thedrifter
03-18-04, 06:49 AM
Issue Date: March 08, 2004
Editorial
XM8 outguns rivals
The M16 rifle or the M4 carbine? It’s a debate that leaves Marines frothing at the mouth over the pros and cons of each.
But now the Army may have an answer that could end the argument for good — the new XM8 5.56mm assault weapon.
The normally slow-moving Army is evaluating the XM8 at such a lightning-fast clip that the weapon could be renamed the M8 and be in soldiers’ hands within a year.
The Corps, however, is only watching from the sidelines.
Marine Corps Systems Command officials remain committed to buying the latest version of the M16, the A4, through 2008, with selected units still set to receive the M4.
Too bad. The Heckler & Koch-built XM8 could replace both. The modular weapon can be tailored to varying degrees to meet users’ unique requirements.
The Army is tight-lipped about how the XM8 is faring in tests, but we had a rare opportunity to put the weapon through its paces and, pending completion of the Army’s tests, can’t help but ask: Why wait?
Benefiting from modern design and materials, the new weapon improves upon the good points of the M16 and M4: It’s lighter, more rugged, easier to clean and maintain and easier to zero.
It also incorporates technologies such as optical gun sights and infrared laser pointers, eliminating the need for an “add-on” rail. And the XM8’s integrated mounting system stays zeroed for life. The weapon is flexible, offering two collapsible butt stocks and a choice of four barrel lengths. This thing’s made for close-quarters battle.
There isn’t anything wrong with the M16 or M4 (ongoing stopping-power debate aside). Both are time-tested designs that have served the infantryman well.
But the XM8 has advantages over both and flexibility to spare. It is a more modern weapon for the modern infantryman. And Marines deserve the best.
With such an opportunity to leap ahead, the Corps should get in on the Army’s action — now.
http://www.marinetimes.com/story.php?f=0-MARINEPAPER-2683406.php
Ellie
Editorial
XM8 outguns rivals
The M16 rifle or the M4 carbine? It’s a debate that leaves Marines frothing at the mouth over the pros and cons of each.
But now the Army may have an answer that could end the argument for good — the new XM8 5.56mm assault weapon.
The normally slow-moving Army is evaluating the XM8 at such a lightning-fast clip that the weapon could be renamed the M8 and be in soldiers’ hands within a year.
The Corps, however, is only watching from the sidelines.
Marine Corps Systems Command officials remain committed to buying the latest version of the M16, the A4, through 2008, with selected units still set to receive the M4.
Too bad. The Heckler & Koch-built XM8 could replace both. The modular weapon can be tailored to varying degrees to meet users’ unique requirements.
The Army is tight-lipped about how the XM8 is faring in tests, but we had a rare opportunity to put the weapon through its paces and, pending completion of the Army’s tests, can’t help but ask: Why wait?
Benefiting from modern design and materials, the new weapon improves upon the good points of the M16 and M4: It’s lighter, more rugged, easier to clean and maintain and easier to zero.
It also incorporates technologies such as optical gun sights and infrared laser pointers, eliminating the need for an “add-on” rail. And the XM8’s integrated mounting system stays zeroed for life. The weapon is flexible, offering two collapsible butt stocks and a choice of four barrel lengths. This thing’s made for close-quarters battle.
There isn’t anything wrong with the M16 or M4 (ongoing stopping-power debate aside). Both are time-tested designs that have served the infantryman well.
But the XM8 has advantages over both and flexibility to spare. It is a more modern weapon for the modern infantryman. And Marines deserve the best.
With such an opportunity to leap ahead, the Corps should get in on the Army’s action — now.
http://www.marinetimes.com/story.php?f=0-MARINEPAPER-2683406.php
Ellie