I would prefer an AK but after the docs nagged at me I settled on a Mini 14 in wimpy 5.56 to keep recoil as mild as possible. It will defend my home and if needed take a deer. I would love a wood stock but ended up trading for a GB model. Good enough for my needs as there will be no long hikes, etc while hooked to O2.'it's just such an unusual choice, that at first glance i assumed it was trolling haha
i'm glad i asked why, because your explanation makes sense even if my experience hasn't been the same.
I heard stories from the Vietnam era with that sort of impression of the M16 platform, but i assumed that was an early vietnam war issue and that they resolved it later on by changing the powder and actually issuing cleaning kits to the troops, with training in their use.
IDK if that is related to your experiences or not, since you specified 70s.
I'm curious, what's your go to rifle for SHTF? Do you prefer an AK over a Mini-14/M1 carbine?
I know the worst I will face is a few looters and the Mini will take care of those.