[in the Arena]

Did you notice the disparity of cost between the M16 and M4 ? What would warrant a 50% increase beside bureaucracy ?

[Criminal Number 18F]

What would warrant a 50% increase [from M16 to M4]?

1. removable carrying handle to adapt to optical sights.
2. complex and expensive picatinny rails/handguard system developed by Knight's Armament Corp.
3. 4-position sliding stock costs more to make than factory stock.
4. Lower production volumes, smaller contracts, adds up to higher unit costs.
5. M16 design last changed in the 1980s, some of the M4/M4A1 changes require new tooling. Someone has to pay for it (us taxpayers, ultimately).
6. M16s being bought are being bought on contracts a few years old -- even at a low 3%, inflation adds up.

The M16A4 which incorporates most of the non-shortening changes in the M4 (i.e. removable handle, KAC/picatinny RAILs system) will probably be just as expensive when contracts are let, or damn close.

d.o.l.

Criminal Number 18F