Posted: 6/28/2010 6:37:40 AM EDT
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I thought they canceled this a while ago but sounds more permanent now.
SCAR |
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The SCAR isn't canceled in the sense that people assume. All that they are saying is that SOCOM isn't going to buy it. That does not mean that the Navy Special Warfare folks couldn't pay for it...or another .mil group. It is about pots of money and the SOCOM pot is closed for this item...other pots could pick it up if they so desire.
The SCAR ain't dead by a long shot...my guess is that some of the things they have been looking at changing will happen now that SOCOM won't be paying like the non reciprocating charging handle, longer rail, ect. The SCAR is a great rifle and is much cheaper than the M-4 when you consider the overall service life and items that it comes with like multiple barrels, suppressor, ect. The M-4 is cheaper...but only until you add in the SOPMOD items....then it gets more expensive. |
| The program is cancelled into effect that the U.S. govt is spending no further developmental money, not procuring and the ones fielded are being recalled and taken out of service. This program has been a failure. More than 6 years of spent money and not even a finalized weapon due to problem after problem. In 6 years they have not been able to build a rifle that exceeds the reliability and performance of the M4A1 carbine. No special ops group will buy these rifles and not have a logistical system in place within the U.S. military to support it. That is what is meant by canceling the program. The fact that SOCOM has dropped this program due to 6 years of failed attempts to field will not look good for the SCAR L in any upcoming new U.S. weapons trials either. The failures of the HK416 in SOCOM will spawn the same doubt in the need to replace the M16/M4 family of weapons. Weather you believe this is a legitimate decision or a political one it will have a profound affect on doubt these weapons have anywheres near enough "leap in technology" to warrant a change in a replacement weapon that fires the same projectile from the same barrel length. The SCAR H has a rocky future as well. Although more testing will continue, that has an uphill battle against the MK11 and the M110. In the end will that have enough benefit over existing combat proven weapons to justify a change? Especially no parts in the current system can be used to support the SCAR H. The same is not true for the MK11/M110. Interesting times ahead. |
I just wish Colt had a 7.62x51 gun to go up against the SR25 and those LWRC types. I know this would happen if there was a military demand and probably not for civilian demand. Unfortunately I'm just a lonely little civi who drinks Colt kool-aid and loves the 7.62x51 round... 
Maybe someday! 
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