Quote:
Originally Posted by Enforcer
The twist rate was requested by the Army because the 1:14 barrel could not stabilize the M196 tracer at sub zero temperatures in the arctic. Why they were concerned about tracer stability in arctic temperatures for a rifle intended to be used in hot humid jungles is a question I cannot answer.
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Was it intended for tropical use only?
I can't see the US military adopting a primary infantry rifle for just one climate zone. It would have to perform over a wide range of temps & conditions, which I guess it has since 1965.
Sure it saw first use in SE Asia but it has been used all over the planet since.