the shooter close the action if a round failed to chamber. According to the Bundeswehr troops I worked with stoppages were not common but clearing them was a pain and frequently trying to clear by immediate action made the situation worse when the stoppage was a failure to chamber. They also complained that when one tried to close the bolt by pushing on the carrier after a few rounds had been fire that it would burn one's thumb, much like when M-16 bolt carriers pre forward assist were pushed forward with the cut out for the ejection cover.
I always wondered if there was some way to tap an FAL bolt closed, what with that non reciprocating charging handle.
I have to wonder if folks that trash talk the M-14 have any real experience with it and many other systems.
I know about Ian's air hose test an watched the video. A single sample or even a few dozen do not impress me when I have carted M-14s through the woods and swamps and they worked.
What can I say but that I have heard troops with experience with all three systems BMC about how much they would rather have something else.
Folks experiences differ and that is all there is to it. I have seen a fair number of AR-15s fail, and seen a lot of different types of failures, but I will be surprised if someone doesn't jump on my having typed such to say they NEVER saw one fail. Different folks have different experiences.
For me I have used all three, admittedly with the FAL the least. If told I was about to enter a fight for my life and could only pick a new military production G3 or FN FAL I would take the FAL . If offered the additional choice of an same condition M-14 I would choose the M-14 over either.
I would not feel under armed if stuck with any of them.
I think I am finished.
-kBob
