I don't see a need for the AR style either................the 249 does it's job and does it well, so does the 5.56............as was previously stated, some guys hate their weapons some love them...just as in the civilian world everyone has an opinion....on the other hand the weapon doesn't consistently malfunction as some people like to "rumor" about, if it was that inefficient it wouldn't still be in service...........most guys I served with, including machine gunners and myself love the 249....it's music to your ears when you need it