07-27-2011, 07:56 AM
Tony Williams Wrote:And yet - the first two US Army improvements due to be made to the M4 are a full-auto switch and a heavier barrel to withstand higher-intensity automatic fire. Something doesn't add up...
Even without using auto guys have been having M-4s overheat in high intensity fire fights in Afghanistan. The Taiban have been trying to isolate and overrun small outposts and the guys end up firing continuously for an hour or more resulting in overheating and failure. Some of it is just inadequate lubrication, but heat plays a factor.
It's always been a problem with any sort of weapon. I was taught to urinate on the machine gun barrel if necessary to keep it going.