Brig. Gen. Benjamin Freakley, "Another benefit to the local economy could come in the next few years to the businesses involved with the fielding of the XM8 rifle. Currently being tested by an “experimental force” of about 150 Soldiers from 29th Infantry Regiment, Freakley said that, despite errant reports, the XM8’s possibilities look promising.
“We just completed a proponent assessment of the XM8 rifle. It was reported that the XM8 rifle was cancelled — that’s not fact,” he said. “The money exists in the XM8 program to continue to experiment with the XM8 rifle.”
During the next year or so, Freakley said, the unit will continue to refine the rifle to “exactly what Soldiers need.” And if all goes well, several brigades in the Army will one day be issued that rifle.
“We’re optimistic about the rifle,” he said, “and the money stands behind the rifle to continue experimental development. And the money could be placed behind it to go ahead and purchase that rifle, which is good news for Columbus and the companies involved in that.”
I can remember seeing the Stoner being tested on the range at Ft.Bragg. It was a competitor of the Colt AR-15 which became the M-16. At the time I was still using the Type 1 or 2 Garand aka M-1 or M-14 can't remember which now after all that was 1963. I've also fired the M-16, but it can't hold a candle to the 30-'06 or .308 (7.62 NATO) for accuracy at 600 to 1000 yards. Also the .223 Rem is not even legal for deer in most states.
"Brigadier General Benjamin Freakley". What a kickass name.
I wish I was a Brigadier General and was named Benjamin Freakley. I'd go to bed happy every night.
The only thing that could surpass the coolness of being "Brigadier General Benjamin Freakley" would be to have a cool middle name, too. Something like "Brigadier General Benjamin Unlimited Freakley". And then run for President.
Yeah, that would be sweet.
Go Freakley in 2008!
all of which really means nothing.
The fact that H&K is taking on a 'partner' is the biggest sign of the future of the XM8 rifle.
If you had a line on the next US military rifle that would be produced in the hundreds of thousands, resulting in millions of dollars of revenue, would you want to share a piece of that huge pie with another company?