"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 decades ago despite its tragic failure."--Provided by publisher.

For want of a nail -- Why replace the M14? -- The M16 and its development -- The small arms weapons systems test -- CYA - the name of the game -- The troops deploy - an autopsy of the problem -- Weighed in the balance -- Someone had blundered -- In council rooms apart -- The uncertain trumpet -- Why not the ARVN? -- The rifle, politics, the aftermath / by Lyman Duryea -- "When will they ever learn?" / by Bob Orkand -- Afterword.