[mbynack]

I think you nailed it. The 5.56 is a "good rifle". It's not perfect for every situation. I'm currently working as a DoD Contractor doing logistics and T&E, so I know some of the process. When you look at the decision to replace a weapon, the managers are going to ask:

Is the current system performing adaquately?

How much is it going to cost to change systems?

Is there a better way to spend that money?

The truth is that the M-4/M-16 is adequate. I don't think it's the best thing out there, but the cost of replacing it for all branches of the service is huge. This doesn't even consider the fact that we strong-armed NATO into adopting it as the standard NATO caliber.

We're arguing the standard "Big Slow versus Small Fast" argument that has been unsettled for a hundred years.

[SaltyJoe]

Eventually, we'll have to replace the M-4/M-16. All present research is time and rounds well spent. The more sweat poured out today is less blood spilled tomorrow.