Yeah, I think that's a fair assessment.
Back in the day, when we were forced to turn in a motley collection of XM177s and M16A1s, we wondered what the A2 would give us in return. Besides offering a crappy burst fire mechanism and pleasing the Drill & Ceremony Junkies, the weapon actually increased average firer accuracy at 400-500 meters on the range. Of course, that's what the USMC wanted it for when they designed it...a 500 yard KD gun that was long enough for conducting parade rest in formation.
This was in the couple of years just prior to seeing first issue of good optics (SOPMOD
M68s, Trijicon Reflex, 1st model ACOGs, etc.).
When we got issued our M4A1s, I found that most guys who were good shots continued to be with the M4A1 out to 400, but the likelihood of iron sighted hits beyond 400m was a bit less than with the M16A2.
I think the M4A1 can hang with the M16A1 at any range, but suffers a little in comparison to the M16A2's iron sight accuracy at max range. This due to velocity loss (as you noted), but also due to shorter sight radius. Add a well zeroed red dot or magnifying optic, and the gun will easily keep up with an A2 boat oar in the practical accuracy department.
A lot of guys in my Group simply like the shorties 'cause they are...um...short... and have a "cool" factor. When they get handed a SCAR, the same "bright and shiny object" factor kicks in. If it's new and cool...they want one.
With regard to OEF engagement ranges...yeah, I'd say the over 500m contact is fairly common in the Utah-like terrain. But, somebody taking a few potshots at you from 900 meters is not necessarily a decisive engagement. In the Stan, I started with an Aimpoint and then went to an ACOG (for the magnification). But, at 800m I'm primarily looking for who is trying to hose me with mortars, RPGs, or PKMs...and trying to return fire with like items or team SWS (or CAS).
To be honest, with my eyes these days, I'm probably not having a lot of luck PID'ing an AK armed man at 800 meters, much less hitting him with my M4A1. On the other hand, I'm not worried about an AK armed Afghan hitting me at that distance except by accident (or a whole hell of a lot of random volume of fire from many rifles).
I never felt the need for a 7.62 rifle, but I would have been happy to carry an M21 just because of long experience with it. I simply like that weapon. What I did occasionally carry was a handheld 60mm mortar with WP in the bed of a HiLux (a combination with which I also had long experience). Didn't ever get the opportunity to employ the WP...mainly used the IR rounds...too bad.
Last edited:
