Corps chooses H&K to make SAW replacement - MarineCorpsTimes.com

So they are replacing the M249 SAW with a piston-driven M4? And its magazine fed.

 

Are they going to use something like the Beta C-Mag? Otherwise that's going to be an unwieldy and awkward looking magazine hanging off the bottom.

 

If I recall the Future Weapons episode, the IAR/416 was chosen because it's lighter, it looks like a standard rifle (the SAW gunner sticks out like a sore thumb), and it can use regular magazines reliably (can accept ammo from your squad if you run out). Also, the bolt design was a pro, since it could be held open while firing to keep things cool, but closed when maneuvering.

That's my recollection from FW, I could be wrong.

 

Holy crap!! Just 7.9lbs empty?

When I was in either the SAW or the 60 running out was always a major concern.

I think this is one of the reasons; summed up nicely

 

From what I've gathered, the IAR allows both firing from a closed-bolt and select fire, which was a desired attribute over the SAW. Additionally, the SAW is not being directly replaced by the IAR; the IAR will complement the SAW, which will be reduced in both number and who gets them (regarding the SAW).

 

Not to mention, to be a SAW gunner, you have to be a f*cking whiz kid with that thing (usually a good fireteam leader or a senior Lance Corporal is bumped down to be the SAW gunner). It is constantly malfunctioning, no matter how clean or lubed up it is. The piston breaks off and it is down for good (unless you have an attached armorer, which no grunt unit goes on patrol with). Casings get stuck in the mag well, and it goes down. Get a casing stuck under the bolt, it is down for remedial action. Barrel gets too hot from having to really use it, it goes down or begins "cooking off." I am not saying it is a bad weapon by any means, but for it to be effective in a gunfight, you need constant barrel changes, you have to have someone running it that knows it like his best friend, because that's really what it is. And that takes at least a year (most likely more) of being a SAW gunner, and a sh*tload of range time...

 

Isn't the M4 being replaced by the FN SCAR?

Replacing the SAW with a platform that every Marine is familiar with isn't a half bad idea, especially if the 100-150 round magazines become available. I wonder how the IAR/416 upper holds up to heavy fire with regard to heat/barrel issues and heat-generated breach discharge issues.

 

I believe the SCAR is only in service with special forces.

And the HK416 is piston driven, so it will run much cooler than the M4.

 

This is exactly why I went 0331 and had my friend M240G by my side (heavy bastard that it was).

 

240G's are a blast to shoot. I had a chance at CAX to fire the FPF on the FFEX, and put about 9k rounds through one with no barrel change and no stoppages. It did cook off a ton after 5k rounds though, so I just held it on target and . What a weapon!