Mon, Nov 24, 2003 - Page 6 News List

Curtain set to fall on old warhorse M-16

DEFICIENCIES It was used in the jungles of Vietnam, but the long-serving rifle with a checkered past is now considered to be too bulky for modern warfare

AP , BAGHDAD

For instance, the Austrian-designed Steyr AUG with a same length barrel is 30.5cm shorter than the standard service M-16.

The bullpups themselves have had a checkered record in service. While some, like the Steyr -- which is used in Iraq by Australian troops -- and the French FAMAS have received high marks, Britain's SA80 series weapons have been severely criticized as seriously unreliable.

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