I swore I heard something about one of the U.S. armed forces starting to go with the H&K G36, anyone else know what I’m talking about?
Th XM-8 is the ‘Americanized’ version of the G36. HK is scouting out potential manufacturing sites over here, since part of the contract, of course, would be domestic manufacture. I believe the only real differences are a different red-dot sight (rumored to be of Trijicon manufacture) integrated into the carry handle, and the ability to use M-16 magazines. (Which can also hold the potential 6.8mm round, albiet only 25 of them.)
P.S. Now that Heckler and Koch owns all/part of Royal Ordnance, the British are now looking to dump their SA80s (which HK just finished refurbing, at substantial cost per rifle!), and go with the G36. Jerry still knows how to build a damned fine rifle, it seems…
Ahh, thanks Brutus. Though we’d never bring back the Garand. It doesn’t say Space Age Rifle and does not look cool enough for modern use!
Yep, M16/M203 combinations. Or pretty much any weapon they’d like, really.
That’s correct.
The FAL/L1A1, M1, M14/M1A, H&K G3/91, and AR10 are Main Battle Rifles (MBRs). The SKS, AK47, AK74, M16/AR15, Daewoo, Mini14, M96 are Battle Carbines.
I also believe the Galil comes in both configurations.
In any discussion on the stopping power of the M16 against infantry targets, one should note the NATO 5.56 or 223cal was the round used by the DC area snipers.
It is also usefull to note that engagements against deer are rare in the modern combat environment.
The M16 has always had reliability issues that are inherent to its design and will likely be phased out when a suitable replacement is decided upon.
If history is any indicator, this new rifle will present a whole new set of problems to the front line soldier that will be adressed piecemeal fashion by the contractor who wins the bid to supply them.
I can tell you from perspnal experience that M16s can vary in quality, depending on the manufacturer. You haven’t seen a crappy weapon until you’ve seen an M16 manufactured by General Motors circa 1970.
How 'bout an AK47 clone made in “bandit country” in Pakistan?
Incredibly crude looking - but worked (horribly inaccurate, but I’m told all AK47s are anyway)
Worse then the Chauchat?