Making A Better M4

From Cans to Carbines, Making a Better M4 -- Military.com

In 2005, Jimmy Stavrakis received an order to make components for Colt's M4 rifles as they were being rapidly fielded for units in Afghanistan and Iraq. In just a few days, Stavrakis and his engineers at ADCOR Industries Inc. had carved out precisely made upper receiver components for the Army's individual rifle.

But when officials came to inspect the parts, there was one small problem. Stavrakis and his team had printed the logo upside down. ADCOR, which until then mostly specialized in making precision components for the beverage industry, had never seen a completely assembled M4.

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My Comment: All soldiers are dependent on their M-4s .... therefore improvements are always followed closely.

U.S. Army Looking For A New Combat Rifle

Soldier firing an M4 rifle. (Photo: U.S. Air Force)

Gun Makers Jockey For DC Influence -- DoD Buzz

American and international gun makers want to build a new carbine to replace the U.S. military’s ubiquitous M4, and they’re making moves in Washington to give themselves as much of an edge as possible in influencing the government’s decision, AP reports in a must-read story. Colt — which makes the M4 — Remington, Smith & Wesson and others all are hiring lobbyists and working their relationships with lawmakers so that their guns have the best chance in the next pending acquisition battle.

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More News On The U.S. Army Looking For A New Combat Rifle, And the Lobbyists Hired To Try And Get The Contract

Army Looks For New Combat Rifle -- CBS news
INFLUENCE GAME: As Army eyes a new combat rifle, companies load with lobbyists to win the work -- Washington Post/AP
Colt on the Outs as Defense Department Opens Bids for Combat Rifles -- FOX News

My Comment: I can only imagine the politics and lobbying that is now happening in Washington for this new rifle.

After Nine Years Of War In Afghanistan, There Is Now An Awareness That U.S. Rifles Are Not Up To The Job

US Rifles Not Suited To Warfare In Afghan Hills -- AP

KABUL, Afghanistan — The U.S. military's workhorse rifle — used in battle for the last 40 years — is proving less effective in Afghanistan against the Taliban's more primitive but longer range weapons.

As a result, the U.S. is reevaluating the performance of its standard M-4 rifle and considering a switch to weapons that fire a larger round largely discarded in the 1960s.

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My Comment: Faster please .... lives are at stake.