Weapon Used To Kill Bin Laden Revealed

[billt]

http://www.usnews.com/news/washington-whispers/articles/2011/05/11/the-gun-that-killed-osama-bin-laden-revealed

I don't know how true it is, but it certainly seems plausible. I know Special Ops carry the H&K 416.   Bill T.

[seeker_two]

Not surprised....I'd pretty much doubted all the accounts that a pistol had been used....a good soldier uses a RIFLE for fighting.... 

[Badgersmilk]

The article uses the words "highly reliable".  

http://www.hk-usa.com/military_products/hk416_general.asp - "the most reliable of any M4/M16 type weapon."

If you do a yahoo search for "poor reliability" a picture of an AR is on the second page...  

Sooo, "the most reliable of any M4/M16 type weapon."...  Something like saying "the best of the worst.  And we're proud of that!"  

Seal team 6 could'a used a pink rubber band gun and every mall ninja in america would be shelling out $2,000 at the chance to have one right now.  But only if it had a quad rail on it!  

[billt]

I think the main reason Special Ops went to the H&K 416 is because it is a piston weapon, and because of that it is far more reliable than the gas impingement system. A lot of people will argue that, but the M-4 has had it's share of issues over the last several years. I did read a few articles on the H&K 416, and the military in general is very happy with it. The biggest problem is of course cost. They can't equip everyone with them. Especially in this economy.   Bill T.

[Badgersmilk]

Given the overall size, weight, ergonomics of the weapon...  I can think of a certain stamped steel, .30 caliber, piston weapon that is the utter definition of reliability in itself.  Did I mention it's CHEAP?  Even in todays economy we could hand them out like door prizes at recruiters offices.   

Whens the last time you suppose a HK416 was fired at a target over 100 yards in combat?  I'm all for added accuracy, and optimum ballistics.  But more for practicality.  Choose the right tool for the job.

Thank you for your contribution to our world Mr. Kalashnikov!   

[Sponsor]

[fightingquaker13]

Given the overall size, weight, ergonomics of the weapon...  I can think of a certain stamped steel, .30 caliber, piston weapon that is the utter definition of reliability in itself.  Did I mention it's CHEAP?  Even in todays economy we could hand them out like door prizes at recruiters offices.   

Whens the last time you suppose a HK416 was fired at a target over 100 yards in combat?  I'm all for added accuracy, and optimum ballistics.  But more for practicality.  Choose the right tool for the job.

Thank you for your contribution to our world Mr. Kalashnikov!   

Sadly badger is right. We can argue M-16 vs AK with good arguments on both sides. But when it comes to a carbine? We in the US are dropping $2k on a weapon made overseas. The Russians and Chinese are dropping $350 for a weapon they make themselves. And the difference at under 100 yards is......? This reminds of NASA spending thousands to develop the "space pen" while the USSR just gave their guys a pencil, problem solved.
FQ13

[billt]

I agree. But you also have to realize we are committed to the 5.56 MM NATO round. We have quite literally billions of rounds stored in ordnance depots around the world to equip our military. Yes, the SAW can use them as well. But when you've committed to a given caliber for over 4 decades, you just can't swap out guns on a whim. The fact is regardless of design, it's going to cost our military hundreds of millions of dollars to break free of the 5.56 MM NATO round. For the time being it is far cheaper to come up with the best gun to shoot it out of. For at least the Special Forces that weapon appears to be the H&K 416. At least for now. Bill T.

[Ichiban]

This reminds of NASA spending thousands to develop the "space pen" while the USSR just gave their guys a pencil, problem solved.
FQ13

Not that it has caused a problem to date, but you do realize that using a pencil in zero gravity means that you have conductive dust floating around all of your electronics gear. 

Just wanted to point out that while there is no shortage of governmental bureaucratic stupidity, this is not a good example.

We will now return you to the AK-47 love-fest.

[Badgersmilk]

I agree. But you also have to realize we are committed to the 5.56 MM NATO round. We have quite literally billions of rounds stored in ordnance depots around the world to equip our military. Yes, the SAW can use them as well. But when you've committed to a given caliber for over 4 decades, you just can't swap out guns on a whim. The fact is regardless of design, it's going to cost our military hundreds of millions of dollars to break free of the 5.56 MM NATO round. For the time being it is far cheaper to come up with the best gun to shoot it out of. For at least the Special Forces that weapon appears to be the H&K 416. At least for now. Bill T.

Calculate what we paid for all that junk stuff, factor in a little for depreciation, and start paying our international bills with it!  YARD SALE!!!  


Only problem is every 4yr old kid around the world is already toting something better.  



Exchange rate isn't going to do so well.  

At least ours have 8 rails, lasers, flashlights, shiny battery powered sights, a key ring, place to keep beef jerky in the grip, and an 18 point trapeze harness!

 

[kmitch200]

Decry the direct impingment M16 or M4, (which I think has a too short barrel), all you want but it sure has put a LOT of azzholes in the grave.