[Long Cut]

This looks like the rifle which will bridge the gap between the OICW and the M16 series. Sorry if it's been posted before; I did a search and found naught.

The HK36, which the XM-8 is based on, uses the tried-and-true AR-180 operating system, which has provento be quite reliable and not as susceptible to dirt and fouling as the M-16 action.

My own opinion is that it needs only some good iron sights and possibly an option to change the cartridge to .243 Winchester or .260.

Pic to follow...stay tuned, and bring all comments.

[Long Cut]

Here it is...

Looks good to me. Assuming that the onerous AWB sunsets next year, I'll be looking for the semiauto-only version with intent to purchase.

[RKV]

.243 is a great round and I would love to see the troops reaction to the extra reach-out-and-touchability.

[kallisti]

what's a picatinny rail?

[Ex-Dem]

You're right. As soon as I saw the picture, it reminded me of the HK G36:

[RLK]

For a lot of work you're better off with the Garand, m 14, or even M1 carbine.

[Ford Fairlane]

We definitly need something bigger than .223

Personally, I would prefer to see .257 Roberts, it has a little longer point blank range then the other (non - magnum) calibers in that bore range

[Sam Cree]

Could make a good boat gun. I like the idea of .243.

[usurper]

Weight: 2.67 kg empty

WOW, OK I want one.

[Destructor]

Funny thing. I don't see a bayonet lug on the rifle. This is supposed to be an Infantry service rifle?

[RogueIsland]

The key differences are the NATO-standard magazine housing that will accept M16-type magazines

Good news for us civies.

[Joe Brower]

[45Auto]

I, too, would like to see such a gun chambered in something a little heavier than the 5.56. The latter round is good for "varmints" and has served fairly well, but the full-tilt 7.62 x 51 (.308) really has solid knock-down power. The trouble is, the guns chambered for the .308 are much heavier and quite a bit larger than the M16-type AR series. The AR 10 and the SR 25 are fine AR-types, but they weigh in at 10 pounds (or more with optics). The problem with the AR clones and maybe even this new design is that the .308 family of cartridges (like the .243 and the .360) require a .473 inch bolt face. That in turn requires a larger bolt carrier, and a larger reciever, etc. The AR series will chamber and fire the 7.62 x 39 (30 Russian), but that round requires a smaller bolt face than the .308. Now, if one could build an AR-type rifle using the dimensions of the AR 10 and use new materials like maybe a ceramic barrel, then one could get the weight down to acceptable levels and then chamber it in something like the 7mm-.08. That would bridging the gap between so-called assault rifles and full-size battle rifles.

[danneskjold]

...yeah, but does it have a compass in the stock and a thing that tells time?

[45Auto]

This a Knight's Industries AR 47; an AR-type that is chambered for the 30 Russian:

Note the use of AK 47 magazines

[joesnuffy]

You know its gotta have UN and NATO compatibility leaving out the possibility of more powerfull cartridge at least of the 30 cal variety
New tooling new magazines new cartridge replace all the gear and parts...
I would rather see a piston version of the AR using heavier bullets...
and in the rifle platoon give half the troops heavier rifles..best bet imo would be the FN-FAL
platform
Keep the carbine length ARs for Radio Operators Medics Officers and real eschelon troops
Oh yeah and while we are at it... a high cap 10mm handgun would be nice to

[Lunatic Fringe]

being different mostly in having a telescoped plastic buttstock

Huh-huh-huh-huhuhuh-huh-huh-huh!

[ericthecurdog]

No one has addressed the 'kinetic energy' technology mention in the article. If that's what I think it is (some type of post detonation acceleration of the bullet) all of the discussions about .223 being an inadequate round go out of the window.

Can someone expound on this for me?

[SGCOS]

Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt

ok, what in the hell does THAT mean?

[Shooter 2.5]

As long as it's still a 5.56, it makes sense to keep it in the lightest package possible.

Personally, I'm loving the idea our weapons are finally getting optics.

[.cnI redruM]

ahhh...not exactly. They are arguing over what type of round it will fire. The PM of course wants an easier hurdle to clear, the soldier rep wants something out of a sci-fi movie. It might go to test in 18 months....maybe.