Corps to seek new individual service rifle

[CommunityEditor]

The Marine Corps is beginning its search for a next-generation individual service rifle.

A working group will meet this month to discuss needs and requirements for replacing the M16A4 rifle and M4 carbine, officials from Marine Corps Combat Development Command in Quantico, Va., say.

The Corps is saying little about the process, calling it “too early” to discuss specifics, but officials added that the service needs to explore the possibility in the long term.

The Army has spent more than a decade looking for its next all-hands rifle. In 2005, the service was on the brink of selecting the XM8, a lightweight carbine made by German gun manufacturer Heckler & Koch, to replace Colt-made M16s and M4s.

But after spending roughly $33 million on the program, the Army scuttled the XM8 buy for reasons ranging from improper vetting through the acquisition process, requirements changes, infighting, a scathing inspector general’s audit and congressional influence.

The Army’s 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta uses the H&K 416 rifle, as do other units including the Asymmetric Warfare Group.

Weapons experts familiar with the Army’s ongoing small-arms procurement say they are surprised the Marine Corps is considering its own initiative.

Under a 2005 Defense Department order, the Army’s small-arms replacement program — called Objective Individual Combat Weapon Increment 1 — is required to consider the weapons needs of the other military services in its efforts.

“The Marine Corps is going to want commonality with whatever the Army’s battle rifle is. The Corps doesn’t have the budget to have its own specialized rifle,” said Army Maj. Chaz Bowser, former combat developer for weapons at Army Special Operations Command.

Critics say the Colt Defense-made M16A4s and M4 are difficult to maintain, susceptible to fouling and occasionally jam during perilous moments.

But Colt says the weapons have “undergone major enhancements” and are improved in terms of function, reliability and maintenance.

“There are no moving parts, and the gun is extremely accurate,” Bowser said, referring to the M16. “But the guns are only as accurate as the ammunition you put in it.”

The Marine Corps’ began fielding the M16A4 in 2003 and started purchasing the M4 carbine in 2004.


Article: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news..._rifle_071021/

[The Universal Curmudgeon_guest]

Originally Posted by CommunityEditor

“There are no moving parts, and the gun is extremely accurate,” Bowser said, referring to the M16. “But the guns are only as accurate as the ammunition you put in it.”

"No moving parts" and "as accurate as the ammunition"??? Would anyone like to take a guess at what Maj. Bowser has been smoking (but not inhaling)?

[Funkymustafa]

Well there has to be a reason why Maj Bowser is now the "former" combat developer for weapons...

[The Universal Curmudgeon_guest]

Originally Posted by Funkymustafa

Well there has to be a reason why Maj Bowser is now the "former" combat developer for weapons...

Putting his ramrod in the wrong hole?

[Corps Dad]

Outside of Special Forces units, it boils down to whether or not the Army goes for a new rifle. If the Army gets it, then the Marine Corps has a good shot at it (no pun intended).

[old1stSgt]

One of the biggest complaints I've heard against the M4 is that "you can't drill with it." The last time I checked, you don't drill with a rifle, you shoot people with it. If you look at MCO P5060.10 w/ Ch. 1, there are specific sections regard the manual of arms for the M1, the M14, and the M16 series rifles. As far as COD with an M4 and not being able to drill with it as it's too short... well, the British SA80, the French MAS, and the Austrian (and Australian) Steyr AUG are all "bullpup" type battle rifles and those militaries don't seem to have a problem conducting COD. As a matter of fact, I think the Welsh Guards outside Buckingham Palace look pretty damn sharp when they conduct a changing of the guard! Not as sharp as 8th & I, but close! We've tweaked and torqued the M16 series rifle quite a bit. With the M16A4 and its rail system, we now have a Transformer type weapon with all kinds of goo-gaws and other attachments. While I applaud the advancements in technology and the increased killing potential of our primary rifle battle system, I have one question: what happened to good old fashioned marksmanship?

old 1stSgt

[Funkymustafa]

I agree, that's one of the stupidest things I've ever heard, complaining that the M4 is too short for COD...gee whiz, it is a weapon purposely designed to be shorter and collapsible in order to enhance the user's combat effectiveness, not designed for carrying stiffly at port arms while you're marching around. I suppose they want to write up a drill manual for sniper rifles and M32's while they're at it.