There is nothing like the joy of acquiring another firearm and more ammo. Once you are approaching that magic number of firearms and ammo you think you need, what could go wrong? You have taken each firearm to the range and have run it through the paces. You can shoot straight, quickly, and are having a great old time. Your ammo stocks are enough to support at least a squad of infantry.
As I shoot more and use different firearms I have a better feeling of which rifles run better as far as ease of use, and are less prone to failure. The more you shoot the more you will see failures of equipment and mistakes in reloading the firearm. These can put you right out of business at least for that range trip or worse in a dire situation kill you. I will first go through what I feel is the best rifle for those who will only have one, and then some of the problems I have had over the last couple of years. I am probably not unique. It is good to recognize some of these common gunsmithing problems.
Selecting a rifle
If you can only have one semi-automatic rifle then it should be the simplest to run and be in a common caliber. I am not talking about pistol caliber rifles here. The common calibers are .223/.556 (.22 bore diameter) and 7.62×39 (.30 bore diameter) a Russian caliber, both being widely available, reasonably inexpensive. I know there are many other larger calibers but they tend to be quite a bit more expensive and in most cases the recoil is heavy.
I have rifles in both calibers and tend to gravitate towards the 7.62×39 as it is relatively more inexpensive to shoot. Some AR-15s, most AK47s, and all SKSes can shoot this round so which rifle to choose comes down to how much they cost, how reliable are they, the availability of parts, and how easy are they to run.
Just a note about why I have not listed the Ruger Mini-14. I won a Ruger Mini-14 in a raffle a few years ago and went out and shot it. It ran fine even with the magazine. I then broke it down to clean which was not an easy job. Compared to ARs, AKs, and the SKS, the Mini-14 takedown is not for the faint of heart. That alone caused me to trade it in for another weapon. Again, others probably have better thoughts about this rifle.
The thing to watch on all these rifles is how easy is it to reload if you are under stress.
Reloading your rifle
It has been my experience that reloading your rifle with external magazines can be a problem when you are under stress.
AR-15 Reloading
I have not had too much trouble inserting the detachable magazine in the AR-15. You should insert it with force and it doesn’t hurt to slap in on the bottom once seated to ensure it is really inserted.
A couple years ago I worked and participated in combat shoots. I was shooting AKs and was surprised how often the AR-15 shooters had problems with magazines not working or not being seated right. If you using an AR-15 make sure you have tested the rifle with each of your magazines.
AK47 Reloading
While I have not had too much trouble reloading the AK, it does take practice to do it smoothly. You need to rock the magazine into the rifle and if you don’t do it right things can get difficult.
I work on a program called “Women On Target” every year which takes women through a half-day of lecture, lunch, and a half-day of sessions on archery, handgun shooting, shotgun shooting, and rifle shooting. On my station I have the women shoot an AK and a SKS. Almost all of the women had trouble inserting and locking the AK magazine. Like I said for the AR-15, you need to practice loading the AK. You can’t just buy the rifle and magazine and assume you can run it under stress.
SKS Reloading
Unless it is modified, a standard SKS rifle normally does not have a detachable magazine. The magazine is built-in and holds 10 rounds. You can individually load rounds or use a stripper clip that holds 10 rounds. Using the stripper clip all you have to do to load the internal magazine is insert the loaded stripper clip into a slot on the dust cover and press down with your thumb. This always has worked very easily for me. I need to mention: I was using a Chinese Type 56 SKS.
The women who used the SKS had no problems loading the rifle.
Parts Failures
I have had more than one extractor failure in the last year. The latest was on a new bolt action rifle when I only had 25 rounds through it. The problem showed up as I was trying to determine the best powder load for the new barrel. I was loading one round at a time in the rifle and all of a sudden I couldn’t insert a round. I determined that the spent round had not been ejected and used a rod to remove it. I did notice the primer had been blown out, but at the time did not think much about it. The problem quite likely was a poorly loaded round. I inserted another round into the rifle and shot it. Again the spent casing refused to eject. I then pulled the bolt and saw the ejector was missing, great. That was it for the trip to the range. Who would have thought that spare bolt parts would be important especially on a new rifle? I ordered replacement parts and it took a week to get them.
