I'm a former AF Sgt, and I shot the M-16 in basic, one day, so I know what I'm talking about....Oh it was with a 22lr conversion kits, so I know a lot, and I say its a good gun! Ok I actually bought an AR a few years ago, and really love it, it works for me, and I would grab it in a heart beat. Have I been in combat? No. But I love the gun, and I like the platform....still want a 7.62 rifle also, and would also grab my Marlin 30/30 if I needed to bug out.