Posted on 11/15/2005 9:02:53 PM PST by wardaddy
It seems genuine and interesting but I do not personally know the source.
I believe it started with a Larry Johnson of Booman Tribune online
Thanks
Check out the last paragraph of this article published today from "Weapons of the World."
"A decision on the army’s new assault rifle will probably come sooner, rather than later, because the troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan are making a lot of Internet noise over the issue."
Good post!
I sure found it interesting.
We have plenty of freepers who have been there. Would like to hear their comments.
The old M14 and 1911 just keep on keepin' on.
It's been pretty much debunked as a cut and paste from many months back. Many of the opinions may be correct, but the provenance of the piece is highly suspect.
That is a wholly different perspective from mine. I was over as a UXO (unexploded ordnance) contractor. We didn't do anything too terribly exciting. What we did do was catalog Saddam's arsenal and blow it on site. We weren't allowed to carry weapons (unlike the Red Cross reps that went over with us).
Jordanians provided security. That sure gives all kinda warm fuzzies doesn't it?
I'm always the last to know...lol
Old News, my Bad
Please kill at your leisure
Higher-tolerance machining in more modern weapons will be prone to fouling and jams.
If you want something reliable in the desert, get an Uzi (the grooves on the sides, I'm told, are for collecting dirt/dust/crud).
Great report! M14's for all!
base was hit almost daily his entire time there by mortar and rocket fire
So true. We went on alert nearly every day, sometimes three times a day, and the worst of it was having to put on the insufferably hot kevlar. Toward the end of my time there, the mortar attacks decreased in frequency to maybe a few times a week, but became more carefully targeted and with salvos of 5 to 10 rounds at a time.
They use handheld GPS units for navigation and "Google earth" for overhead views of our positions.
Yep. Some of the mortar attacks were just too-well aimed at specific targets to be coincidence.
I downloaded Google Earth when it was first released, and the material there sent shivers down my spine. I could put a grid right on top of the 10x18 trailer where I worked every day.
Yeah.
Nothing like room clearing with an M14.
No freaking way.
The ONLY rule: Shot placement, shot placement, shot placement.
Oh, and it's an M249 SAW.
If he couldn't get that right, then the rest is suspect BS.
I know what an M240 is.
I've fired most of the models (coax and M240B infantry versions).
The post specifically refers to the "M243" which does not exist. It is the 5.56mm M249 SAW that is the "Squad Automatic Weapon" of the US Armed Forces.
And the M14 is not nearly as reliable, accurate or durable as people think. It just happens to be our only general-issue semi-automatic rifle in 7.62mm. Even now, the services are moving to the Knights SR25 platform for semi-auto long range work. I have my own M1A, and it's OK. But just OK.
When you're kicking down doors, the 14.5" barrel of the M4 carbine (and the collapsable stock) is much more maneuverable. And the controllability of a 5.56mm in automatic is preferred.
I've considered getting an M1A. What don't you like about it?
Marine's dad
Weapons Evaluations From A Marine Iraqi Vet
On the Ground in Iraq-a Marine’s eye view of the good, the bad, and the ugly in Iraq
I've got an AR carbine that's served me well for over 16 years, so I'm pretty biased.
1. The M1A is pretty cool, but it lacks the ergonomics for more modern rifles.
2. It's accurate, out of the box. However, I've had problems with the Springfield Armory Gen III scope mount. Others have had good luck with the ARMS mount for the M1A.
3. Magazines are expensive compared to some others. You can get FAL magazines for $5.
I think my next .308 will be a DSL FAL.
Mags are cheap and the ergonomics are better, but I'm not sure about scope mounting on the receiver cover.
I don't hate the M1A/M14-series, but it's an old platform.
Then again, FN will be offering the PS90 and FN2000 soon ;)
Thanks for the info. I shoot an A/R 15, but been thinking I need a bigger slug--hence the M1A.
Definitely check out the FAL.
http://www.dsarms.com/
DSA is making a variety of really decent models, full length and carbine. Unfortunately, the BATF just ruled that barrels and part kits cannot be imported for "new" rifles (US made receivers to make them compliant with the 89 import ban). This is a new interpretation of the old rule, but screws people who want new FALs when the already parts kits run out. That means people will have to pay for new, American-made parts.
"Right Arm of the Free World"
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.