As far as functioning, mine is just as reliable. After close to 2500rds through mine the only problems I've had was with one bad magazine and some cheap ammo. Otherwise the rifle goes bang every time I squeeze the trigger. I've shot it in all kinds of weather, snow and rain and ran a 1000rds through it without cleaning over a two month period with no problems except with my ex-wife and that had nothing to do with the rifle. <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

.308 vs .223? No contest there but I'm getting too old and chubby to hump the ammo loadout for an M14/M1A and other gear that I'd want for this scenerio. I can carry more .223s in mags and stripper clips and double taps pretty much negate the stopping power question.