Looks like a small chance it might actually finally happen
I think that if the M-4 and the M-16 had undergone proper trials that they both would have been weeded out.
It’s their operating system. Propellant gas not only builds up in the receiver, making it more likely to jam, but gradually wears away the existent parts in the receiver. Heckler and Koch confirmed this in their own trials on the M4 when coming up with their HK 416, and this is something neither the Army’s Ordnance Corp did in the 1960’s or PEO Soldier has done
The operating system for every main assault rifle should be based around a gas piston. If you want to have rifles with direct impingement systems as well, they should be relegated to supporting roles.
Something else no one ever wants to talk about is the 5.56 ammo itself. When Armalite (Gene Stoner) designed the system, the powder used was IMR type. The Army went to Ball powder AND THEN THE PROBLEMS STARTED. It’s my impression they are still using ball powder today.
I picked up a POF-USA 415 (gas piston system) a couple of years ago. I can be a bit more abusive to it than my Colt H-Bar. You really notice the difference when you pull the bolt to clean it. Since it’s not eating and s*itting in the same place, there is a whole lot less carbon and crap to get out.
Something else no one ever wants to talk about is the 5.56 ammo itself. When Armalite (Gene Stoner) designed the system, the powder used was IMR type. The Army went to Ball powder AND THEN THE PROBLEMS STARTED. It’s my impression they are still using ball powder today.
I picked up a POF-USA 415 (gas piston system) a couple of years ago. I can be a bit more abusive to it than my Colt H-Bar. You really notice the difference when you pull the bolt to clean it. Since it’s not eating and s*itting in the same place, there is a whole lot less carbon and crap to get out.