[in the Arena]

You never stop amazing me with your knowledge. You're talking like a consultant with that post...great points indeed..

The only draw back I see to an enbloc type system is the inability for a tactical re-load...

Maybe there's some advantage to investigating a belt fed rifle. Different than the SAW though. Use disposable, short, fat, factory packed "boxes" with 30-40 linked rounds, with the first round held captive...so it is pre-positioned...similar to being held in place by spring fed magazine lips.

There would be no belt to position. Insert and charge. The "box" could be removed and replaced. Each subsequent linked round would get pulled into the lead position as the preceeding one is stripped and chambered.

Way more complicated that it sounds I'm sure...

[Travis McGee]

I think there is great merit to what you propose. One advantage is that the fat short box could hold 80-100 rounds and still not stick way down under the rifle. The "links" need not be metal, they could be mylar or some such high tech plastic tape. No springs to deaden or break, for decades-long shelf life. Cheap and light plastic mag body. What's not to like? Fire your 100 rounds, then drop it and put in another.

[Squantos]

Good point about the tac reload. I like to think I know a little bit about everything and a lot about nothing.......:o)

Maybe a system not unlike the old Krag Jorgenson rifle had. Aka 30-40 Krag/30 Army caliber uses a spring loaded side trap. Ammo configured such as you suggest would allow one to break off part of a block of rounds to top off or drop the partially used portion and tactical reload a full "brick". Even with two or three partial bricks dropped in togeather to make a full mag well....??

Just tossing ideas around ...........Stay Safe !