In normal times getting a replacement part is not a problem. However, in times that are not normal, you could be in a lot of hurt.
I would guess that most people only have one rifle and/or handgun so backup isn’t going to help and even if you have more than one you aren’t going to cannibalize parts from them.
This got me thinking, what other spare parts would I need in an emergency?
Bolt action rifles are not that complex and not many backup parts would be required, but jump to semi-automatic firearms and the story changes. The following are some of the areas of problems I have run into with a few different rifles.
Bolt Action Rifles
I have a few different bolt action rifles and the only problem I have had is the one mentioned above, the extractor fell out and I could not find it. This was on a Savage Model 10 long-range rifle and the problem was probably the ammo I reloaded. The rifle was out of action any way you looked at it.
I have only listed a few parts for the bolt action rifles
- Bolt parts
- Ejector parts
- Extractor parts
- Firing pin
- Trigger
- Lots of stripper clips (for those with a stripper clip guide.)
- Lots of magazines (for those with detachable magazines.)
Semi-Automatic Rifles
AR-15s: ARs are a complex machine and much can go wrong with them. I did have a broken extractor on one, which again put it out of action for about a week before I got new parts. I have no idea why the extractor broke. [JWR Adds: The fairly recent advent of inexpensive steel-cased 5.56mm ammunition has surely contributed to extractor failures, with ARs.]
In general, there are lots of things that can cause problems. The most common that I have seen is failure to feed. Many times you don’t have the magazine seated completely and this is a cause for fumbling around when under stress. This may just be a magazine problem, but I have seen it quite often.
Other areas of concern are solid pins and roll pins walking out, the action being over gassed, and sluggish feeding. For the latter, note that AR-15s must be clean and well-oiled.
There are a number of parts that lock down your solid pins and roll pins.
I have put adjustable gas blocks on my ARs. When you put an adjustable gas block on and tune it, you should have a lot less problem with the rifle ejecting its fired brass.
AR Spares
Parts to have knowledge of, and possible spare parts:
- Bolt
- Ejector parts
- Extractor parts
- Firing pin
- Extra lower parts kit.
- Adjustable Gas Block
- Buffer detent
- Lots of magazines
AKs: I really have never had a problem with any AK47 or AK74 I have used. They are built like a tank and can be treated like one. It probably would not hurt to have a backup bolt, piston and fire control parts including Tapco trigger set.
Reloading an AK can be problematic at times. You have to insert the magazine with a rocking fashion and if you don’t get it right then you end up getting it stuck and doing a lot of fumbling around, again when under stress.
SKS: I like the SKS and have been happy with mine. They only use the 7.62×39 ammo and I have never had a problem with running the rifle. Unlike the AR-15s and AK47s the early SKSes are mostly milled from steel. They seem to be very tough.
One problem with the SKS can be with the floating firing pin. If it gets stuck you could get a slam fire, which will make the rifle fire rounds cyclicly until it’s empty. Make certain that the firing pin is loose in the bolt and well oiled. I have never had this problem but thought it would be good to bring it up.
Parts to have knowledge of, and possible spare parts:
- Bolt
- Extractor
- Ejector
- Firing pins
- Lots of stripper clips
Tools:
You’ll need a good basic set of gunsmith tools, but concentrate on getting punches, punches, punches. They break and bend when not used properly. I break and bend the smaller ones too often. I recommend getting a hollow-end pin starter punch set. Some roll pins are very small and you need the right tool to help to install them.
Some other thoughts, in closing:
- Do you even know how to detail strip the firearm?
- What if you don’t have YouTube to help fix the problem?
- What if you can’t order parts because nobody can sell them anymore or there is no Internet service?
W.O.T. Is a great program. I worked it for many years. The exposure to the multiple weapons systems is valuable to their decision making for the future.
What is a good quality AK that is American made?
I like any AK built on a Sharps Bros. receiver.
https://meridiandefensecorp.com/
Instead of the extra tap on your freshly inserted magazine give it a little tug. This will tell you if the mag is seated.
