Interesting news from Tactical Wire

[Big Frank]

Collect all the M4s and issue M16s. Problem solved. They'll have to get used to the 5.5 inch longer barrel and fixed stock.

[billt]

The caliber is part of the problem, not just the durability of the weapon. But again, for probably $400 per unit, we could have US makers churning out AKs with better aligned sights and rails inside of six months. Spend the cash coming up with an always goes bang.

Bingo. You hit the nail right on the head! Time for us to swallow some pride and give the guys something that runs no matter what.  Bill T.

[tombogan03884]

First, don't expect the G to go back to a caliber they rejected. .308 ain't gonna happen,
 Second don't expect the choice to make sense, it's not being picked by troops, it's being picked by Congress.
Third don't expect simple, they will cram on grenade launchers, smart technology, whistles, bells, and lights
Fourth,don't expect it to actually be BETTER, chances are it will just be different.

[L.E. Keeney]

How about a SCAR in 6.8?

[tombogan03884]

To sensible and no R&D budget for the buzzards to loot.
What ever it is you can bet your bottom dollar, it may be cheap, but it WILL NOT be inexpensive.
Only once in US history have the troops gotten the best rifle available and THAT was because they copied the Mauser.
Before the M1 crowd throws a fit I will add that,the Garand became a great rifle, but the Johnson was better at the time of the trials, which is why the Marines landed on Guadalcanal with Johnsons, and Springfield's.

[Sponsor]

[PegLeg45]

The caliber is part of the problem, not just the durability of the weapon. 5.56 out of an AR is gret at 300 yards plus, but it doesn't have the umph at 100 feet in urban combat. We could go .308 for everything, but they tend to be heavy, long, and damn hard to control in full auto. The 6.8 would work as a carbine (say designed for 150-200 yards or less with a folding or collapsible stock and 16" barrel for vehicles). But again, for probably $400 per unit, we could have US makers churning out AKs with better aligned sights and rails inside of six months. Spend the cash coming up with an always goes bang .308 (like say the old FN FAL) for a battle rifle and hand out the AKs to support troops and CQB specialists.
FQ13

What?

[tombogan03884]

 FQ talking out his Pelosi, again.

[Timothy]

If I might chime in.....this administration is not going to replace anything right now.  Even GWB failed to provide the armored HumVee's, decent body armour or a decent, reliable sidearm.  What makes you think the Maximum Barry is going to give two shits and a handshake what the Pentagon wants right now.

Unless you've not noticed, our Generals are STILL screaming for more troops and Maximum is still hemming, hawing and lolygagging around trying to come up with a solution or another excuse.

Men died under the last administration for no good reason, more will die under this one and there is no amount of Hope and Change that's going to change that!

[tombogan03884]

Actually Tim, the fault lay with the manufacturer. Production was unable to keep up with demand.
Same as with the perpetual lack of "enough" Destroyers during WWII.

[Woody]

The AR will accept the 6.5 grendel or the 6.8SPC or the 50 cal. New uppers!