Posted on 10/29/2015 8:47:15 PM PDT by Brad from Tennessee
The M16A4 may soon retire. This week, the Marine Corps announced via internal memo that the M4 carbine will become the primary-issued rifle in infantry and security units, as well as replace the M16 rifle in supporting training schools by September 2016. Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert Neller approved the change, which was first proposed to the previous commandant, Gen. Robert Dunford, according to Marine Corps Times. This decision falls in line with the Army’s phased transition away from the M16 over the past few years. The M16A4 is on the outs simply because it is outdated, and here’s why:
The fixed stock is a holdover from Cold War-era weapons design that doesn’t fit with other changes in training and equipment. The M4 retractable stock allows for an adjustable length of pull, helping troops with different body types to maintain good shooting fundamentals when they shoulder their weapon. The increasing use of body armor has underscored this, as comfortable length of pulls change once one dons a plate carrier or other protective system. Finally, the M4’s stock makes it easier to stow for transport; this is an important feature for vehicle and aircraft operations.
One of the biggest differences between the M4 and the M16A4 is the barrel length: 14.5 inches versus 20 inches, respectively. The M16A4’s longer barrel allowed for a higher muzzle velocity and a longer effective range; conversely the shorter M4 barrel limited its performance in both categories. But improvements in ammunition design have enabled the M4 to close the gap with its longer forefather. The Marine Corps adopted a new 62-grain, 5.56×45 mm Special Operations Science and Technology round. The SOST round is designed to perform out of barrels as short as 10.5 inches, so the M4 has no difficulty shooting. . .
(Excerpt) Read more at taskandpurpose.com ...
‘Took Army Basic at Ft Gordon GA, AUG 1967 with the M-14. Now there was a great rifle.
Pretty cute....if you don’t notice the left hand....
Not really a huge change. The new ammunition is a bigger change than the basic platform. They’re still trying to get knockdown power out of what is basically a varmint round.
So, now soldiers will be issued what would be a double felony for us peasants, instead of a mere single felony. Machine gun and sawed-off, instead of only a machine gun. At one point in our past, “every terrible instrument of the soldier was the birthright of every American.” Now the gap increases still more.
It was the last Army rifle. Then they switched to Mattel’s because they were swell.
Short. Won’t be able to do order arms.
I think they are making a mistake going to the 14 inch barrel. The standard 20 inch is not exactly long to start with.
Just give it a folding stock and it will be fine. You simply lose too much velocity with that short barrel and the .5.56 needs all it can get.
Yeah if they want good knockdown, they should go back to the Martini Henry.
M14 would be plenty, although the Trapdoor Springfield throws a bigger hunk of lead.
Ditto, Ft Ord CA, 1969 with an M-14 in basic, M-16 in infantry.
I recently chronographed some .308 reloads out of a 24" barrel AR10t and a 16" Gen 2 DPMS Recon. The shorter barrel was shooting about 300 fps slower. That's quite a difference and translates into decreased lethality and accuracy in my opinion. Lot easier to carry the recon though.
All that takes is a barrel change to 300 AAC blackout. Fewer jams too.
Gad, now there's a trip down memory lane. As I recall, it was a puff-piece, but then, I was just turning 13yo that August, so what would I know. ;-)
Ft Ord CA 1972 M16-A1
I went through Basic at Fort Leonard Wood in February ‘69.
The M14 was still the primary weapon at that time.
I got my M16 training when I arrived at Fort Gordon for MP School a couple of months later.
Although the M16 was lighter and had less recoil, most everyone still preferred the M14.
But by the time I got to VietNam in 1970, the M16 had become ubiquitous.
One of these days I’d like to add a good M14 to my collection.
***they should go back to the Martini Henry. ***
FRom ZULU DAWN...
Corporal Storey: [to the soldier next to him, referring to the ammunition] Soft ‘eaded buggers these. Flatten out against the bone. Smash ‘em out.
Storey’s mate: But bullets run out... and those bloody spears don ‘t.
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