U.S. Army finally puts out RFP for new carbine

[JustinR]

(From military.com)

The Army has finally put out an honest to goodness RFP for a new carbine. They even leave the caliber choice open! I know this will make several people happy, including MadOgre. I hope at the very least the HK 415/416 is implimented, but a SCAR or ACR (once proven) in 6.5 would be a great step forward IMHO.

[Jericho941]

The fanboys will be insufferable if they adopt the 416.

Here's hoping for a 6.8 platform.

[SoupOrMan]

Yeah, but eventually whatever the government adopts becomes public domain after a while like the 1911 and the AR-15. I don't know if HK is willing to become a commoner's gunmaker just yet.

Besides, the only real reason to go all fanboy over Heckler & Koch is for the P7. It's a weird little gun, and I can't find one cheap.

[Fender Ketchup]

What about, not a carbine, but maybe a .45 SMG? Something like a UMP or a Kriss Super V. They do mention a sub-compact weapon, so maybe an SMG could fill those shoes.

One thing I don't understand is who gets an M16 and who gets an M4? Or, taking it further, who gets shotguns or M9's?

[toad]

I wouldn't hold my breath on a new caliber. If they were going to do a caliber change I would think they'd put out a RFP for a new carbine and a new SAW.

While the H&K 416 conversion fixes the reliability problem. I'd kind of like to see a folding stock version as an option which would preclude any version using the AR lower with its buffer tube set up. If you had a stock you could fold or shorten more that the current set up maybe they'd keep the barrel out to around 16 inches in length.

Colt claims they have the design for a piston carbine so they may crank it out for the RFP.

There are about 4 carbines designs out there that have folding stocks, piston operation, quick barrel and caliber change options but the manufactures of thrm don't seem to have the capacity to fill a large military order.
One of the Big boys is going to get it I believe. FN, H&K, Colt, and that's about all I can think of.

[HTRN]

I'd be willing to bet the Army loses all interest unless it comes in at roughly the same price as an M4. Which is why unless they seriously do price cutting, the 416 isn't going to happen.

The M4 is roughly 800 bucks(in 100,000 unit quantities).
The 416 is over a grand. 200 bucks more at 100K units is 20 million dollars.

Aint. Gonna. Happen.


HTRN

[HTRN]

The US army just bought a 100K M4's, with a unit price, of around 800 bucks. It included a bunch of crap like rails, slings, etc. - linky


HTRN

[toad]

Hmmmmm, if a contractor could show the army that while his rifle was more expensive upfront but would save money long run because it lasted longer and was cheaper to maintain and upgrade, would they go for it

[Aglifter]

Hmm... M1 Carbine, slight bump in caliber, Utilimak mount, and rails for the forend... Get magpul to make mags for them...

[Dub_James]

So, if they do manage to pull off this amazing feat and replace the M4/16, what would happen to all those lovely well used surplus rifles? Conversion to semi only and dump on the civvie market?

M16; the new SKS