Valid point on the M16 Family: Absolutely correct that there is so many of the things that they will never go all the way away. Might replace the 1911 with the 16 series then. I still stand behind the list though: keeping it to items that are systems, basic knives and boots - though meeting the definition, are not quite what I was thinking of. And the hand grenade of today won't be the one of tomorrow, too much difference I think will be found in the time span. But the basic, unaltered (except in minor ways - still has to be able to be handed to a person who fielded it when it was new to figure out how to use it with little to no instruction) form, I stand by mine. Though as I said, didn't think of the 16. Big one to miss there.
But there are so many good systems out there, might be better off to say top 10 - The PKM is also up there as well.