Our guys have been over there for a while now...seems like they would have already addressed this.
Our guys have been over there for a while now...seems like they would have already addressed this.
So has 5.56 really been fully tapped? Seems like Mk262 does a fine job of hitting things consistently at 600 yards in my experience (perhaps not with good terminal ballistics). It seems like a high BC 70+ gr round would stretch the effective hitting-range out beyond 600 yards.
I'm still surprised we can't field the AR12.5. Seems like a very minor stretch in receiver length would open a ton of possibilities without having to redesign a platform from scratch. A few competent engineers could go from concept to field prototypes in 6 months.
We wish to thank the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement, without whose assistance this program would not have been possible.
The army picked the M110A1 sniper rifle (M110 replacement) a few months ago. This is not a battle rifle or SDMR though the 417 could be an option now that the mags are "in the system". It does highlight the fact we now have four types of 7.62x51 mags in the system (M14, KAC, SCAR and now HK).Originally Posted by MistWolf
Talked to a coworker who is involved with selecting and supplying equipment to SOCOM. He laughed. Between the cost of equipment (rifles, mags, ammo, pouches) and the vost of retraining every Soldier, Sailor, Marine, and Airman (Active and Reserves) this is a nonstarted. The only way you could swing it was A. if the rifle was an AR10 pattern and B. if it was only to Combat Arms MOS directly involved in combat...which doesn't happen anymore.
I asked him about the SCAR-H. He said that they've been removed from service for the most part. Shooters didn't care for them. Felt they were of limited value for weight (incl ammo) and retrain. Can't run them in shoothouses. Plus the reciprocating bolt caused issues.
Until the next gen goes online, the 5.56 will probably stay.
Can't run them in shoothouses as a 7.62x51. You can convert them to 5.56, though it is a PITA.
I agree an AR-10 of some sort is the way to go.
Last edited by HCM; 04-25-2017 at 07:27 PM.
What kind of issues?
Most involved having the charging handle snagging on slings or other gear. They also saw problems shooting off barricades or guys not adjusting their hand position. All could have been dealt with thru training and/or equipment changes but most didn't feel the effort was worth it. They were happy with their M4s.
Hmmm....doesn't the AK47/AKM have a reciprocating bolt handle?
Facts matter...Feelings Can Lie
Has to do with training/experience/what you're used to....
Everyone agreed with more time/training the issues could be overcome but the benefits of the SCAR did not outweigh the cost (i.e. different guns for live fire training vs deployment, new web gear/slings, training for new manual of arms and to learn to stay the Hell out of the way of the bolt). Most of these guys have been using AR rifles for 15+ years, ain't broke, don't fix it.
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