"Marine brass endorses infantry plan to ditch M16 for M4" Topic

"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…"
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Amicalement
Armand

I think it's a good move. The M4 is a great rifle, and it is similar to the M16 in most ways. For longer ranged fights you have the squad MG, and snipers as well as artillery and air support. Most fights will take place within a couple of hundred yards anyway.

Agree!.

Amicalement
Armand

I understand the need for compactness, probably even more importantly the need for an adjustable butt stock for a good shoulder fit while wearing body armour.

Canada got around this problem by adopting the C7A2 which has the six position butt stock yet keeps the twenty inch barrel at the same time.

Dropping from a twenty inch to a fourteen and a half inch barrel drops the projectile velocity by what, 3,100 to 2,500 feet per second. It starts to change accuracy after about three hundred meter. Has the USMC given up on accurate rifle skills?