No matter how many unique designs are made, nothing quite beats the design feedback from the AR platform’s extensive real world use against the American public.
Given production stopped in 1994 the receivers are at a minimum, 30 years old at this point. The MoD may want a domestic supplier, but BAE tore those facilities down decades ago after privatization. There’s no competition - if you issue optics and want the best for your ‘pocket army’, it’s a 416 variant or FN SCAR.
was gonna say, I'm not exactly a gun guy, but when playing Modern Warfare the FN SCAR with ACOG scope was always my favorite. Bad guys go down relatively quick and the scope works even after an EMP (IIRC).
The IAR is dope; tinfoil theory of M16 replacement or no, it’s a legit (especially maritime) upgrade with a solid out the box issued package. Weight freed from individual load aside, the M249 accuracy is seriously lacking;
Cry as we may about belt fed rate of fire and suppression, volume fire is anathema to a resupply limited strike force. It’s the right choice as SAW replacement and rifleman weapon - volume fire on demand, but accurate fire first otherwise.
Disagree. They do dumb little things akin to Apple because “that’s how it’s designed to be used”. See: not offering multi-position collapsible stocks for decades, PMAG incompatibility for multiple 416 generations, pistol paddle magazine releases (even on US contracts), weird optic rail height on the 416, HK never really caring about aftermarket parts or third party accessories…
They build quality, well/over designed firearms with quirks - everyone does, the Belgians, Italians, Americans, etc. The 416/417 is the obvious choice because: the time they’ve spent iterating issues and, it’s top class AR variant with a proven G36 piston system. Not special HK wunderwaffen krautmagik
Paddle magazine release isn’t a negative really, but it’s a weird thing to hold onto a very Euro-centric handgun feature, when selling to Americans who are used to a side button. You gain ambi use though
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