On the XM8

[b33f]

QUESTION: My name is Sergeant Lief from Honolulu, Hawaii. My question to you sir, is, is XM8 going to replace M16 or the M4? If so, when?

RUMSFELD: Is what?

QUESTION: The XM8, the new assault rifle I've been seeing in Army Times, sir.

RUMSFELD: General Barno, what's the answer?

BARNO: The answer is we don't know yet. It's a good question. We're looking at different rifles for the infantry. That decision has not yet been made.

From (http://www.defenselink.mil/transcripts/2005/tr20050413-secdef2502.html)

edit: Just to make it clear: i didn't post this to make Rummy look incompetent, i did post it to show the "status" of the XM8 program (to some degree).

[ElHombre]

errr... shouldn't rumsfeld be able to answer that himself?

[BadKarma26]

errr... shouldn't rumsfeld be able to answer that himself?

YAH GODDAMNIT WHY ISN'T RUMMY ALREADY QUALIFIED WITH IT?! GODDAMN REPUBLICANS!


shutup hombre

[Miles.]

Thanks Karma. I wanted to say something, but I knew someone could say it better. :hug:

[BlackFlag]

That SHOULD be a pre-requisite for the Sec. of Defense...to know the damn equipment..

[Sir Zach of R.]

I wish the XM8 program would die.

[Miles.]

That SHOULD be a pre-requisite for the Sec. of Defense...to know the damn equipment..

Find me a CEO of a successful business who knows how to operate the machinery...

Exxon-Mobil CEO or CFO...do they know how to operate a drilling rig down to the grimy bits?

Doubt it. It's not his job.

[HoboWithAK]

Rumsfield is already one of the most badass Sec Defs we have ever had. I have no doubt that if he saw the XM-8, he could just pick it up, then do a four thousand mile run to Iraq in under an hour and kill four hundred people... with one magazine...

The Sec Def, however, probably should have known a little more about the subject. However, in the past few years, his job has grown ten fold, so give him some understanding.

[Khabbi]

I wish the XM8 program would die.

x 1337

[BlackFlag]

If the XM8 is the best of the best then let it stay....if we find something better we'll take that...just because a gun doesnt "look cool" doesnt mean its program should be terminated...however if the overheating rumors are true...move on to the next rifle..

[Werewolf01]

If the XM8 is the best of the best then let it stay....if we find something better we'll take that...just because a gun doesnt "look cool" doesnt mean its program should be terminated...however if the overheating rumors are true...move on to the next rifle..

Why should we worry about overheating? The M60 was notorious for the same thing and look how long we kept it in service. ;)

[b33f]

If the XM8 is the best of the best then let it stay....if we find something better we'll take that...just because a gun doesnt "look cool" doesnt mean its program should be terminated...however if the overheating rumors are true...move on to the next rifle..

Why should we worry about overheating? The M60 was notorious for the same thing and look how long we kept it in service. ;)

Don't forget that the XM8 is not intended to provide supression fire or other long-time fire tasks. It shouldn't get the chance to overheat.

[Werewolf01]

If the XM8 is the best of the best then let it stay....if we find something better we'll take that...just because a gun doesnt "look cool" doesnt mean its program should be terminated...however if the overheating rumors are true...move on to the next rifle..

Why should we worry about overheating? The M60 was notorious for the same thing and look how long we kept it in service. ;)

Don't forget that the XM8 is not intended to provide supression fire or other long-time fire tasks. It shouldn't get the chance to overheat.


Squad Leader: "OK guys, quit firing and give your pieces a rest. These things were'nt designed for extended engagements."

[Dennis G]

XM8 :roll:

[b33f]

If the XM8 is the best of the best then let it stay....if we find something better we'll take that...just because a gun doesnt "look cool" doesnt mean its program should be terminated...however if the overheating rumors are true...move on to the next rifle..

Why should we worry about overheating? The M60 was notorious for the same thing and look how long we kept it in service. ;)

Don't forget that the XM8 is not intended to provide supression fire or other long-time fire tasks. It shouldn't get the chance to overheat.
Squad Leader: "OK guys, quit firing and give your pieces a rest. These things were'nt designed for extended engagements."

I'm sorry i didn't yet have the chance to engage in combat. But: judging from articles, books and posts i read, a rifleman never blows through mag after mag, "spray and pray" (over long times) is not the way to go. "Aimed single shots" and possibly "double tap" is the usual scenario.

The "real-deal" guys may correct me if i am wrong.

[BadKarma26]

If the XM8 is the best of the best then let it stay....if we find something better we'll take that...just because a gun doesnt "look cool" doesnt mean its program should be terminated...however if the overheating rumors are true...move on to the next rifle..

Why should we worry about overheating? The M60 was notorious for the same thing and look how long we kept it in service. ;)

Don't forget that the XM8 is not intended to provide supression fire or other long-time fire tasks. It shouldn't get the chance to overheat.
Squad Leader: "OK guys, quit firing and give your pieces a rest. These things were'nt designed for extended engagements."

