05-16-2011, 05:58 PM
I lean towards keeping the belt-feed system for machineguns since we can replace both the SAW and the M240 with one weapon, that will exceed 240/7.62 capabilities from a platform that weighs almost 1/3 the 240B (27.6lbs). Having humped both the SAW and the 240 and managed them from a Rifle & Weapon's Squad Leader duty position, I lean heavily towards a belt-fed machinegun over a mag-fed Automatic rifle any day, especially if the LMG can weigh about 10 pounds, which has already been accomplished with several designs. The KAC LMG, Shrike, and Stoner 63 are all examples of very lightweight belt-fed LMG's.
We have to balance out the weights and weapon profiles that every Joe carries, and I argue in favor of moving the current imbalance of the SAWs and 240's towards the profile and weight of the M4. If we do that and increase our ballistic potential (both totally feasible), we have made leaps and bounds in the structuring and mobility of dismounted Infantry.
LRRPF52
We have to balance out the weights and weapon profiles that every Joe carries, and I argue in favor of moving the current imbalance of the SAWs and 240's towards the profile and weight of the M4. If we do that and increase our ballistic potential (both totally feasible), we have made leaps and bounds in the structuring and mobility of dismounted Infantry.
LRRPF52