Optimized Caliber

[LRRPF52]

Here's an article about the new carbine being sought. No mention of a new cartridge. I wish it were different; I'd love to see something like an HK416 in 6.5 Grendel adopted.

http://www.military.com/news/article/gun...ompli.html

I can't stand the HK416. It handles horribly compared to a DI M4, even when suppressed. The M4A1 SOMPOD Block II is the way to go, in 5.56 NATO. The main improvements that the M4 needs is removal of that Gypsy witch doctor abortion 3rd BURST mechanism, and installation of a polished A1 trigger and hammer FCG, followed by a mid-length or rifle-length free-float handguard, plus FDE Cerakote finish on all the metal parts. This is what SOCOM is doing already (SOCOM always had M4A1's with the A1 trigger mechanism). Free-floating helps with heat dissipation, no loss of zero with accessories, weapon longevity since dynamic tension on the handguard no longer induces stress on the barrel extension with high temps, and of course, accuracy.

The caliber needs to stay the same. 5.56 is an awesome cartridge for the Rifleman, Grenadier, Fire Team Leader, Squad Leader, RTO, PL, Scout/Observer, Designated Marksman with 77gr Mk262, Ammo Bearer, Assistant Machine-Gunner, Forward Observer, Combat Medic, Assaulter, Combat Engineer, and any other dismounted duty position frequently placed in the realm of Light Infantry engagements. Any suggestion that these duty positions should be sapped with heavier and less ammunition would not be met well with the troops, and would reduce the number of bounding overwatch cycles that a dismounted unit could conduct before needing to be re-supplied or relieved after reaching critically-low ammunition loads.