VANITY - What's the Follow-On Firearm/Rifle Standard Issue for Our Armed Forces?

[Frank_Discussion]

Howdy. What's the next set of standard issue weapons for the U.S. Armed Forces? I'm writing a short story that includes a battle in the near future. I'd like the story to have a certain level of realism.

Thanks, Y'all!

[Khurkris]

"If you are going with a Delta like outfit, they should have a tricked 1911 as a sidearm."

Gonna have to roger that. Still the pistola of choice for serious social situations. Why?....because it works.

[Gorjus]

I could see a return to the 30 caliber rifle, firing saboted 22 caliber steel penetrator bullets.

That's basically what I had in mind. Except I won't commit to a steel penetrator. If I had to bet, that's what I'd bet on, but there are better penetrators, and density is even more of an issue on small caliber bullets than on larger penetrators like tank main ammo. However, the basic idea of a sabot to allow a sub-caliber (like .22) bullet to be boosted in a .30 cal barrel is what I was talking about.

Like I said, it's an 'out of the box' prediction, and it all depends on how good enemy body armor gets.

[archy]

Howdy. What's the next set of standard issue weapons for the U.S. Armed Forces? I'm writing a short story that includes a battle in the near future. I'd like the story to have a certain level of realism.

Thanks, Y'all!

Looks like the XM8, should be the M8 by the time of your fictional future setting.

See info *here* or *here*