Sld1959
Ronin
New powder being new to the cartridge as it was designed not a new design powder. But thank you for the correction lol.It was not a "new" powder, it was older existing stocks of government powder that was not approved or even evaluated during the development of the gun, which was engineered to use a designated formulation. Combined with no provisions for adequate cleaning (no kits issued early on) the system got gummed up with combustion products.
I've never seen any evidence for Mattel's involvement.
As to issues with the M16A1, I carried two in Vietnam and never had any issue with either. I didn't leave a round in it more than 24 hours (less in wet season) and would do a wipe-down of the bolt carrier & usually put a patch down the barrel any day it was used or carried. I don't recall ever having to use the forward bolt assist either. One of 'em...
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