GunPundit pointing out that the short barreled M249 seems to be becoming more common. Also pointing out that it would appear the Iraqi Army is starting to sport the M16, which they decided to adopt earlier in the year.
I’m guessing the Iraqis are getting a real deal on surplus M16s, since our own military can’t surplus them to the civilian market thanks to Congressman William Hughes, and the National Firearms Act. As Gun Pundit points out, the US Marines have stuck with the M16 over the M4. I think this is a smart move, as the 5.56x45mm gets much better velocity out of a 20″ barrel than out of at 14.5″ barrel. The bullet, having low mass, is going to be entirely dependent on velocity to damage the enemy, so with any SCHV (Small Caliber High Velocity) round, cutting the barrel will hurt you more than in conventional calibers.