The US army first utilized M16 during the fight in Vietnam while the Vietcong had AK-47 weapons. It was the time when the Americans started to become involve in Southeast Asia, the United States army launched its own first machine gun, a light weight gun referred to as the M16. The rifle was created in the late 1950’s by Eugene Stoner, and built by the Colt firearms company. The machine gun's components were metals and plastics. Engineers and designers were pleased by the rifle however the infantrymen were dubious of its functionality. They thought that the M16 was not adequate. The cartridge appeared too small to bring about any damage to the enemy. Researches were conducted to make the infantrymen put their confidence in the capabilities of the new rifle. Even though M16 was obviously a lighter gun and utilized small bullets, it could make the same degree of damage as a gun that used heavy bullets because the small bullets move faster.
To worsen the condition, the very first M16s that were transported to Vietnam did not have adequate manuals and clean-up packages. As it turns out it was crucial to keep the weapons clean and numerous soldiers were able to find out about this in the actual combat. The M16 was modified by the designers to prevent it from malfunctioning. The weapon must also be cleaned so the soldiers were asked to do this on a regular basis. Gradually, the M16 began to earn the approval of the infantrymen.
Presently, a whole new generation of soldiers put their lives at risk on the capabilities of M16. Much like its low cost adversary the AK-47, the M16 remains to be employed in the front line. 30 years had gone by but there's still no M16 firearm replacement made. To replace the M16, the U.S. military researchers will have to carry out an incredibly time intensive research as well as invest big money. Also, the firearms do not require radical advancement considering that their design has been perfected.
The kinds of future firearms can, however, be argued. Companies are testing out innovative firearms loaded with heat scopes and laser light sights so it will be viable to hit the targets a lot more times over. Nonetheless, the new models that are being tested are still unable to replace M16 guns with respect to design. People desired to build better guns for six centuries now since the very first long arms were invented. As a result of improvements of technology, the weapons that were commended as ultimate firearms eventually became out-of-date. In each new functionality there are also new consequences. The past shows that front runners ought to be prepared to take innovative developments because combating it can be very expensive.
* Reference
Texas Gun Trust
Texas NFA Trust
