HorseSoldier
Member
The Lower appears to have significant AR/M-16 influence, but I like that they got away from the AR/M-16 charging method.
They kept the basic control layout of the AR-15 (except the charging handle) because it's pretty close to ideal for CQB.
#2 Someone suggested it's a more versatile weapon for the SF. I don't see how it's better that anything they have now. Quick change barrell, so what.
SOCOM apparently wanted something that addressed the staff boffins and former actions guys' perceptions of M4 shortcomings. Down at the user level, I don't hear many guys who are not satisfied with the M4/SPR/SR-25 combo, though a lot of team guys are interested in getting their hands on the SCAR to see how it runs and such.
My guess is that for every quirk or shortcoming of the M4 they fixed, they'll build a new one into the SCAR that irritates 10% of the users, etc, even if it is generally a great weapon. If every soldier you talk to is happy with something, odds are someone is lying to you.
Personally, I'm looking forward to a modular, ambidextrious, modern rifle design in .308, with quick change barrels! So what if I can't have the grenade launcher? I haven't needed one yet.
Seems like the rumor is that civilian SCAR won't have the quick change barrel option (from another recent thread here on THR or over on TFL).