TS> the .30 Carbine isn't an '06, but it's
 TS> better than the glorified .22 that is the M-16.

Just my opinion, Todd, but I have to disagree. The .223's 3250+ fps muzzle
velocity for a standard NATO light round more than makes up in stopping
power what it lacks in weight. (I'm comparing with a .30 carbine, mind you)
The .30 carbine is not a heavy bullet, 100 or 110 gr, with muzzle
velocities generally in the 1600 to 1700 fps range. The .30's effective
range is severely limited, while the M-16's effective range is several
hundred yards, and with slightly heavier bullets, High Power competitors
shoot M-16's quite effectively at 600 yards routinely.

The commies also saw the logic in the 22 caliber round, as they necked down
their extremely popular 7.62x39 round to make today's 5.45.x39 for the
AK-74 when it came out, although Mikhail Kalashnikov was very much against
this. In a firefight at a couple of hundred yards range, I'd rather have an
M-16 than an M-1/2 carbine, and I'd rather be facing an AK-47 than an
AK-74. :) Just my opinion...

--- Ceska Zbrojovka