[archy]

I have fired the .45 (11.4 MM in Euro-talk) from a variety of platforms

Or 11.25mm, in Norwegian Model M/1914 .45 Auto talk.

[Kenny Bunk]

So, is it safe to say that the M4 is a very good weapon that needs a bit more work to make it "goof-proof" in combat in muddy or fine-dusty regions? Is it worth fixing?

If the answer is "Yes," the fixes suggested, namely changing from open gas operation to piston actuation, don't seem all that daunting. How do we go for it?

If the answer is "No," should we replace with the HK416? How do we get that done? Some changes are obviously in the wind, but we are also obviously in the "confusion" stage. As far as the caliber change goes, both of the weapons in question are adaptable ... I think.

The M9 issue is perhaps more complicated. IMO, this would be a fine weapon, if fed with the right ammo, which is forbidden to us by NATO and the Geneva Convention. Can we change that? If not, then what? If not, with what do we replace the M9?

We need specific people in Congress who can help sort this out. Do we have 5 people we can trust?