I think that if they would just put in the money to upgrade the parts that are giving them the issues, and start issuing out AR10's to the guys in Afghanistan, then that might help things.
Perhaps they will upgrade more parts in the next iteration of the same rifle? Maybe even make it piston driven?
Before the AR fanboys show up and I hope they do, let me say, the M4 as a civilian is a pretty good gun, especially something like the M&P Sport for $550. It has a lot of cool technology and I think it's a good value. The fact that ARs have become so ubiquitous is a good thing, I'm glad they are flying off the shelves and now everyone and their brother has an AR. But...there are much better designs out there. I always find it so strange how much disdain most of have for the government but when we buy guns we try to emulate what they do, when we have far more choices that those who are in government service. (Both military for rifles and LE for pistols)
Also, yes, much of what's in the story are old tests and comments from individuals, but Gen Scales comments I found to have weight to them.
So not only am I not a cop basher, I'm not an AR basher, it's just there are much much better designs out there for both military and civilians.
Oh wow, mute the woman's voice in the intro and outro in the video!
Emulating the military is kind of a chicken or the egg thing. Provides an easy reference point for standards. Many manufactures producing compatible parts. A design that is begging for "improvements" and everyone's latest and best enhancements. It's the ultimate toy.
The article is flawed, though. Much of the complaints are about the effectiveness of 5.56/.223. No surprises. Other complaints are about how the M4 handles sustained full-auto fire. No surprises.
Finally, it speaks of the constant maintenance and problems in dirty/harsh environments. Everyone seems to be divided on how important this is. The gun is the ultimate enigma.
But still, what are the better options?
What's an A4?
Man, y'all had some fancy stuff. My M16 was an A3 and we LIKED it, cause it's all we had!
I really don't know much about the M4s but don't recall hearing many complaints from the guys carrying them and looking at us like we dig out rifles out of the rice patties in Nam.
Whatever happened to the XM8 testing? Was talk of it doing great when I was in and replacing the M4 but then it just kinda disappeared. Looked similar to the bushmaster ACR as I recall.
What's an A4?
Man, y'all had some fancy stuff. My M16 was an A3 and we LIKED it, cause it's all we had!
I really don't know much about the M4s but don't recall hearing many complaints from the guys carrying them and looking at us like we dig out rifles out of the rice patties in Nam.
Whatever happened to the XM8 testing? Was talk of it doing great when I was in and replacing the M4 but then it just kinda disappeared. Looked similar to the bushmaster ACR as I recall.
I remember hearing about how the XM8 was gonna be the rifle to replace the M16, but I guess they couldn't make it's performance be any better than that of the M16, and it was also a little heavier anyways.What's an A4?
Man, y'all had some fancy stuff. My M16 was an A3 and we LIKED it, cause it's all we had!
I really don't know much about the M4s but don't recall hearing many complaints from the guys carrying them and looking at us like we dig out rifles out of the rice patties in Nam.
Whatever happened to the XM8 testing? Was talk of it doing great when I was in and replacing the M4 but then it just kinda disappeared. Looked similar to the bushmaster ACR as I recall.