In Korea we used M1 Garand which uses 30-06 Springfield, maybe a few M1A'a which uses the 308, also
called the 7.62mm NATO, while the AK47 uses a 30 caliber of different length, the 7.62X39, which is
also now used in this country in the Ruger Mini-14, that rifle not being developed until well after Korea was history. Our troops did have some problems with the M16 223 caliber and weapon but it was fixed later on, now being a very effective weapon for treacherous bipeds, virtually worthless for anyhting but the smallest of game except in the best of hands. The M16 is a beefed up 22 for heaven's sake, nowhere near a 308 or 30-06
It is true the AK 47 has a remarkable reputation for reliability, but it is a loose and violent action that suffers from heavy use and needs plenty of spare parts. FWIW...I have fired them all and yes the 338 kicks quite a bit but less
so if fired from the Browning BAR semi-auto. They all pale beside traditional big game cartridges for Africa like the 458 Win Magnum, and the 416 Rigby. I actually load my 45/70 an ancient 19th centurty caliber to heavy loads that kick as badly as a 338. OT but what the hell, we are sitting here waiting with bated breath for the next move, either side, and there is no gold market to follow today.
jim black |
