05-20-2011, 03:37 PM
Re: DMR's as multi-role BAR's or LMG's, the Marine's approach to the Auto-Rifleman concept has kind of re-introduced that with the M16-based Automatic Rifle that fires from the open-bolt, but uses a push-rod system to handle the increased heat of frequent automatic fire. As I said, the success of that system will rest heavily upon the reliability of the new coffin mags from Surefire and Magpul, which I have yet to hear unbiased extensive field reports of. I can already tell you that the CMAG fails when the slightest amount of dust is introduced to it, as we were issued a few before deploying to OIF1. Unfortunately, they don't work in field conditions.
To me, a Light Machinegun is all about sustained firepower without the gunner having to reload frequently, and the only systems that do that really are belt-fed, followed by some exceptions with drum-fed. The biggest problems with drum-fed mags is the time it takes to load them plus the carry issues with them for pouches, whereas linked ammo just keeps flowing through the logistics chain and can be fed right into the guns without any extra procedures if need be. It is also much easier to feed linked ammo into the soft bag "nutsacks" we used for the SAW, which several after-market companies run by SF and grunts have mimicked for the M240 and even PKM.
The Finns had a lot of success with the Kp31 9mm SMG using 72rd drum mags, but loading the mags to meet the target-rich environment was problematic for them, to the point that they ran the Kp31 in static positions with an "Assistant Gunner" loading drums for the shooter. They even came up with a plastic loading tool for the drums after the war to have ammo pre-positioned so it would slap right in, versus the tedious task of hand-loading each round. Imagine doing that in -20 and -30 C weather and that's what they did.
A new LMG could incorporate a select-fire mechanism, even with a select bolt-open or bolt-closed operating mech as is currently available with the M16-based LMG's. As you look at what new aiming and targeting systems are being introduced in the future force concepts after Land Warrior and such, this idea might make more sense for an LMG that can also deliver single rounds in a precision mode if needed. If it can be done reliably, without causing more problems with all the small parts, I'm all for it.
LRRPF52
To me, a Light Machinegun is all about sustained firepower without the gunner having to reload frequently, and the only systems that do that really are belt-fed, followed by some exceptions with drum-fed. The biggest problems with drum-fed mags is the time it takes to load them plus the carry issues with them for pouches, whereas linked ammo just keeps flowing through the logistics chain and can be fed right into the guns without any extra procedures if need be. It is also much easier to feed linked ammo into the soft bag "nutsacks" we used for the SAW, which several after-market companies run by SF and grunts have mimicked for the M240 and even PKM.
The Finns had a lot of success with the Kp31 9mm SMG using 72rd drum mags, but loading the mags to meet the target-rich environment was problematic for them, to the point that they ran the Kp31 in static positions with an "Assistant Gunner" loading drums for the shooter. They even came up with a plastic loading tool for the drums after the war to have ammo pre-positioned so it would slap right in, versus the tedious task of hand-loading each round. Imagine doing that in -20 and -30 C weather and that's what they did.
A new LMG could incorporate a select-fire mechanism, even with a select bolt-open or bolt-closed operating mech as is currently available with the M16-based LMG's. As you look at what new aiming and targeting systems are being introduced in the future force concepts after Land Warrior and such, this idea might make more sense for an LMG that can also deliver single rounds in a precision mode if needed. If it can be done reliably, without causing more problems with all the small parts, I'm all for it.
LRRPF52