I should also have said the Gen2 P-Mags are notorious for over inserting. The harder you insert them or pound on the bottom the worse it is. The Gen3 mags have an over insertion tab on them which solves the problem.
Many people also only load 29 rounds in a 30 round mag to help with inserting on a closed bolt; aka a tactical reload. This helps with that not having to use a sledgehammer to insert your mag.
I am blessed to have a couple ARs and a couple AKs. One of the AKs is a Century Arms machined receiver that will cut a 1″ bullseye out at 25 yds without trying, and easily hit 100 yd targets center. When I got it several years ago it suffered the canted front sight, had to heat rotate and re-pin it, and added the RPK type windage adustable rear sight for good measure. It is a keeper, not that the newer RAS47 with stamped receiver is any less enjoyable or useful. While I enjoy the ARs, I also find the AKs bulletproof, pardon the pun. Other people can argue the AR/AK all they want, what works for you is what you should do. I would also like to say the SKS is a great choice, I only have one that I bought many years ago when they were $79, it is simple, accurate and almost as easy to maintain as the AK.
I bought my Chinese SKS when it was $99. The only issue is that I have to use the “non-detachable” magazines. I have two metal ones, and they are a pain to reload. I was getting ready to have a conversion done when it became illegal to do. Seriously stinks. Before my eyes got old, I was plinking smaller plates at 100 yrds. It takes optics now, but still accurate.
An improved, stronger extractor kit for the AR15: https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-extractor-spring-upgrade-kit/
Thank you for article. This was a subject that I been meaning to learn about. I am go to order parts Monday. question should I order for AR15 a few triggers too? also this article a the past one on AKs have me thinking about adding 2 to my supplies, plus the ammo is much cheaper from 556. Thanks again Jim
Gentlemen: What is a good vendor to purchase AR15 repair kits? The only gunsmith within 50 miles, closed due to CV19. Even though I don’t need anything now, I want to have the necessities on hand.
Numrich Gun Parts, gunpartscorp.com, has anything for everything. In business a long time, very reputable, a good go to.
I also like palmetto state armory too!
Brownsville is excellent for parts. I recommend stocking a spring kit and pin kit for ARs as parts can get lost as well as break. Gas rings may also be a good idea.
Did you mean “Brownells” ? Yes, they are great. Also consider Natchez Shooters Supply and don’t forget my go to MIDWAY USA . COM
A good spare part to have for an AR is an entire bolt carrier group, and the best is at
Geissele.com . They also make awesome replacement triggers including a smooth as silk trigger group for the COLT AR.
Ha! Yes, I did. Damn you Autocorrect!
Thanks.
I’d say that most combloc AK’s are fine, they do that one thing well. However good luck if you buy a cheaper made one in the USA and there is something wrong with the barrel. Unlike the AR platform, most people do not have the tools and skills to repair something like a barrel issue on an AK. I feel like the blind faith in a gun is not a good thing, for example if you thought that AK’s can never have problems but you bought a cheap poorly made version that had a headspace issue that you didn’t know about, you could potentially have major safety issues.
I think headspace is something often overlooked in the AR world too, it’s worth buying a few quality gauges to not get a sun tan, or worse. (always wear eye pro!)
I totally agree, you should know how to repair you weapons to the most practical extent you can, and on an AR platform, most people can learn every repair / replacement pretty quickly. Repairing a major issue on an AK, is not so simple for most people.
Additionally, many caliber choices are available from 17WMR to .458 socom, or .50 beowulf. And there is more than an abundance of repair parts…
I’ve been an AK guy for a long time. I have babied them and abused them. They are not perfect. No rifle is, even the M1 Garand. Then seeing that the most common ammunition out there is 5.56, the low cost of AR’s, and the need for a poor man’s DMR (precision) semi-auto rifle, and platform for NV, I made the jump when the opportunity presented itself. The first and second brand new AR’s I owned, straight out of the box, failed after the first few rounds. When this occurs, a warning light instantly turns on. If one looks closely at the print below the warning light it reads, ‘this is a reality check’. To correct the failure to feed in the latest rifle Tubb springs were installed, the crudely ‘finished’ chamber honed, and the butchered firing pin was replaced. The result is a smooth action that will chamber rounds with authority even in cold weather. Magazines will only be loaded with 28 rounds. Even so, this will not be my main battle rifle, but a specialty weapon. I do not even now fully trust it. It will take thousands of rounds to redeem itself.
