U.S. troops' new rifle..... The XM8 by H & K

[RickM]

I wasn't privy to this info until now. Anyone here see one in person?

Oh, and I should've said "soon-to-be new rifle".




Here are some quoted obsevations of the "XM8"

"• It's more versatile than the old M-16 rifle it will replace and should fire thousands of rounds before jamming, rather than the few hundred shots before the M-16 typically jams.

• It's much easier to clean and maintain.

• Training time is reduced since it's a single weapon that can be modified to fire short distances, long distances, launch grenades, etc.

• It should last longer, with barrels able to fire 15,000 rounds before being replaced rather than the 6,000 to 9,000 rounds it takes to wear out an M-16 barrel. Developers are trying to push the XM8 barrels to 20,000 rounds before replacement.

The XM8 will cost more to make initially, but should settle into a full-rate production cost of $600 to $700 a copy. That compares to $500 for the M-16 and $950 for the M4 carbine."

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2004/Aug/23/mn/mn01a.html

[Rot 911]

That is old news, first news release was over a year ago. Must be a slow news day.

[RickM]

I haven't followed the gun scene for quite some time...oh well. I think this popped up because the next chance at funding will be on Sept 7th.

[Rot 911]

Here are some pics of it being tested at Ft. Bragg:

[rcm]

H&K makes nice stuff.

[vash]

how much, 2.4 mil apiece?

[Overpaid Slacker]

Hmmm... an expensive piece of machinery with no cupholder. What does that remind me of?

JP

[Shuie]

Originally posted by rcm
H&K makes nice stuff.

It would be even nicer if it worked with AR mags and was available to the civilian market.

[RickM]

Originally posted by vash
how much, 2.4 mil apiece?

"The XM8 will cost more to make initially, but should settle into a full-rate production cost of $600 to $700 a copy. That compares to $500 for the M-16 and $950 for the M4 carbine."

Not to bad at all.

The pics of the black, telescoping stock version are very nice. Thanks.

[vash]

i wonder if the guys at colt are crying?

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Colt can't even keep a friggin' website together.

I'd like to see what Glock might've come up with. Talk about simple.

[RickM]

looks like Polymers make up the majority of this gun....as expected I guess.

[juan ruiz]

I know zero about guns but that thing looks sick

[}{arlequin]

the black one looks like it could be a replacement for the MP5 as well.

[RickM]

Originally posted by }{arlequin
the black one looks like it could be a replacement for the MP5 as well.

The white one looks kind of "Planet of the Apes" to me.

[john70t]

Hope it's lightweight as well. That scope behind the handle looks kinda inviting for a big chunk of mud to be scouped off of someones sleeve.
Are those two seperately molded frames or the same, and are those retracting stocks? What ammo?

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Wait a second...is it me or did they name this thing the "Ex-mate"???

[Adam]

Drum mags for everybody!!

I like the Hollywood depictions, like in 3000 Miles to Graceland, where David Arquette goes wild in the casino with an M4 with twin drum mags. Talk about cool-looking, but totally over the top!

[azasadny]

The M16 was pretty revolutionary when it was introduced! I still love my Beretta 92FS, great sidearm!

[Porsche-O-Phile]

The H&K MP5 is still one of the baddest (in a good way) looking guns out there IMO. That thing means business!