Posted on 08/07/2003 10:52:17 AM PDT by Long Cut
Caliber: 5.56x45 mm NATO
Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt
Overall length: no data
Barrel length: no data
Weight: 2.67 kg empty
Rate of fire: no data
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds (STANAG)
The development of the XM8 Lightweight Assault Rifle was initiated by US Army in the 2002, when contract was issued to the Alliant Techsystems Co of USA to study possibilities of development of kinetic energy part of the XM29 OICW weapon into separate lightweight assault rifle, which could, in the case of success, replace the aging M16A2 rifles and M4A1 carbines in US military service. According to the present plans, the XM8 should enter full production circa 2005, if not earlier, several years before the XM-29 OICW. The XM8 (M8 after its official adoption) should become a standard next generation US forces assault rifle. It will fire all standard 5.56mm NATO ammunition, and, to further decrease the load on the future infantrymen, a new type of 5.56mm ammunition is now being developed. This new ammunition will have composite cases, with brass bases and polymer walls, which will reduce weight of the complete ammunition, while maintaining compatibility with all 5.56mm NATO weapons. Along with 20% weight reduction in the XM8 (compared to the current issue M4A1 carbine), this will be a welcome move for any infantryman, already overloaded by protective, communications and other battle equipment.
The XM8 will be quite similar to the "KE" (kinetic energy) part of the XM-29 OICW system, being different mostly in having a telescoped plastic buttstock of adjustable length, and a detachable carrying handle with the Picatinny rail.
Technical description. The XM8 is a derivative of the Heckler-Koch G36 assault rifle, and thus it is almost similar to that rifle in design and functioning. The key differences are the NATO-standard magazine housing that will accept M16-type magazines, the set of Picatinny rails on the forend, telescoped buttstock of adjustable length and a different scope, mounted on the Picatinny rail, built into the detachable carrying handle.
That package is a bit too expensive for me to call a "truck gun." Personally, I'm more comfortable with something that's cost me $200 or less (since I've had a couple of vehicles broken into - in another State ;>). Anything more than that & I worry too much about it disappearing. My No.4 Lee slips under that threshhold, even with the Choate folding stock.
Of course, some folks prefer top-of-the-line "truck guns:" a few years back, the original Winchester Model 70 (serial no. 1) was 'discovered' (with Unertl scope) riding in a gun rack in a pickup truck. Apparently it's worth something over $100,000...
(But I guess it made a passable "truck gun:" the owner said it shot straight... ;>)
Here is a partial list of the "standard metric threads" used in the "metric" FAL:
Bbl to receiver: 1X16 tpi (except Israeli ;>)
Screw for mag release and BHO: #10X32
Pistol grip stud/nut: 1/4X28 tpi
Buttstock double threaded nut: female 1/4X28 tpi; male 9/16X24 tpi
Handguard screw: #10X32
Front sling swivel screw: #8X40
Rear sight windage screws: #8X40
Pivot bolt: 1/4X32 tpi
Front sight pin: #12X28
Gas tube/gas block: 17/32X36 tpi
Rear support cap: 9/16X24 tpi
Belgium Long flash suppressor screw: #8X40
Israeli FALO coupler and muzzle: 11/16X24 tpi
Again, these are for the "metric" FAL: "inch" pattern rifles may have different threads altogether (L1A1 front sight, for example). For all I know, these may indeed be standard "metric" - but I have been advised (by someone who has apparently seen the dimensioned drawings ;>) that some of these 'convert' to nonstandard "metric" threads, and are so marked on the drawings...
;>)
Oh, and it's available as a kit, too. ENJOY!
One of the interesting things on the list is a request for standby IRON sights. That's something I think we could all agree on.
Sad for me, too, as I'm really not all that big a fan of the AR.
It's getting tough to find anything else, nowadays.
And the Stoner 63 as well, of course. You can get pretty close to that with the Robinson M96 Expeditionary Rifle, and the interchangable barrels and easily replacable feed block makes an adaptation of a more reliable magazine in one of the more effective cartrides an easy change from the 5,56mm standard.
I'd have bought one by now, if the price was a little less.
Sigh. One income (E-6 pay) and a new baby have pretty much negated the weapons purchases for now.
I'd have bought one by now, if the price was a little less.***
The Navy SEALS used and liked their Mark 23 Mod 0 Stoners, but they're way beyond the average grunt both in terms of ability to keep one clean and their ability to scrounge parts, and in their uses and requirements.
But I'm betting that if the 6,8 cartridge goes anyplace, the M96 will really take off in popularity.
The butt isn't a particular good fit for me, but that can be fixed easily and cheap enough. Nice little weapon, and priced better than a M249 SAW.
This thread has tracked the development of this rifle for over seven months. Many stories, photos, and info links can be found here. ENJOY!
Thanks, Arch!
Thanks, Arch!
I am not either a British Army/pommie artilleryman!
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