What do you think should replace the M4?

Talk!

G36 or ACR

well, I'd say the 614 or the acr

Creed769 wrote:

G36 or ACR

ACR wont happen from what I can see. Its suggested retail is over $3000...nearly twice what the M4 was.

The G36 wont either...considering it's being replaced widely by the H&K XM8.

List of firearms looked at by the US Army at the 2008 Industry Day:
-Barrett REC7 PDW ($2400)
-Bushmaster ACR ($1200)
-FN SCAR (No idea...)
-Heckler & Koch HK416 (No idea...)
-Heckler & Koch XM8 ($1200)
-Robinson Arms XCR ($1249.99)
-SIG 556 ($1800)
Prices may not be 100% accurate...

My money's on the HK416 or XM8.
Based on field tests, I'm going to go with the 416 more, though.

Well, what I would like to replace the M4 is the 416 because it's versatility is similar to the AR I think. I love (real) AR15s because they are super versatile, e.g. you can have one lower receiver and several different uppers for different purposes; long engagement distances, close targets, etc. Of course I'm talking target shooting though, a soldier doesn't really need multiple weapon systems...

According to Wikipedia (I know, I know...), Delta Force uses the HK416. Also the 75th Rangers use the SCAR.

DrummerBoyz95 wrote:

According to Wikipedia (I know, I know...), Delta Force uses the HK416. Also the 75th Rangers use the SCAR.

Studies suggest that Wikipedia has less errors than last year's edition of Webster's.
Wiki is a credible source as long as facts are cited.

The XM8 is completely out and has been for a long time. It had many problems from what i've heard and the front part of the gun was prone to melting after extended firing. The MK16 now from what i've heard is the rifle that most likely will be replacing the M16 family within the Army. The Marines were looking at the FN IAR MK16 variant as a replacement but i think they have chosen some variant of the 416.

Personally though i was rooting for the HK 416, keeps the same external look and most of the feel of the M16/M4 but with a much much better internal operating system.

iliveforthis99 wrote:

The XM8 is completely out and has been for a long time. It had many problems from what i've heard and the front part of the gun was prone to melting after extended firing. The MK16 now from what i've heard is the rifle that most likely will be replacing the M16 family within the Army. The Marines i believe are looking at the FN IAR MK16 variant as well as a replacement.

Personally though i was rooting for the HK 416, keeps the same external look and most of the feel of the M16/M4 but with a much much better internal operating system.

Not a fan of the ergo and general shape of the M16/M4...I've shot an AR-15 for years in competion, but I really don't care for the feel when I'm prone. Just feels, akward.

Yeah but for troops who have been trained on the M16 and have used members of its family for years they shouldn't have much trouble switching right to the 416, as opposed to a rifle of different design and shape.

Spl. Durkee wrote:

Studies suggest that Wikipedia has less errors than last year's edition of Webster's.
Wiki is a credible source as long as facts are cited.

I know it's a good source but I also know that lots of people disagree with using it.

M14 and M14 styles. Maybe some sort of bullpup. I don't know, let me think about it for a while.

Jarhead999 76 65 wrote:

M14 and M14 styles. Maybe some sort of bullpup. I don't know, let me think about it for a while.

Like this maybe?

iliveforthis99 wrote:

Jarhead999 76 65 wrote:

M14 and M14 styles. Maybe some sort of bullpup. I don't know, let me think about it for a while.

Like this maybe?

Geez that guy has horrible muzzle control.
Sure its 7.62x39, but still!

^ yeah and he can't reload worth a "Watch your language"

I think the M4 shouldn't be replavced...yet. I feel like we still need more time to develop a weapon that needs to replace it.
However, the ACR would be my pick.

416 actually is the best. Its almost the same as the M4, but it doesnt explode in water, and doesnt die in sand

Creed769 wrote:

Its almost the same as the M4, but it doesnt explode in water

They much not be using the right ammount of C4

i really like the ACR. the only problem about replacing the M4 is that is has so many uses and can accept an large amount of attachments. this is why the m4 the gun it is

What about some sort of mutant using the Kalashnikov family's reliablity, the M14's proven combat ability, and the AR-15 family's familiarity? Whatever it is, I hope and pray they don't chamber a 5.56 for it.... At least chamber the 6.8 intermediate!

I think the key to finding the perfect replacement lies in finding the optimal middle ground between mutually-exclusive traits. Reliability and loose tolerances vs. accuracy and tight tolerances. Maneuverability in weight and size vs. length and accuracy (this should be variable). Rate of fire vs. full-auto accuracy. Power of round vs. kick. Durability vs. weight vs. cost of materials.

Then there are other things that could be designed into it such as a recoil reduction mechanism, bullpup design, switchable or completely ambidextrous controls, rails, integrated or removable iron sights, etc. What kind of stock should it have? Fixed, folding, adjustable, folding/adjustable? Once you have all the features you want, how do you fit them into an ergonomic design with decent weight distribution?

There are a lot of factors that go into this. My only question is, this being the 21st century, shouldn't we be using energy weapons?

Omega Lambda wrote:

My only question is, this being the 21st century, shouldn't we be using energy weapons?

Or at least MAC's and Gauss guns lol.

The thing with energy guns is they require a massive amount of power to operate. Unless you find another way to store the power needed and create a capacitor small enough to be used in a practical weapon design but with the correct capacity, its not going to happen. At least you won't be making anything lethal...

Tiny energy weapons are bear apparently from the little research I've done into rail guns.

FN SCAR (Mk16)
M416
F2000
ACR

Rail guns are expected to be mounted on SPA's relatively soon (2020 I believe). Their use as infantry weapons is limited, however, because of the high energy required and the recoil (assumption).

br55ftw wrote:

Rail guns are expected to be mounted on SPA's relatively soon (2020 I believe). Their use as infantry weapons is limited, however, because of the high energy required and the recoil (assumption).

SPA?
You know you like my sexy profile picture.

I forgot who it was....i think is Remmington, but they made an AR style gun thats chambered in a 6.8 SPC

Maybe even something chambered in .308 now before you freak, it's a little more than a 7.62 FYI...

I've shot an AR chambered in 308...it's a coyote gun and its very accurate and the recoil isn't too bad....im ~5' 3'' and 130 lbs