My standard is not unreasonably high. After learning to clean and lubricate the AR, I would spend serious money on upgrades to make it stone cold reliable. Upgrading the recoil spring is the first thing I would do, or better yet, replace every spring with high quality ones. The recoil spring, or for us old geezer types, the ‘op rod’ spring is the heart of the rifle. I would also carry a spare BCG ( bolt carrier group) with the rifle. This can be slapped in if the ejector fails. As one can afford, learn what is needed, and upgrade the rifle you own to make it reliable as you can.
When buying any rifle, purchased the very finest you can afford be it, an AR, AK or whatever. Milspec is not good enough in my book. Even my AK’s are improved, rails polished and the rifle ‘fine tuned’. The result makes a difference. Even a relatively low tech machine can be made butter smooth, even the trigger. If one is not mechanically inclined and apt to install spare parts, get it done by a competent gunsmith, and then buy a second rifle that is exactly the same. I learned the easy way in good times.
Here is the spring kit I used. This can greatly improve most AR’s:
http://www.davidtubb.com/ar15-tubb-parts/ar15-performancepack
Agreed on upgrading to high quality springs. For me, JP Rifle buffer springs worked wonders over the factory OEM. The factory springs were fine, but sounded like a piano wire (sproingggggg!) in my ear on every trigger pull. Tuned linear springs from JP Rifle are great for basic replacement ($20 each). They also have tunable “weighted plunger style” buffers if you want to spend more $$$ and go to the next level.
About AK reloading.
Steel Comblock mags are the best, but not better fitted or easier to install in the mag well. Every kind of mag out there should be fitted to the rifle, and not the rifle to the mag. The usual problem is the tab on the rear of the mag that the mag release lever keys into and locks it into place. Using a permanent marker to ‘color’ or paint a possible friction point, file or remove the material incrementally, test and file, rinse and repeat until she clicks in sweetly, fully, instantly and effortlessly… This one issue solved will make running the AK a completely new experience. Mags that lock in swiftly and securely makes the shooter confident. The second most miserable problem on Comblock AK’s is the trigger. If this bothers you, replace it with a Tapco.
AK’s are not perfect. Do have a complete set of spare parts, particularly replacement springs and clips for the action. Folding stocks do have their place, but are no were near as comfortable, or reliable long term. Ditch the folder unless the there is a particular need for it.
If one can afford an Arsenal brand AK, you not be disappointed.
Be happy and stay alive. Suck it up and get the best AK you can afford. Twice the price and more than twice the quality where is counts, a highly reliable platform that can shoot cheap ammo. Or buy a cheap rifle like mine that can only handle higher priced ammo reliably (brass cased), the AR-15.
Arsenal AK-47’s are not necessarily the best, but one of the best that is easily obtainable.
What could be the the second best out there?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9p2suTKSK8
The base models are usually the best bargain. But do pay more for the models that come ‘fully loaded’. Get the the bells and whistles if you can, especially the two most important items that are usually ‘extras, or optional on AK’s, a rail for optics, and a flash hider. Milled receivers are not necessary if the stamped receiver is well made. The devil is in the details, so do not be deceived, and buy something that simply looks good. Wearing parts need to be correctly hardened, or made relatively soft depending upon their function. And as someone mentioned earlier, the trunion should be milled or forged. Check into this manufacture, and you’ll find that you are indeed getting what is paid for, and they have your ‘6’, because they do not cut corners. We longer have time to learn the hard way about AK’s. Don’t take a chance on something you do not understand.
https://www.arsenalinc.com/usa/firearms/Rifles/SLR-107_SERIES/
Call me ol’ fashioned and outdated, but I don’t believe women should have “groups” to themselves. I am a woman saying this. There’s just to many divorces, abortions, and lawsuits to have a woman in a man’s role.
INSTEAD: I recommend having a woman and her husband class on shooting. Where she is trained at the oversight of her husband. You know like 1 Peter and Ephesians 5:4 where the woman falls under the spiritual authority of her man- husband.
