HK awarded contract

[g+16]

just read this on cheaperthandirt web site under forums:
HK has been awarded a new contract with marine corp. for their new IAR,
it's the M27, a variant of the HK416 (sorry I don't know how to transfer a link) anyone else heard of this?

 

[shooter521]

The concept has been in the works since 2005; the HK submission was selected in 2009, and the full production order for 3300 rifles was given last month.

 

[ultraspec]

Yep and they are about to get another big contract for some other items. I spent alot of time ont he phone with HK USA over the last couple weeks

 

[the only Qualk]

Very sweet i remember seeing the hk 416 on future weapons. Thing performed well in what they showed. I believe hk also has 417 that uses 7.62 round not sure if x39 or 51 though but sweet none the less.

 

[gunowner930]

Very sweet i remember seeing the hk 416 on future weapons. Thing performed well in what they showed. I believe hk also has 417 that uses 7.62 round not sure if x39 or 51 though but sweet none the less.

It would be a 7.62x51. The military would not be purchasing new rifles chambered in 7.62x39.

 

[the only Qualk]

Thanks for that 930. I suppose it would be stupid not to use a nato round my bad lol. Future weapons made the hk416 seem pretty sweet. I was most impressed with how they designed it so the (not sure if proper term) bolt was cool to the touch.

 

[sporter]

The 416 is a quality unit. But it's basically a heavy barrel m16, not a good replacement for the M-249 SAW.

 

[Dave Doehrman]

New Marine Corps Squad Automatic Weapon

Looks like the Marine Corps has decided on the new SAW. Here's a link to the HK weapons system they chose: Scribd

I found the Corps decision to stay with the .223 a big disappointment. Since Vietnam, everyone seems to agree that the .223 lacks penetration and stopping power. The 7.62 rounds seem to be a more logical choice. Our enemies weapons of choice almost always are 7.62 X 39 platform. We're not out there hunting prairie dogs and coyotes.

 

[Mike_Indy]

Interesting. I kinda thought they'd make a switch to a larger round as well. I'm assuming the number rounds a person can carry must be making a big part of this decision. Perhaps inventory is another. Seems like effectiveness of the round should be a key factor in there somewhere.

 

[03A3]

What happened to the FN made heavy barrel AR variant? Or am I way off track here. I don't know alot about this sort of thing and get confused.

 

[SideArmed]

Correct me if I am on the wrong path here, but IIRC the SAW is used for supressive fire, for the most part, correct? Wouldn't you want to be able to carry a larger quantity of ammo for that purpose?
I can understand the need for a larger round for use in the standard combat rifle, but to me it makes sense to have a lighter weight more economical round in a weapon used for supression of the enemy to allow others to move.

Of course, I am a squid so take the above with a grain of salt.

 

[Disposable Heart]

I found the Corps decision to stay with the .223 a big disappointment. Since Vietnam, everyone seems to agree that the .223 lacks penetration and stopping power. The 7.62 rounds seem to be a more logical choice. Our enemies weapons of choice almost always are 7.62 X 39 platform. We're not out there hunting prairie dogs and coyotes.

And the diff between OUR 7.62 (x51) and THEIR 7.62x39 is a HUGE thing. 5.56 is doing okay, is more cost effective and does the job. Screaming about poodle shooting and such is "been there and done that" with the forum.

That being said, though, for an area supression weapon, maybe something like an M60? Oh, wait, we got rid of those due to weight, ammo cost and better penetration with M855 at longer ranges than 7.62 NATO. I think they made the right choice with the SAW and 5.56, just needed something better for desert conditions...

 

[Chefcook]

I thought the SAW was an M249?
M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon)

 

[Rob377]

I thought the SAW was an M249?
M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon)

Squad Automatic Weapon is a technically role, the FN M249 fills that role. Least it used to. They became synonymous, kinda like "band-aid" (the specific brand) become synonymous with "bandage,"

https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo..._discussion/158653-marines_ditch_the_saw.html


The weapons companies/platoons still have the big fat heavy pig 7.62 240G available to them.

 

[Socomike]

The 5.56 round is perfect for a squad sized element. You can carry more, IT IS EFFECTIVE ON MAN SIZED TARGETS, and with modern offerings, it is becoming more effective.

I have seen personally what 5.56 does to a human inside of 200 meters and the results are impressive. It penetrates just fine for what it is designed to do. Of course it is not a .308 or the like. The 5.56 out performs the 7.62X39 at distance 11 times out of 10.

The new Marine Corps M27 is controversial of course. It is a heavy barreled AR style weapon with fully automatic capability. It is lighter then the M249 and will serve squads well in the mountains of Afg where weight is a serious issue. It is not replacing the M249, but supplementing it for specific ops. Being a AR style weapon, it is going to be very easy to integrate into the ranks.

I know I felt a lot better maneuvering when the 249 started ripping through belts and suppressing the enemy.

 

[Chefcook]

My nephew was a saw gunner in Afghanistan.

 

[jayhawk]

Well if you read the description on the image it explains the role that the M27 was chosen to fulfill.

 

[Hkfiend]

I can personally not argue with the effectiveness of the 5.56mm as I've seen it work, at least between 10 and 200 yards. As far as their new pick in manufacturer, I can't argue with that because H and K makes some fantastic stuff, even if they are selfish with their stuff

 

[Disposable Heart]

Now I've heard, and only internet scuttlebutt, that the M249 was being a finicky pain and not reliable in the field, but also heavy, thus the reason for the replacement.

Personally, the idea of area supression arises the concept of a relatively constant volume of fire, not 30 rounds, load, 30 rounds, load, 30 rounds, load, 30 rounds, load. Maybe a reliable, sand proof STANAG drum mag for the HK that might migrate it's way to civilian hands?

 

[teddy12b]

Now I've heard, and only internet scuttlebutt, that the M249 was being a finicky pain and not reliable in the field, but also heavy, thus the reason for the replacement.

Personally, the idea of area supression arises the concept of a relatively constant volume of fire, not 30 rounds, load, 30 rounds, load, 30 rounds, load, 30 rounds, load. Maybe a reliable, sand proof STANAG drum mag for the HK that might migrate it's way to civilian hands?

The M249 is like every other weapon in the service. Some people like it, some people hate it. We had some of them with us and it's a nice peace of mind to have it around.

I agree strongly with the second part of this. If it's going to eb a full auto rifle then it needs more than a 30rd mag. Perhaps this is a perfect case to try out the new surfire 60 & 100 round mags. If all it is, is a glorified M16 with full auto then I don't see the point of it over an M16A3 which already has full auto.