[Jack Orr]

JMO, but the Army shot itself in the foot in the late sixties and decided now to put a band aid on it. The DoD was so pumped about improving the M16, they just chucked the M14 to Capitan Crunch or moth balled some for thirty + years. Just look around for USGI parts now compared to a year or two ago. Yea, they could start new production on new parts or whole rifles, but they probably won't. Some whiz will come up with a cheaper alternative. Just my thoughts one the matter, no inside scoop.

 

[Jack Orr]

The issue of weight has been beat to death. Yes M16 ammo is lighter than M14 ammo. Still I don't think the load has changed much if any at all. There are still a lot of other things to carry; extra ammo for the SAW, mortars, claymores, ect.. . In times of battle, everyone carries as much firepower, food and equipment as possible. Their lives and the lives of those in their unit depend on it. It is not always possible to have a motorized division or get an air drop whenever you need it. You do with what you can carry, period.