Hack is basing his opinion on the early Vietnam-era problems.  And, yes, that was a cluster#$*@, because they did not supply cleaning kits with the early guns, didn't chrome-line the barrels (to save money), and they changed the powder in the ammo to use up their existing supply, and that powder clogged up the gas tube due to poor formulation.  By '69-'70, those problems were all resolved and the M16A1 had an excellent record ever since, as have the A2 and later models.  The carbine models have all been somewhat less reliable, mostly due to the higher gas system pressures and faster cyclic rate inherent in a shorter gas system.

-Troy

Hackworth is a flaming  idiot.

(standing by to be attacked).

Not by me, you won't.  While I admire Hack's interest in helping out the soldier on the ground, a large percentage of the time, he has NO IDEA what he's talking about, or he will take a critical position with very little information.  In other words, he's a reactionary 'tard.

-Troy