I'm sorry i didn't yet have the chance to engage in combat. But: judging from articles, books and posts i read, a rifleman never blows through mag after mag, "spray and pray" (over long times) is not the way to go. "Aimed single shots" and possibly "double tap" is the usual scenario.

The "real-deal" guys may correct me if i am wrong.

I go through ammo like its going out of style

[Werewolf01]

If the XM8 is the best of the best then let it stay....if we find something better we'll take that...just because a gun doesnt "look cool" doesnt mean its program should be terminated...however if the overheating rumors are true...move on to the next rifle..

Why should we worry about overheating? The M60 was notorious for the same thing and look how long we kept it in service. ;)

Don't forget that the XM8 is not intended to provide supression fire or other long-time fire tasks. It shouldn't get the chance to overheat.
Squad Leader: "OK guys, quit firing and give your pieces a rest. These things were'nt designed for extended engagements."

I'm sorry i didn't yet have the chance to engage in combat. But: judging from articles, books and posts i read, a rifleman never blows through mag after mag, "spray and pray" (over long times) is not the way to go. "Aimed single shots" and possibly "double tap" is the usual scenario.

The "real-deal" guys may correct me if i am wrong.

I personally am not sorry that I have managed to avoid combat thus far in my life.

[Hoodless]

http://img199.echo.cx/img199/4665/xm88vq.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)

looks nice though

http://world.guns.ru/assault/as61-e.htm

[Macs.]

Yer damn yanks, build yo own weapons, yo !

[RGRBOX]

I wish the XM8 program would die.

Like Rummy... Just think.. CNN could have a month of Funerals.. Can't wait.. :cantbeli:

[ElHombre]

YAH GODDAMNIT WHY ISN'T RUMMY ALREADY QUALIFIED WITH IT?! GODDAMN REPUBLICANS!


shutup hombre

awww. did i hurt your feelings? but considering that this rifle is supposed to replace the m4/16, i'd think you'd want the sec to know something about it.

[BlackFlag]

If the XM8 is the best of the best then let it stay....if we find something better we'll take that...just because a gun doesnt "look cool" doesnt mean its program should be terminated...however if the overheating rumors are true...move on to the next rifle..

Why should we worry about overheating? The M60 was notorious for the same thing and look how long we kept it in service. ;)

but the M60 didnt have a plastic shell that melts when it overheated.

[OMEGA7]

If the XM8 is the best of the best then let it stay....if we find something better we'll take that...just because a gun doesnt "look cool" doesnt mean its program should be terminated...however if the overheating rumors are true...move on to the next rifle..

Why should we worry about overheating? The M60 was notorious for the same thing and look how long we kept it in service. ;)

but the M60 didnt have a plastic shell that melts when it overheated.

air gun M60 is not use only the plastic but also metal too.
the gun states ineguration

PLASTIC . HEART . GOLD . and encourage against the nasty thug!

[digrar]

^ what he said. :D

[DarkCypher]

http://img199.echo.cx/img199/4665/xm88vq.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)

looks nice though

http://world.guns.ru/assault/as61-e.htm

I think it's the most ugliest piece of plastic I've ever seen.

[b33f]

^ what he said. :D

rofl rofl rofl

as though anyone would have a clue what that he meant to express with "that".

[Jani.R]

http://img199.echo.cx/img199/4665/xm88vq.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)

looks nice though

http://world.guns.ru/assault/as61-e.htm

I think it's the most ugliest piece of plastic I've ever seen.

Call me freak, but that looks cool.

[weissent]

Not another xm-8 thread :roll:

It's reliable and lightweight vs. It's a a plastic pos that melts after 30 rounds.
This topic has been discussed 1000x b4 here.

[b33f]

Not another xm-8 thread :roll:

It's reliable and lightweight vs. It's a a plastic pos that melts after 400+ rounds.
This topic has been discussed 1000x b4 here.

You stand corrected.

[Rakki]

For all the people complaining about XM-8 meltiness:

What happens when you do the ""full out suppression fire thing" on a M-4/M-16?

[weissent]

Not another xm-8 thread :roll:

It's reliable and lightweight vs. It's a a plastic pos that melts after 400+ rounds.
This topic has been discussed 1000x b4 here.

You stand corrected.

I like your 'tar.

[b33f]

Not another xm-8 thread :roll:

It's reliable and lightweight vs. It's a a plastic pos that melts after 400+ rounds.
This topic has been discussed 1000x b4 here.

You stand corrected.

I like your 'tar.
Thanks! I like yours two :)

[usm2b]

I'd rather go to war with an M-16a5, a6,a7,a8,a9,a10...

[MEGR]

I have mixed feelings about the XM-8. I need to fire it before I say anything. I love the AR-15s, but can't get my hands on something like an XM-8.

