USMC H&K Contract scrutinized

garandman

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“In their race to field a more powerful automatic rifle, the Marine Corps sidestepped the normal acquisition process and approved a contract to buy them at price tag five times that of the current M4 rifle. The $150 million deal, which may have involved a government employee who recently worked at the foreign arms maker that won the bid, is now under intense scrutiny from Congress — and raises questions about the Corps' aggressive focus on fielding more lethal gear into troops’ hands as quickly as possible.”

The Marine Corps’ New Rifle Is Super Expensive (And No One Knows Why)
 
The employee that worked at HK had previously worked at FN for about 20 years. So it isn’t clear that he steered this to HK.
 
So looks like the M27 is a hybrid between a gas piston system and a direct impingement system with buffer.

m27-cut.jpg


Seems like added complication to go to a gas piston system. Why not something like the AK or M14?
 
Seems like added complication to go to a gas piston system. Why not something like the AK or M14?
I just read an article about the US firepower needs in Afghanistan. They’re saying they need an intermediate distance rifle to counter the snipers. M14 was one of those candidates, and would prob work well if they used an optic-ready version like the SOCOM.
 
I just read an article about the US firepower needs in Afghanistan. They’re saying they need an intermediate distance rifle to counter the snipers. M14 was one of those candidates, and would prob work well if they used an optic-ready version like the SOCOM.
M14’s were never taken out of inventory and units were able to upgrade them with unit funds. Swapping out the stock and adding optics was unit-level Armorer work and common enough in units like Cavalry Squadrons that didn’t have dedicated sniper teams but wanted the capability.

The Army started acquiring the M110 SASS about 10 years ago, but it is being replaced by the M110A1. The Marines have purchased some but have not committed to fielding them. The Army paid $8,100 each for 5,180: the Marines ordered 116 of thrm. It’s also made by H&K.
 
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