[Robert A Cook PE]

90-95% of all shooting, in all wars since the mid-1800's, has been a t very, very close-range.

The "myth" of a sharpshooter aiming and firing at individual targets that he can specifically see and aim at (except, of course, specialized sharpshooters and snipers!) just doesn't happen in real combat.

A short barrel and a small caliber bullet is adequate, just as Stoner originally designed in the AR-15 before the Army firearms officials screwed it by re-designing it as the first versions of the M-16.

[Monty22]

The barrel on this thing is too short to launch the .223 even at a 3000fps muzzle speed. In short, it's just a fast .22 long rifle at this speed.

You really need 3000 fps to produce hydrostatic shock on impact, which makes it an effective round.

[gura]

There have seen several articles here on FR where infantry commanders in Iraq have mentioned the US soldiers ability to down an enemy with one well-aimed shot destroys the morale of the opposition fighters who are used to spraying hundreds of AK rounds at each other from the hip to no effect.

[AdamSelene235]

Behold The Future !!!

Infantry rifle and sidearm both chambered in .17 HMR for 2010

[Centurion2000]

The "myth" of a sharpshooter aiming and firing at individual targets that he can specifically see and aim at (except, of course, specialized sharpshooters and snipers!) just doesn't happen in real combat.

Tell that to the Marines.

[Tailback]

2 words....Sergeant York