[Russ.Dill]

If the XM8 is the best of the best then let it stay....if we find something better we'll take that...just because a gun doesnt "look cool" doesnt mean its program should be terminated...however if the overheating rumors are true...move on to the next rifle..

Why should we worry about overheating? The M60 was notorious for the same thing and look how long we kept it in service. ;)

The M60 is still in service...Largely replaced By the M290 though.

[Russ.Dill]

Squad Leader: "OK guys, quit firing and give your pieces a rest. These things were'nt designed for extended engagements."

Have you looked at the sustained fire rates for the M4? Why do you think they have the M249 with swappable barrels?

[Russ.Dill]

Have their been overheating problems with the G36? I haven't heard any complaints, the XM8 is essentially the same weapon, but with some custom modifications. I don't hear anything about melting or breaking G36's

[usm2b]

^^Oh good! :D , everything will be fine now! I had no idea that you spent the last few years in the german army's G36 complaint department. p-)

[nullterm]

What requirements are they trying to get out of their next gen rifle that the current M16 and M4's don't have? More reliable, durable, less hassle?

[Ratamacue]

What requirements are they trying to get out of their next gen rifle that the current M16 and M4's don't have? More reliable, durable, less hassle?
Greater reliability, lighter weight, easier maintenance, improved modularity, stuff like that.

[Russ.Dill]

^^Oh good! :D , everything will be fine now! I had no idea that you spent the last few years in the german army's G36 complaint department. p-)

Its something no one ever brings to the discussion. If you want to point to sites that show that the G36 is a miserable failure and overheats all the time, go right ahead.

[Prometheus]

Have their been overheating problems with the G36?

There was a problem in development stage (HK50), at this early time the HK50 had no heat-shields. After H&K built in a set of heat-shields the problem was solved. No further complaints.

[Prometheus]

double post

[oda14]

Gentleman I have it from inside sources. The XM8 rifle is a dead issue. HK will not even talk about it. The new production facility they were to build in Columbus GA (a precurser for a foreign company who has been awarded a US military production contract ie: FN and Beretta) has not even broken ground. HK is still operating from their facility in VA. The only military project that they are currently involved on a large scale is the possible new .45 Cal. pistol for the US Army Special Forces Command. The SCAR weapons system from FN appears to be the next generation of battle rifles and for now only will be used by special operations forces, period.

[Prometheus]

Gentleman I have it from inside sources. The XM8 rifle is a dead issue. HK will not even talk about it. The new production facility they were to build in Columbus GA (a precurser for a foreign company who has been awarded a US military production contract ie: FN and Beretta) has not even broken ground. HK is still operating from their facility in VA. The only military project that they are currently involved on a large scale is the possible new .45 Cal. pistol for the US Army Special Forces Command. The SCAR weapons system from FN appears to be the next generation of battle rifles and for now only will be used by special operations forces, period.


Sure... their production plant is still an empty field. But they create a joint-venture with GD to manufacture the XM8 ... I hardly believe they do this just for fun...

http://www.generaldynamics.com/news/press_releases/2005/NewsRelease%20January3,%202005.htm


"inside sources" are fine... but without a evidence they're useless and not more then a rumor.

[DPGLAW]

Is there any rifle competeing with the XM8 for the role of being the standard Army infantry rifle? I mean in such a way as the SCAR is competeing with the XM8 for the SPEC ops role?

[Oddbod]

With all the product improvement that has gone into the M16 & its variants over the past 40 years, I fail to see why a new weapon - with all the attendant costs - should be adopted when it is far from being a MAJOR step forwards.
Until the decision is made to replace the 5.56mm round, there WONT be any great leap in weapons performance.
A round in the 6.5-7mm range is needed to gain the 300m+ knock down capability that is missing with the current 5.56mm.

[Nizark]

errr... shouldn't rumsfeld be able to answer that himself?

YAH GODDAMNIT WHY ISN'T RUMMY ALREADY QUALIFIED WITH IT?! GODDAMN REPUBLICANS!


shutup hombre

damn karma, chill the hell out...Its a reasonable request, isn't it?

[Khabbi]

Does anybody have some photos of what the M-8 looks like now ?

and Rummy should have atleast known what it was :roll: :|

[Little J]

Gentleman I have it from inside sources. The XM8 rifle is a dead issue. HK will not even talk about it. The new production facility they were to build in Columbus GA (a precurser for a foreign company who has been awarded a US military production contract ie: FN and Beretta) has not even broken ground. HK is still operating from their facility in VA. The only military project that they are currently involved on a large scale is the possible new .45 Cal. pistol for the US Army Special Forces Command. The SCAR weapons system from FN appears to be the next generation of battle rifles and for now only will be used by special operations forces, period.

If its "dead and buried" Why are they clearing tree's for the factory?

http://hkpro.websolv.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=239699&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

[triath]

Hey lets say it sucks before it's even out of testing. In that case, every firearm made by france in the next 10 years will suck and fail horribly, aircraft too.

[Operation Ivy]

just give us the 6.5mm or the 6.8mm :D