“the M4 makes more sense bejng lighter and shorter with about the same effectice range as its big brother.”
Light and short isn’t very fun during protracted fire. The M4’s light barrel is overwhelmed with heat faster, and becomes inaccurate.
The folding stock also make a good cheekweld tough.
But it looks sexy!
This decision dovetails in neatly with the USMC buying those crappy F-35s also.
0331 supports the m4 role in sustained suppressive fire