[MAKOwner]

Hopefully this isn't a repost, but I found this page an interesting read, with a couple videos down at the bottom of the XM8 in action. I hadn't seen it before, hopefully you guys will find it interesting.

Many seem to think it's ugly, I kinda dig it...

http://www.hk-usa.com/pages/military-le/rifles-carbines/xm8.html

[Schuey2002]

One thing that I noticed is that you don't have to reach up and grab the "cocking lever" (while pushing upward on the bolt catch within the trigger guard) to bring the bolt carrier back into battery.. You just push the button and it snaps the bolt carrier forward.

Neat.

(I wonder if I can a retrofit for my SL8 so it will do the same thing..) :uhoh:

[cool45auto]

You know, the more I see that thing, the more I like it.:cool:

[Tamara]

a couple videos ... of the XM8 in action.

Yeah, but I already saw the GI Joe cartoons when I was a kid.

Do they get Cobra Commander this time? :confused:




;) :D

[Kaxter]

I wish we had more info on the stock. It looks really weak to me, but maybe it has some form of enforcement with the innards. I guess those little rivets are the settings for it.

[Kharn]

That is one TINY ejection port, even the AR15's is large by comparison, the AK's looks like the Grand Canyon's compared to that itty-bitty hole.

Kharn

[Destructo6]

Do they get Cobra Commander this time?
No, but you get to wear his helmet if you enlist.

The front end is sort of growing on me. I wish the buttstock was a solid version of the G36's.

[Schuey2002]

That is one TINY ejection port,
It's the same size as the one that's on the HK G36/SL8 family of weapons... :uhoh:

[Badger Arms]

Tiny Ejection Port?

The M16 Ejection port is smaller. It only LOOKS larger because of the larger ejection port COVER. The port itself is smaller on the M16.

[Gewehr98]

I just pray to Gawd that the DoD doesn't get saddled by that refinery-produced abomination. :scrutiny:

[Blain]

Why the heck don't the chamber it in 6mm or 7mm? Why is it still in 5.54??????????????????????????????



DROP THE MOUSE CARTRIDGE AND MAYBE I'D BE ALL FOR IT!

[MAKOwner]

We already crammed 5.56 and 7.62 down NATO's throat, I don't think we'll see a new round for some time...

[swingset]

I imagine throughout history, at every adoption of a new rifle (including vaunted rifles like the Garand), there was a legion of naysayers spouting on and on about what an abomination it was, how "X" rifle was better and "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!".

Luckily, progress doesn't rely on people like that.

True, the rifle probably has shortcomings. But, I'd like to add that the Garand, the M14, the AK & every other gun on the planet has shortcomings...and the US military is actually pretty good at rooting out and fixing problems with it's gear. Other than the lack of iron sights, I don't see alot wrong with the concept.

Sue me.

[Destructo6]

including vaunted rifles like the Garand
I believe the Marines were in that category, at least until Tarawa convinced them otherwise.

[Blain]

The carbine cartridge is no good and must be replaced. We need a rifleman's cartridge.

[Badger Arms]

Blain:

It isn't going to happen any time soon. We convinced half the world to adopt the 5.56 and 7.62 as it was said earlier. Both of these cartridges are standard and there isn't a thing out there that can't be handled by one or the other IMO. A Compromise cartridge is a great idea for well over a century, but none has come close. Let's see, 7mm Mauser, 6mm Lee Navy, 276 Pederson, and you can go on with cartridges that failed over the last 80 years. I particularly like the 6mm SAW which falls into the right range.

The problem with all of the modern compromise wannabe's is that they have to be better than the 5.56 at full-auto, accuracy, and WOUNDING potential enough to justify dumping millions of small arms, billions of rounds of ammunition, and their related tooling, infrastructure, and manufacturing knowledge. Complain all you want or deal with it.

I'll tell you what, join in on one of our many "Build the best cartridge" threads and then lobby Congress to change it. Good luck.

[Onslaught]

Why the heck don't the chamber it in 6mm or 7mm? Why is it still in 5.54?????????????????????????????? ...

The carbine cartridge is no good and must be replaced. We need a rifleman's cartridge.

Perhaps you guys missed the "hint" a few paragraphs into the article...

"A unique feature of the XM8 modular weapon system is the ability to easily and quickly reconfigure the weapon from one variant to the other to meet changing mission requirements, to include caliber conversion."

As ugly as it is... I suppose I'm going to have to start liking it since it will be built in my hometown... You know, civic pride and all that crud. :scrutiny:

I just can't get over the lack of iron sights... That just completely defies logic. Even the current bolt action sniper rifles have backup irons on them.

System cost: <$600

Yeah right... not if HK offers it for sale to the Civilian Public! It'll cost twice that! I say let Kel Tec take over the design and production... It'll cut cost in half :D

[Kaylee]

1. A new intermediate cartridge IS underway for SOCOM, and I'd bet if and when it's adopted, it wont be long before we see it as general issue.

Finally.


next...
The front end is sort of growing on me. I wish the buttstock was a solid version of the G36's.

I was thinking the exact opposite ... I like the adjustable stock (with what looks like a good cheek weld, no less) but the flash gordon carry handle doesn't accomplish anything and gets in the way of the rail system our guys like to use. Thank God it's modular. :)

-K

[Badger Arms]

Kaylee:

What do you need the rail system for? The rear sight has the lasers that are the ONLY thing that I ever see mounted up by the Cadillac tail-fin anyhow.

[Glock Glockler]

Kaylee,

I dont suppose you know anything about this new round, or maybe what kind of ballistics it'd have?;)

[Kaylee]

lasers, lights, IR lasers and and lights, night vision doohickeys, vertical foregrips, and the kitchen sink. :)

point is folks are constantly coming up with new and sometimes better ways of killing people. A lot of those doohickeys are based on a rail system that works well, is simple, and rugged.

Ideally, you have an integrated optic with GOOD backup irons for the line guys, and a funky rail system for the go-fast guys and LE to pick and choose what goodies they need on any given trip. Dubious as I am over the XM8 concept, I'll grant it has that capability.. if you throw off the spacegun carry handle.

But the stock version, with the goofy handle up top, no irons, and no means of attatching anything else is sacrificing utility for looking cool. Which is a bad idea on a weapon.

and GG -- the round's been mentioned on here a couple times already, or I'd not mention it. It's 6.5 or 6.8, can't remember, and .... here we go:

6.8mm for military use (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=46805)

also gets some play in an earlier version of this thread, here:

phase out of M16 (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=51233&perpage=25&pagenumber=3)
-K