Just saying… Before we all go to guns as our society is spinning out of control, we need to place woman back under their rightful position of “helpmate” to a man – once again that is her hubby. It would solve many of the issues we are facing today – including the top three I mentioned above.
God bless
Ole Granny,
There are a lot of women who are not blessed to be married for many reasons these days, many are single by not their own choice. So having someone willing to train women is a nice option. We live in an imperfect world. Most of the World is not Christian nor are following God’s ideal, sadly.
By the way, I think our society has already spun out of control and will only get worse, because Satan will have his short time to rule the World. He will prevail against the saints, Daniel chapter 7. But a small remnant will overcome him, if we remain close to the Lord Jesus. It is fore-ordained/ prophesied. Only when Jesus returns will all things be made right.
A.L.
Thank you for your reply. I will not except the world where it is as it is our (Saints) calling to change the pendulum back to Godliness. It’s best to do that with our women, as women “run” families, which mean then run men into righteousness. By women running companies, military troops, and legislation we are running this world into more ungodliness. Just by women being in a man’s role, they have to give up their conservatism and “run” with the Devil so to speak. Look at the women in Congress [majority Democrats -abortion lovers], in our companies [terminate Patriarchs], not going to bore you with too much but go right on down the line of men’s roles taken by women and see the chaos.
I’m not giving up preaching to our American woman, we women all need to start today and bring this country back to its Christian founding. That starts by being married and not playing the world’s game of every woman liberated with false happiness by being scolded into a man’s role. God created women as a helpmate to a man. There’s a significant reason for that as a man needs a woman to aid his calling on this earth- he needs a completer and not a competer. A man’s life “in a man’s role” is so demanding that he MUST have a helpmate. Don’t know how women are supposed to be in a “man’s role” without a helpmate either? Wow!
Dear sister, this is not a rebuke but just clarifying my stance. It’s our calling to stand and not take all of “this” ant-Godliness laying down because Daniel said the world will end. We don’t know where we are in the prophetic scheme of things. So many interpretations, and we just need to stand up and fight – fight for Godliness now.
Go in peace, my dear child and you are doing a great work on this website. Thank you for standing in the gap for many. You will be blessed in this life and the life to come. Stay strong.
Ole Granny – While I agree in part of what you are saying, I also agree with Lily.
My grandfather brought me up in what many viewed as a “regret over not having a grandson” but his philosophy was “I don’t want you to ever have to depend on a man when you can do it yourself”. I’m not a professional carpenter, professional plumber, professional mechanic, nor a professional sharpshooter. However, I can hold my own.
My husband is the “head” of the household. His word is the final decision. However, we are a team. We both seek each others council but above all, we seek the Lord’s guidance and wisdom. There are a number of women who are not as Blessed (through no fault of their own). I am speaking from past experience that unfortunately some men, while they “follow that a women should be a helpmate”, they have not read the following:
Proverbs 31: 10-31 (KJV)
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
They are of the opinion that a women’s place is only in the kitchen or cleaning house. They believe “they (the men) are the protectors” and the woman’s place is to be behind them and not beside them. If they did read the above, then they would realize that while the man is the head of the house, the husband and wife are a team.
My husband told me about 6 months ago that I was a “true virtuous wife”. I am not ashamed to say that I was almost brought to tears. I have always tried my best to be a good wife but never considered that high ranking.
I have endeavored to learn of new things through many paths: books, internet, in person and yes, my husband plays a huge part, especially in the plumbing! 🙂
With this long winded comment, my final thought is that a woman should learn in whatever platform she is comfortable with, therefore, she will be ready either to stand strong herself or become the virtuous wife (and teammate of her husband).
amen sister….
i meant to say amen sister granny…sorry for the double post….
Rifle Dynamics in Las Vegas builds ultra reliable AKs, but they are expensive.
I have made two AR builds from Palmetto State Armory and put hundreds of rounds through each. I have not had any failures. One was a 10.5 inch pistol. These are my first ARs, as I got into them late. From this limited experience I would recommend them.
