Originally Posted By: Robenstein
Originally Posted By: Tempest
Quote:
The M4 came in dead last behind the HK416, the HK XM8, and the FN SCAR.
All of which are heavier, more complicated, and much more costly.
All of which are important in a war. Every pound counts when you have to carry you own ammo plus some for the machine or SAW gunner...
People always slam the gas system but it has NO moving parts and works just fine.
The gas system is harder on parts as the length of the system decreases, the extractor design is relatively poor, and the gun is not exactly light anymore with all the stuff you throw on it. My Colt SP1 is lighter than a modern M4 fielded now. The gun is getting progressively heavier with the addition of heavier barrels and all the extra equipment put on it.
The SCAR is already replacing the M4 in the special forces in limited numbers. And of course the XM8 and 416 are more expensive, they are made by HK which automatically makes it cost 2x more than the competition. I dont care for HK for many reasons, this being one of them.
The Stoner system is serviceable. I will never call it great. I also think the same of the M1 Carbine that failed in droves in Korea. The main reason we have used it for 40 years is that rifles take a back seat in funding to big bang tech like tanks, missiles, and nukes. In the 70's, there were attempts to modify the gas system to to replace the gun, but the budget did not allow for it. In the 80's the project improvement program that resulted in the M16A2 was all they could afford to do because the money was not there for new platofrms. As long as the design could be easily modified and soldier on, it has been kept for economy until a design that comes along is a whole new step above. Problem with that is it is purely subjective. That means until something is not only better, but cost effective, we keep what we have. If you think I am wrong, the govt wanted to replace the 1911 started in 1953. It only took them 32 years to do it once they made up their mind. More than anything, the modular nature of the AR has kept it alive along with the price it can be purchased. Its also why its the most ubiquitous black rifle in this nation.
Now back to the topic. My gripe on the XD is the grip safety. I dont care for them at all. Plus I find the grip angle does not point well for me. Just make sure to handle one and see how it points for you.
the grip is very different, very ergonomic. I like it but my father sold it to me because he hated the grip.