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Posted: 2/25/2010 11:29:24 AM EDT
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From Apr. 2010 Guns & Ammo. By Brian McCombie
A redesign of the U.S. Army's M4 carbine is upcoming. According to the Marine Corps Times, redesign proposals include " Adding a heavier barrel for better performance during high rates of fire, replacing the direct-impingement gas system with a piston gas system, improving the trigger pull, incorporating an improved rail system for increased strength, adding ambidextrious controls, adding a round counter to track the total number of bullets fired over the weapon's lifetime." Final Pentagon approval on specific redesign elements is expected in 2010; soldiers should see revamped m4s by 2013. Thought you guys might like to have a look at this. BD |
Regardless of whats funded its more cost effective to go that route than get a new weapon..if the M16 design can be stretched then do it.That would mean that money is an issue obviously and I think a drop in piston system is gonna fill that niche..that way parts assemblies stay the same and its not a permanent modification so in a pinch if replacement parts arent available in the field you could always switch back to DI operation in a pinch in no time.Whats not to like
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I think its a solution to not every guy takes care of his weapon like it should and pistons are the least prone to failure when neglected..can they still go down yes but will last longer than DI operation would.I know I know there are plenty of people who have an AR thats never been cleaned and just lubed through the last 20,000 rounds..but was it done under harsh field conditions,in different climates and test what would happen if the weapon went dry..as thats a possibility as well..
not having any lube available or running out..All the modern type piston guns turned out to be some of the best and reliable weapons ever made.So in my opinion a piston is not a solution looking for a problem but is rather the solution from the day it was invented and should not have been strayed from to begin with.I have the Osprey and its maybe 3 times the weight on a gastube wich only then makes it twice as heavy cause your eliminating the tube.Yes gas tubes are cheaper but having something that goes bang no matter how you maintain it in every environment is worth the extra cost.Its cheaper than a new weapon and would save just in that area. If the M4 is upgraded to piston operation its gonna be around another 20 25 years maybe more.That would prove the design was way way ahead of its time.Its been around for more than 45 years so I would like to see it evolve into the best it can be even if it means old technology in a new type of system. |
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