Archangel14
Member
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2012
- Messages
- 596
There's probably a number of reasons the Marines stuck with the M16. But I bet a big consideration is the velocity that is achieved out of a 20 inch barrel, especially when compared to a 14.5
maxxhavoc said:My take on it:
1. The brass and older Marines select the equipment. Many of them still see iron sights as a priority, because that's how it has always worked.
2. Officially, Marines pride themselves on marksmanship. The M16 is more accurate at longer ranges. The fact that it may be only be .05% more accurate and only good for another 50-100 yards is irrelevant to the Brass. Also, Iron sights work MUCH better on an M16 due to the sight radius (see #1.)
3. Changing rifles cost money, and "these still work."
4. Many Marines (and other branches) think the M16 is more reliable, especially in an extended fight. Trying to get good reliability info on the M4 is impossible. Some entire units will swear that after 3 fast mag dumps, the M4 is a club until cleaned. The Army brass swear that it is the most reliable firearm ever built, and it beats every other weapon in the tests they design specifically to make the M4 win. Usually. The truth is somewhere in the middle. The M16 runs a bit cleaner and cycles a little less violently, so there is probably some validity to the "more reliable" argument. The Army says reliability difference is only .05% or so in tests.
I think #3 is the main one.
Don't forget the M16 has a longer buffer tube with a heavier buffer and a longer buffer spring.herrwalther said:Reliability differences or the illusion of are humorous. The actions are identical except for barrel and gas tube length.
Defc0n said:I carried an M4 almost all 4 years I was in the Marine Infantry. So did many others. Not sure what units you guys are talking about but (at least with my company) you were the exception if you carried an M16A4 instead of an M4.
I carried an M4 almost all 4 years I was in the Marine Infantry. So did many others. Not sure what units you guys are talking about but (at least with my company) you were the exception if you carried an M16A4 instead of an M4.
Still went through boot camp with the old M16A2 with no rail system to speak of and only iron sights though. Went through Infantry training with an M16A4 W/ ACOG. After that it was the M4
It didn't matter how sharp you were if you weren't issued cleaning gear. Simple things, like the long "pipe cleaner" for the gas tube were a long time coming.Sharp commanders did not change cleaning standards when changing from the M-14 and did not have any trouble.
If you have any urban operations or potential urban operations, the M4 is the winner in my eyes. Try clearing rooms or entering/exiting vehicles and confined spaces with an M16 and then try with an M4.
How com the Marines stuck with the M16? Is it because of the 20 inch barrel? What's the advantage of that over the M4 in combat?