Despite early controversies and setbacks in Vietnam, the M16 proved its worth. The rifle's design has evolved, leading to variants like the M4 and specialized models used by special operations forces.

and even field commanders in Vietnam all bear some culpability in creating the debacle. The primary defect, a failure to extract spent rounds, was corrected by chroming the rifle’s chambers and ...

"Even the noise gave them confidence - the Kalashnikov is much louder than the M16 ... and Vietnam. The weapons were often delivered to the coastlines of Honduras or Nicaragua. The guns were ...