US Army removes HK416 rifles from service with Asymmetric Warfare Group
- Thread starter capp325
- Start date
- Location
- Calgary, Alberta
I think this is all a bit silly, the USMC established back in the 1970s that the short gas tube meant you got wider variations in pressure in the tube. The USMC refused to use the XM177 for this reason, and also because the barrel was too short, which also led to big variations in pressure at the gas port.
Hence the model 653 M16A1 carbine with the longer barrel, which led to the M4, which has a bit better gas system as a result, but it's still not as good as the longer tube.
The problems with the M4 are extremely well-known, it always has been and was designed as a PDW for support troops and people who needed compact weapons such as tank crew.
Why everyone keeps trying to use it as a front-line weapon for infantry let alone SF is utterly beyond me. It doesn't matter how thick you make the barrel etc. it's not up to the task because of the gas system, which is why H&K came up with the 416.
Personally I always look to the USMC when it comes to these issues, they came up with a better answer, spelt: "M16A4".
Hence the model 653 M16A1 carbine with the longer barrel, which led to the M4, which has a bit better gas system as a result, but it's still not as good as the longer tube.
The problems with the M4 are extremely well-known, it always has been and was designed as a PDW for support troops and people who needed compact weapons such as tank crew.
Why everyone keeps trying to use it as a front-line weapon for infantry let alone SF is utterly beyond me. It doesn't matter how thick you make the barrel etc. it's not up to the task because of the gas system, which is why H&K came up with the 416.
Personally I always look to the USMC when it comes to these issues, they came up with a better answer, spelt: "M16A4".
Years back when I read those stories of U.S. soldiers in Vietnam found shot to death while trying to clean their jammed M16's I thought to myself: "Well, at least the manufacturer and the government brass are millionaires on soldier blood."
Greenbacks blatantly greasing the wheels of war is still sad to see. For the money they funnel to Halliburton the government could outfit the entire army with gold plated HK's.
Greenbacks blatantly greasing the wheels of war is still sad to see. For the money they funnel to Halliburton the government could outfit the entire army with gold plated HK's.
