Marines Ditch the M-16, What?

Marine Corps Times ^ | 7/29/2015 | James K Sanborn

[w1n1]

Marine leaders have made the momentous recommendation to ditch the iconic M16 in favor of the M4 carbine as the new universal weapon for infantrymen.

The recommendation to swap the venerated rifle that has served as the grunt’s primary implement of war since Vietnam now sits on the commandant’s desk, pending his final review and a decision. But, the swap appears imminent and if approved will relegate the M16 to a support role. It follows a similar shift already underway in the Army.

With the endorsement of several major commands already supporting the switch — including Marine Corps Combat Development Command; Combat Development and Integration; Plans, Policies and Operations; Marine Corps Systems Command; and Installations and Logistics — final word is possible in weeks or months.

“The proposal to replace the M16A4 with the M4 within infantry battalions is currently under consideration at Headquarters Marine Corps,” according to a jointly written response from the commands provided by Maj. Anton Semelroth, a Marine spokesman in Quantico, Va. Read the rest of the story here.

[MileHi]

Given my druthers of the hardware of that period, I think a BAR might be a fair pick. The Garand is handy in my area for at least four reasons: buffalo/bison as noted, bear [Yellowstone isn't near, but there've been a few strays reported actrive this year] feral humans in metal vehicles [.30M2 AP] and .30 tracer for signaling aircraft.

Yes, plus the "cool" factor is very high (but not on par with Clyde Barrows favorite rifle.)

[archy]

Yes, plus the "cool" factor is very high (but not on par with Clyde Barrows favorite rifle.)

Just so. He was indeed fond of his shortened BAR he called his "scatter-gun," one component of which was three magazines cut down and brazed together to give a total 57-round capacity. That was likely less reliable than the factory 20-rounders, but when you have a whole sackful of mags with which to play, you might as well give it a go.

Happily, Ohio Ordnance Works now offers a factory 30-round *HCAR* BAR magazine, which Clyde might or might not have approved had they been around in his day. But you can get an OOW semi-BAR for under five grand, and if they ever turn out a wood-stocked BAR carbine with short barrel and abbreviated buttstock, and maybe with a couple of those 30-rounders added in, yeah, I might be tempted. Here, Cecil....

[MileHi]

Very cool info archy!

I gotcher mag cap limits right here! (grabs crotch)

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