Wasn’t sure if this was the best place but it does relate to the AR-15.
02/04/2013
(Infodefensa.com) L. Vasquez / J. Higuera, Santiago de Chile - The Chilean Marine Corps (CIM) of the Chilean Navy recently made an initial order for 2,000 M4 assault rifles in caliber 5.56mm U.S. manufactured by Colt , under a contract for an undisclosed amount that includes an option for a second order of similar volume, to be finalized in the near term.
The first order, with deliveries to be completed in 2014, is designed to equip combat units that comprise the Amphibious Expeditionary Brigade (BAE) , a rapid maritime deployment force with 1,400 troops created in 2012. The remaining members of the BAE and other units of the Chilean Marines will continue to use HK33A2 rifles in caliber 5.56mm acquired in the early nineties.
The purchase of the M4 was resolved after a lengthy evaluation process and negotiations, initially conducted jointly with the Chilean Army, which also sought to select a new assault weapon for their infantry units under the so called “Project Titanium”.
The Chilean Marines withdrew from Project Titanium due to irreconcilable differences with the Army, both in project objectives as well as in the evaluation criteria of the guns, a source told Infodefensa.
While the Chilean Marines favored the durability of the rifles under intensive and prolonged inhospitable environmental conditions, as well as the ability to incorporate a range of accessories on the weapons, the Chilean Army instead prioritized the ability to manufacture the rifles in Chile, using a percentage of locally manufactured components and parts.
The final shortlist selection process by the Chilean Marines also included the HK 416 by German manufacturer Heckler & Koch and the SCAR-L produced by FN Herstal of Belgium.
The M4 version produced under license by DPMS Panther Arms U.S. manufacturer was also evaluated, but was discarded in view of the problems faced with the rifle by the Army’s Brigade of Special Forces.
Prime example of why not every AR-15 is created equal despite claims of “Mil-Spec”.
While browsing the thread on the Individual Carbine competition, the unanimous decision seems that the AR family of rifles, if built correctly, cannot really be improved.
I always wondered what else could change to make it even “more perfect,” I thought maybe a piston system, or the new Nickle Boron coatings throughout the carbine to make it possible to run without lube for extreme instances where there is none for some reason. I, however, learned none of that is needed.
Armies continuing to go to the AR proves that it works and works well!
Yay so that means absolutely squat to me, after hearing that great news I m sure some Colt owners will walk around with their heads a tad higher and also had that great feeling that Mr. Winkey grew an inch knowing this. :rolleyes:
I think its great that they are using Colts they are the better rifles, but the fact that DPMS was even up for consideration is kinda surprising and neat. Good for them
The E3 bolt is pure magic, and also the ambi features on their rifles which IIRC they were the first to do such. Not to mention all of the upgrades out of the box.
While there are upgrades that do exist such as the KAC E3 bolt, no one has offered them for the price of the M4A1. You have to remember the M4A1 costs the Army around $600 and that is for a good hard use carbine, so while there are upgrades that do exist they all come at a steep cost.
One place that can be upgraded is the rais system, now days you can get FF rails for heaper than the KAC RAS, that is one place that is actually being upgraded through the PiP.
No doubt. If I could upgrade the system for an unlimted amount the SR-16 is exactly what it would look like.
I think currently adding an enhanced bolt with the standard barrel may be a bit excessive as a 20,000 round bolt will still be replaced when the barrel get replaced. In order to take advantage of a new bolt you need a new barrel with 20,000 rounds part life. All of these things are in the SR-15 but costs a pretty penny to get, but they are by far the best AR system on the market if you can afford it.
The rail system though is the one place an upgrade can be had for the same price as the current rail system.
How does the process work? Why could other companies like BMC, DD, et al not get their products evaluated and maybe picked for contracts to other countries? Thanks
Tog
I was looking at KAC carbines today and none I saw use the FSB, they just have the rail flip up ones. Also it appeared on one model that the rail does not cover the gas block completely.
It seems that fighting carbines like theirs would have a FSB not flip up, but I don’t know anything
Oh. Okay. I get what you’re talking about. IMHO, an FSB is user preferance, and doesn’t really indicate a fighting gun. The SOCOM Block II guns don’t use FSBs. And the reason that the rail doesn’t cover the gas block completely on that one gun is because the gas system is longer than standard, but the gas tube is still covered.
