Corps to seek new individual service rifle

[unhappycamper]

Marine Corps officials will meet this month to discuss needs and requirements for replacing the M16A4 rifle and M4 carbine.


Corps to seek new individual service rifle
By Patricia Kime - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Oct 21, 2007 18:04:59 EDT

The Marine Corps is beginning its search for a next-generation individual service rifle.

A working group will meet this month to discuss needs and requirements for replacing the M16A4 rifle and M4 carbine, officials from Marine Corps Combat Development Command in Quantico, Va., say.

The Corps is saying little about the process, calling it “too early” to discuss specifics, but officials added that the service needs to explore the possibility in the long term.

“Though there are no plans for immediate replacement of the M16A4 service rifle, the Marines will be conducting a series of working groups to help define the characteristics of a weapon that could ultimately replace those in use today,” said Kevin McConnell, deputy director of MCCDC’s Fires and Maneuver Integration Division.

The Army has spent more than a decade looking for its next all-hands rifle. In 2005, the service was on the brink of selecting the XM8, a lightweight carbine made by German gun manufacturer Heckler & Koch, to replace Colt-made M16s and M4s.

But after spending roughly $33 million on the program, the Army scuttled the XM8 buy for reasons ranging from improper vetting through the acquisition process, requirements changes, infighting, a scathing inspector general’s audit and congressional influence.


Rest of article at: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2007/10/marine_rifle_071021/



uhc comment: Here's two previous articles on the subject

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=259&topic_id=5312

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=259&topic_id=5532

[TomInTib]

1. DaewooK2

http://www.gunsworld.com/gun_ar/DaewooK2_us.html

I pulled mine out of the box and shot a 4" (10 rounds, 5.62)) group at 110yds.

Right out of the box.

So I ordered a K200 (.223) and it knocked the eye out of a gnat.

I have often wondered how many of my buddies were killed because of their G-issued M16s.

[unhappycamper]

2. I got one of of the early M-16s

before they chromed the chamber. It was easier on the thumb than an M-1, but it was a PIA to keep in operating condition. Things got better after they changed the powder in the .223 cartridge.

My second trip I got an A2 that I spiffed up with an M-203 under attachment. I also carried a M-1911A1.

[TomInTib]

3. We tossed our 16s as soon as we could get our hands on 47s

Took 'em off the slopes.

There was tons of ammo hanging around in Quang Tri.

Brought a Win1300 from home, too.

Still have it.

[unhappycamper]

4. The only things I brought home

was a Chinese user manual for a hand cranked generator that I picked up in Cambodia & some paper nickels and dimes.

[TomInTib]

5. I am going back to sleep, now....

But I wake up early, sometimes (the time is 0514), and have a glass of wine and a smoke.

Further on down the road.......

[bperci108]

6. What an ugly masterpiece the AK is.

Looks like a cheap POS and works no matter what the environment or state of cleanliness and it'll eat nearly anything within spec that you can load into it. (And some slightly out of spec...)

Not very precision made or high-tech, and generally uglier that a hatful of assholes, but what a serviceable service rifle.


I still prefer my FAL, though. :evilgrin: