Re: Marksmen issued better rifles in Afghanistan
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sinister</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I understand that was before the current M14 modernization program was fully funded. The situation has greatly improved over the
last year and a half, armorers have been trained, new and better parts are available, accuracy is excellent and maintenance is low.</div></div>
I call bullshit. Your source, please.
A 5,000 weapon modification order is NOT a modernization program. The EBR is NOT an Army record program but another band-aid.
Soldiers holding MOS 45B, Small Arms Repairman do not work on the M14 or derivatives. If they didn't get it in Initial Entry Training they do NOT get it in their Intermediate NCO training since they transition to turret weapons.
PM Small Arms M14EBR New Equipment Training is limited to two classroom days and one on the range.</div></div>
Read this:
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EBRbuilder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Gee, there seems to be a lot of pent up anger and agression on this board. You guys need to go to the range and relax by converting gun powder into noise.
For your information, The M14EBR-RI is built with rack stock Code A M14s right out of Anniston AL. Each one is shot for group prior to it being shipped out to the troops to verify that it will shoot less than 1.5 MOA. So far our average is under 1 MOA with 5000 rifles built. The only modification we do to the barreled action is ream the flash suppressor to NM specs, like we did on the M21 program.
The M14EBR-RI was developed in response to the large number of ONS (Operational Needs Statements) received from units in the box. All we did was bring the gun into the present day by restocking it and adding Leupold optics.
We must of done something right, as we are still getting requirements for them and will be building far above the original 5000 requested.
Is it the final solution.... No. But it is here, in stock, shipping and doing the job killing bad guys. It fullfills 90 to 95% of the requirements.
Yes we have had some problems with support, but that is being worked on. We have weapons at all the SASCs for one for one replacements and have shipped support packages there as well. All parts are currently being provisioned and soon will be competed for stockage.
I see a couple of people talk about a new gun next year. A normal procurement can take 5 years fast tracked and more through the normal requirements development, testing and selection. There is no fast or easy solution.
If you really think that an M4 with an ACOG is right for a DM lets find a big hill and you can be at the bottom and I will take an EBR to the top and see if you change your mind. I have only fired about 30 thousand rounds so far this year. </div></div>