Mike -

Disconcerting story for sure from your son, but having shot most of the M16A2 variants in a many different climates and places, I would still chose it over ANY of the AK variants. The M16A2 (and its many derivatives) is not a perfect weapon, but it vastly improved over the earlier versions. To a gun, the AKs I have shot were rougher than a cob, demonstrated poor accuracy, were equipped with crude optics, and had generally poor ergonomics. Reliability was very good in the AKs, but it was not awful in the M16A2.

Best of success to your son - SF,

Ken