TB>> Also there's the .223's fabled water-in-the-barrel syndrome. This is
 TB>> not th AR-15's fault: you could get a .223 caliber AKM and it'll have
 TB>> the same
 SH> What exactly is the "water in the barrel syndrome" as it applies to
 SH> .223s?
According to the theory, the .22 caliber bore is small enough to hold water 
by capillary action.  So, if you are in a swamp or a monsoon or whatever, and 
water gets into the barrel, the water won't naturally drain out as it would 
from a .30 caliber bore.  Then you fire the gun, and it results in a bulged 
or ruptured barrel.
I've been told that's why the Army started issuing the little plastic covers 
for the flash hider, to keep water out of the bore.
 Tony Belding 
 http://hamilton.htcomp.net/tbelding/
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