XCR, SCAR, sig 556, &...; next gen rifles?

[d2wing]

You're right, I don't have much or any experience with some of the rifles you mention. If there is something better out there so be it. Nothing I've seen is
better in any significant way that I am aware of. I most certainly am not as informed or experienced as some of you but I hope that doen't preclude me having an opinion or experience to relate. I am experienced with some rifles especially the M16 in combat. I'm partial to it because I know how it works and that it's handling is very important. In a surprise attack at close range, after the first shot it's more like shotgun shooting than rifle shooting.
If you know something I don't great. I just want to present a point that many of you seem to overlook. Part of my training was with an air rifle with no sights at all. In my experience and training, being able to point and shoot
is an important factor. In my limited experience nothing has improved over the M16 including the M4, bullpups, piston operating systems or anything else.
If someone elses experience and training has lead them to a different opinion. good. You experts can draw you own conclusions. BTW, when I was switched from the M14 to the M16 I wondered why they took away the real rifle and gave me a .22. It didn't take me long to be impressed with the M16.
Ok bye.

 

[SHvar]

As someone with combat experience (as an Infantryman), I always liked the M-16A2. Yes it has its shortfalls (long barrel makes urban warfare more difficult sometimes), but it was very reliable in every environment from frozen, wet, dry, to dusty.
Im sure the M-4 has a few shortfalls that can be corrected, and redesigned to greatly increase reliability, and Im sure we will be seeing it being used for a long time. Just look at the amount of manufacturers that are selling gas piston versions of that same rifle already, Im sure Colt wont be far behind, and so will be a military contract to supply it.
You can sit here behind your computer making assumptions, reading rumors, and listen to gunshop stories, all you want, the fact is that with proper care and maintance very little goes wrong with the basic AR-15 designed rifle as long as you at least make an honest attempt to keep in somewhat clean and oiled.
For over 40 years the US military has been training its soldiers to make more effective use of the AR-15 family of rifles than any soldier, anywhere else in the world, period.