Little J wrote: ↑20 Jan 2023, 20:31
mrclark303 wrote: ↑20 Jan 2023, 19:05
One of the best things about AR's is the ease of swapping out barrels. For formations like the Rangers, unit armourers are quite capable of swapping out barrels to modify rifles for specific missions.
I'm not sure if that's actually allowed at unit level within 'special forces', but it's simplicity itself in practice....
Why waste time swapping barrels? An ex US sf soldier on YouTube said they were issued an M4 A1 sopmod 2 and a MK18 upper (he said they called them "Shorties").
Unless you're using an LMT, swapping barrels is a bit long winded in comparison.
Evening, certainly not to be swapped in the field, but swapping an AR barrel is literally a 10 minute bench job with the tools.
So a unit armourer, could mission configure rifles for the job, if necessary.
I don't know if a rifles been down selected for the Rangers yet, I would assume the excellent Colt Canada offerings, might as well just add to the RM and SF order book really...
I wonder what the Army will be using by 2040??
That's one I really wouldn't bet on, it's going to be 6.8, as we will be in lockstep with Uncle Sam and NATO.
As the US is apparently keeping a duel standard ammo system of 5.56mm/6.8mm, to allow M4 issue to second line troops for decades to come, with the 6.8 Sig going to war fighters, it allows the possibility that other NATO countries can stay with 5.56 for many years yet.
I have heard there are currently six rifles in the works by the usual suspects, chambered in the new calibre, all reworks of existing designs.
I'm sure there will be 'many more' coming soon.
Bullpup has become less important with 6.8x51mm, it allows for very high velocity and excellent accuracy out of a short barrel apparently.... I would love to see that proven to me on the range though, I have my doubts.