Now It's the Army That Wants a New Rifle: The U.S. Army wants a rifle that fires a heavier [tr]

Popular Mechanics ^ | April 6, 2017 | Kyle Mizokami

[C19fan]

On the heels of the Marine Corps' desire for a new rifle for its infantrymen, the U.S. Army now says it is contemplating a dramatic switch in rifles. The service is considering going back to battle rifles—heavier rifles that can hit targets at longer ranges. The last time the Army fielded such a rifle was in the 1960s.

[Doc91678]

I understand that Gen MacArthur nixed the .276 caliber because the US had mountains of US .30 Caliber ammo.
“Army Chief of Staff General Douglas MacArthur personally disapproved any caliber change, in part because there were extensive existing stocks of .30 M1 ball ammunition”.

[Chainmail]

Ah yes, we were all skinny back then, right? Had a funny experience about 15 years ago when I hosted a reunion of ONTOS Marines at Quantico - we had just restored one of the last operational ONTOS (6 106mm recoilless rifles!) and they asked me to set things up for them. When they arrived with their families, they were astonished that they could fit in the thing anymore ("I don't remember it being that small").

Can't wait to hear how well you're newly optic-equipped beauty does for you at the range. I have alternately installed optics and then removed them and then reinstalled them as I come to grips with old age and diminishing eyesight.

I have installed a lace-on cheekrest and that helps a lot with the elevated sighting plane.

Good luck and I'll join you to hold off the jihadist hockey fans!

[x1stcav]

Since everyone who has posted here has an interest in the subject I would recommend you read American Rifle - A Biography. Published about 10 years ago, and I think is out of print, it is my opinion is one of the most complete references on the subject of ammunition for US military rifles going back to Colonial times.

If you can find a copy it is well worth the investment.

[Strac6]

Both good rounds. The ballistic coefficient on the 6.5 is incredible. Still supersonic at 600 meters! Only possible problem is linking for a MG. Think we’re probably at a point where some sort of disposable 200 round multi-stack mag could be developed.

And both the 6.5 and 6.8 work on the current lower receivers!

[Doc91678]

I agree. To get the most out of either rounds, I still suggest that the US military go to the Bull Pup style of weapon. it’s just right for urban warfare and still uses a long barrel to reach out and touch someone at 900 plus meters.

[Big Red Badger]

Sounds like My story...
Except the hammer part....
Still can’t hit crap with it.
My Ruger Scout is my go-to for now.

[Billthedrill]

(Fighting jealousy) - that’s a nice piece. One of these days...

[Celtic Conservative]

With invetment casting and synthetic furniture? quite a bit lighter.

CC

[BestPresidentEver]

I view this talk of needing longer range weapons as the US military admitting most future engagements will take place in deserts.

[Big Red Badger]

A lot less moving parts!

[RC one]

I think it's the ammo as much as anything. The load I'm running with seems to work well with all of my 7.62 battle rifles. It's 40.8 gr of Varget with 168 grain AMAXs or SMKs. The brass is Lake City once fired. The ammo is loaded using a Forster full length resizing die and a Forster Micrometer seater die which together produce an extremely concentric and; thus, accurate final loaded round. Out of my DPMS Gen Recon's 16" barrel, I average about 2323 fps and that rifle shoots less than 1/2" at 100 yards when I'm doing everything right. Groups open up to about 1" with the suppressor. From MY AR10T's 24" barrel, this load leaves the muzzle at about 2,567 fps. I haven't chronied it on the FAL yet but I will soon.

The scope on the FAL is a Nikon 2.5-10x44mm Monarch X which used to sit on the AR10t. I have read that FALs beat the Shiite out of scopes. Since mounting the scope to mine, I haven't put enough rounds through it to notice but I'll probably switch to a Vortex for the lifetime warranty services just to be safe.

Here's the rifle:

The FAL is a fantastic rifle IMO. I would never get rid of mine. 60+ years old and it's still hard to beat the platform.

The AR10 is a fun gun and I like mine but the platform just hasn't earned its stripes the way the FAL has.

[2111USMC]

Here's my battle rifle:

[rdcbn]

Love the Stg58

You have a great FAL there and they won't be making any more of those

[archy]

The civilian world is flooded with 7.62NATO caliber Stoner-pattern rifles. Perhaps that’s where they should start looking ...,

The rifle won't matter that much. The Squad Automatic Weapon that'll have to go with it will.

I wonder if we're going to see a move to a .30 caliber cartridge based on the 45mm long 5,56 M193/M885 case. The .30 Blackout would seem to be the likely contender.

[archy]

Had a funny experience about 15 years ago when I hosted a reunion of ONTOS Marines at Quantico - we had just restored one of the last operational ONTOS (6 106mm recoilless rifles!) and they asked me to set things up for them

Added you to my Ontos crewmen ping list.

[archy]

Had a funny experience about 15 years ago when I hosted a reunion of ONTOS Marines at Quantico - we had just restored one of the last operational ONTOS (6 106mm recoilless rifles!) and they asked me to set things up for them

Added you to my Ontos crewmen ping list.

[archy]

I understand that Gen MacArthur nixed the .276 caliber because the US had mountains of US .30 Caliber ammo. “Army Chief of Staff General Douglas MacArthur personally disapproved any caliber change, in part because there were extensive existing stocks of .30 M1 ball ammunition”.

And after Pearl Harbor, they found that the necks of the WWI brass were brittle and had cracked or were about to, preventing chambering of a cartridge from a Garand without shoving the bullet deep into the cartridge case, jamming the rifle.

Solution: pull the bullets, and load them in new cases. But only after new factories and contractors could be brought up to speed. It was a close thing.

[archy]

Here's my battle rifle:

Very fine weapon, Comrade. Now climb on the back of the tank, and they'll take you for a little ride. And, by the way, here's a satchel charge for you, might come in handy!

[Chainmail]

Thanks Archy!

Semper Fi

[gundog]

The Mini-30