US Army Rifle
Over the years, the military’s weapons (especially the Army’s weapons) have changed drastically. Mostly these changes have been for the best. I never had a chance in the military to shoot an M1 Grand or a musket rifle, but throughout our military history, these weapons have been used to support and defend our country’s freedom. Our military has always been known for its weapons and the experts that use them. We will continue to win battles and wars over the years and protect our country’s freedom. We will continue to increase the proficiency of our weapons and advance in our technology. Let’s talk specifically about the M16 and M4.
The M16 and M4
When it comes to the M4, I just wish I knew who lost the bet. The M16 was bad enough, but then we had to go cut the barrel down, remove the carry handle, change a few internal parts, and BAM, we have this great new “colt.” It is lighter, better, and you can put in this fancy optic that fogs up and has batteries in it. You still have to deal with CQC, depending on your unit. I know the infantry and cav scouts all want a SKAR with the 5.56 and all the hype of “you can shoot a person in the leg and the round will jump around and a piece will hit the enemy in the heart.”
I prefer to take my chances with something that has a little more kinetic energy. And let’s not forget that the enemy does have vests now. This isn’t WWI or WWII. The M4 is not horribly bad, and you can tell when an Army unit isn’t combat because they will be carrying an M16. The M4 is somewhat good in CQC with the SF/ranger short barrel and full auto. Yes, full auto. It does rise dramatically, but it is much better for CQC with the short barrel. All of us in combat MOS would much rather have a 7.62 in combat. I am not saying an AK47 or something similar. Instead, I’m saying many would prefer the FNH SKAR! Oh wait . . . colt can’t make that. Let’s hope whoever lost the colt bet again no longer has any cards because it is time for more than an upgrade; it is time for a drastic change.
I See You
The optics are another story. I won’t say the company name, but one company in particular produces optics where the red dot fogs up a lot or you have to put duct tape on so you can shoot it when the sun is out. You might know what I’m talking about. It is a shame that out of the billions of dollars the military spends on weapons, this one made it out of the box and onto an M4 or M16. The batteries aren’t the problem; the sight itself is with the “flowering” low light, bright sun, etc. The civilian world seems to have a solution for this; pick a better one and quit putting our safety in the hands of the lowest bidder because we all know that’s what’s happening.
There is one other optics that is used: the 4 power. This is used by most team leaders and above, or if you’re SDM, you might have one. This is not the bottom of the barrel. I wouldn’t choose it for my civilian weapon, but it is not bad. Most people truly don’t know how to use it, but you can pull up Google and ask because it is all right there.
The Fact
The fact is it is time for some changes with the combat rifle and optics, and yes, optics are a must because they help with accuracy, especially for those certain soldiers that shoot their weapon twice a year at weapons qualification. My suggestion is to give the combat MOS back a 7.62 and a good sidearm, such as the Glock 21.
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