Misfire: The Tragic Failure of the M16 in Vietnam

by Bob Orkand, Lyman Duryea, Jim Seybert (Reading)

Misfire combines insider knowledge of U.S. Army weapons development with firsthand combat experience to tell the story of the M16--iconic as the American weapon of the Vietnam War and, indeed, as the U.S. military's standard service rifle until only a few years ago despite its tragic failure.

Genres: History, Military Fiction

Audio CD

First published July 26, 2019

Reviews

[David R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot from this book, and it's a must read for anyone who has an interest in AR15/M16 history. The thorough explanation of the IMR vs. ball powder issue, and general mismanagement of the XM16E1 rifle adoption process, to include supportive (cleaning) equipment and maintenance instructions is well documented. It's sad to consider how many lives were lost or affected by the many bad decisions, bureaucracy, and tradition that is explained throughout the book. I would rate the book 5 stars, but for some unusual repetition, and I think it could have been better edited. My suggested edits would be to reduce the repetition of some quotes and information shared by both authors, and also to edit the commentary on snow handling during President Kennedy's 1961 inauguration, as well as the coverage of the demise of General Creighton Abrams. While coverage of the latter two topics was interesting, they did little to advance the main theme of the book. I'm VERY glad the book was written, and both authors shared a passion for the subject based on personal experiences.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very ambitious book. It lives up to its title. Not only do you learn about creation and early use of the M16, but also the military weapons procurement, F-111, McNamara's DoD, Creighton Abrams, and the history of the Viet-Nam war. Some parts are very technical and redundant. However, a very good read.

[Guillermo · Rating 2 out of 5]

With utmost respect to the authors, the book often repeats itself, goes into the history of the Vietnam War itself to the point of being off topic. The editing is not where it needs to be as the story traverses many points in time in a nonlinear fashion.

[greg mcqueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Execelent

This book is well written and very well researched. As a vet from the era we heard all sorts of rumors as to why there were problems with this rifle. Except read.

[Jerry Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shockingly scary story on how corrupt and scandalous the industrial-military complex works. And nothing has or probably ever will change.