After 30 years as a grunt, I have never had a problem with Colt AR’s, so that is what I place my faith in for the AR platform. I am sure others are good but I have put thousands of rounds thru Colt AR’s and other than occasional bad mags, have not had any issues. Since I had to bet my life on Colt’s in uniform, I still bet my life on them today. There is a difference in AR quality between manufacturer’s, so choose wisely. You can save money on cheaper ARs, but Colt just works for me. YMMV.
I don’t know if you’ve ever had a mini-14 they are very easy to field strip and clean. Unload cock it, pull trigger group and bolt and yank from stock, cock again and set bolt hold [open button] and wipe piston and put back in reverse order. Now an AK is easier… [Some unkind words deleted by the Editor.]
Many of the highspeed operators who have exited the military still use the AR platform because it has proven its self battle worthy. More versatility(to include ammo) than the AK also better range and accuracy over all. With that said, I own both and prefer the 30 caliber bullet for long term preparedness/survival situation. I have recently purchased the 7.62×39 in the Ruger Ranch bolt rifle. It takes the mini 30 Ruger magazine and is very accurate even with Tula ammo. At 50 yards the 5 shot shot group was a quarter size or smaller. I am leaning towards this rifle as being my end of the world bug out rifle, if I had only one choice. Well that’s my 2cents worth GB
I wanted to love the Mini-14 and eventually the Mini-30, but the first one I bought was a well used ex-LEO weapon and it had a problem that scared me to death. Several times I would go to cycle the weapon with a live round in the chamber and the thing would refuse to move. It seemed like the bolt was catching when it was supposed to start rotating before it would move backwards (too much slop in the worn action?) A friend of mine showed me how to clear it by putting the buttstock on the ground, holding the barrel and kicking the action with your foot…I said no thanks and got rid it.
Dirty chamber sir.
Biggest issue with the M-16/AR-15 platform is the magazine. Old GI mags often fail…if you have an AR new magazines are inexpensive enough that you should have 20 or 30 put away for a rainy day. They were designed to be limited use items back in the early 1960’s…..but we know the military never gets rid of stuff like magazines.
PMags are good as are the Brownells aluminum magazines with the anti-tilt follower.
Inserting a magazine with the bolt forward necessitates compressing the rounds in the magazine to get it to catch, so it does take some effort. Inserting the mag with the bolt to the rear takes much less effort.
The critical areas of the AR are the bolt carrier group (BCG) and the barrel, followed by the buffer tube, buffer and buffer spring. I have a couple of PSA parts kits that I’ve built into rifles. As I could afford it I replaced the bolts carrier groups with BCM enhanced BCG’s. That permits me to put the PSA BCG, which I’ve never had an issue with, aside as a spare.
If you run a rifle with a bargain buffer tube next to one with a more expensive one from a reputable manufacturer you will notice a difference. Pull the bolt back slowly in each, and shoot them if you can. The premium runs more smoothly. Again, I personally haven’t had an issue with one but I’m not shooting 5,000 rounds a month (and likely never will!).
In 8 years as an Infantryman the only failure other than magazine related that I ever personally saw in an M-16A1 or A2 was bad ammo blowing a bolt out of the left side of an upper receiver (Fort Campbell, 1988. M-16A1 and issued M-193 ball).
Extractors, extractor springs, and extractor O-rings are cheap enough to have a few put up, and replacement is easy. Try changing the firing pin or extractor on an AK sometime. And yes, I’ve seen a broken AK extractor on a Maadi AKM (Egyptian made on Russian machinery).
That being said I used both the M-16A1 and -A2 extensively and other than magazine issues they ran like champs. I once spent most of a day mostly submerged in brackish, muddy water in a mangrove swamp watching a bridge. My M-16A2 spent a lot of that time submerged as well, just due to the nature of our hide and infiltration method. When we went feet dry my team pointed our muzzles down, drew the bolts to the rear enough to break the vacuum in the bore, let the bolt forward and fired 2+ magazines of M-855 without malfunction. That’s after hours of muddy, filthy water getting into every nook and cranny of the weapons.
Based on this experience, and many others, I have a lot of confidence in a quality AR type rifle.