Ok.. I just voted. Shit I just hoped on to ia for the first time and found this forum. I read the whole thread and will hit a few key notes tomorrow. I am about to head to bed.
- stock ergonomics is a big factor because when I wear my gear my stock is in a different location then when i am not.
- Rail Accessory interface is a huge factor. On my weapon at work I have a PAQ2 / mars / flashlight / pen flare adaptor/ buis/ fufis. All are necessary for any mission you go on when deployed
- ergonomics is a huge factor. not only when you have to carry it for 8-10 hours a day on patrol but when doing things like slicing the pie, over unders, mout, ebcr, you want the most compact weapon platform.
To hit on the reliability point here. Most people that own ar's and have ftf/fte problems are shooting cheap ammo, using shit magazines, and have not lubbed up there weapon. I am not saying the ar is better here. I will be the first to admit that an ak is more reliable. We had back up "truck" guns in iraq that we had captured from insurgents. They were ak's. At any point in time you could pick one up and it would fire. But do no be mistaken when i say that i have come across my fare share of shit ak's.
I have shot several variations of ar's. SBR, SDM, 6.5, 6.8, 308, etc.. I would love for my team leaders to carry atleast a 6.8 for there room brooms and my rifleman the standard 5.56 , the only problem with that is if one runs out of ammo they dont interchange. I feel both are compatible in there own right. I have three ar's in my gun cabinet as we speak. I do not currently own an ak because i am in the process of having some of my own custom peices machined for public sale on the ar platform and i needed some test beds.
You all have a good night.