http://www.fbo.gov/spg/DHS/USSS/PDDC20229/HSSS01-08-R0008/SynopsisP.html
Would the M4 be a shoo-in for something like this?
If you mean a Colt specifically, then no. However, even the M4 design wouldn’t necessarily be a shoe-in. LWRC and Magpul both have designs that would fit the request.
If you’re refering to the Masada, I think the jury’s still out on that.
Looks promising, but…“looks promising” doesn’t cut it.
My point was that the Colt 6920 isn’t a gimme for the USSS. DEA chose a different vendor as has the DoD (FN). Also, there are certainly other designs in 5.56 NATO caliber weapons available. And the Masada may well be available by the time USSS makes the move to actually trial and purchase.
My question is why the hell are they looking for a 5.56 when learnings in Iraq and Afganistan show that there is a greater need for a 308 ballistic rifle.
I think they should be looking for a 6.8SPC. If they are the feds, money for ammo is no object.
M_P
This is 100% assumption on my part, but I imagine Secret Service already has M4’s inventoried. With the number being 30-50 rifles, I’d think these are for protective details and not general issue. I’d guess they are looking for an SBR with a folding stock, so as to be lower profile, something that could be semi hidden by a cover garment. But these are only my 100% don’t have a clue guesses. Something like the new KAC PDW, would probably be perfect.
Yeah right…my agency won’t even give me 9mm practice ammo! 
That’s pretty much what I hear across the board. My understanding is that the 6.8SPC for general DoD use is pretty much a dead issue. We are far more likely to see Mk262 in general use than the 6.8SPC. Contrary to popular belief, cost is still a big issue for the DoD.
[rant]The FED keeps printing money for the feds and the value of the money keeps going down. I object.
What is USSS doing to protect the money?[/rant]
My bad. USSS is now Homeland Security, not US Treasury.
Is any SOCOM unit using 6.8 SPC?
I disagree. The 308 is a poor choice for the type of close work that the SS would be doing.
I think the 6.8 is a much better choice for what the SS does, but also believe that the MK262 would also fill their needs well.
C4
That makes sense, but don’t they already have PDW80s?
M_P
The DEA did but the DoD did not (for M4). Colt is the exclusive supplier of M4 rifles to the DoD according to Colt’s President in an interview in the most recent SAR. FN builds the M16A2 rifles.
Chad
Can’t disagree with the logic. But I would rather have a round that over penetrates rather than one that might be defeated by body armor.
Oh well, that is a debate that can go on forever. Hope that our tax dollars get them the best.
Bad call. Over penetration is always a consideration. USSS is a mostly LE agency and they are largely not immune from civil action. Keeping in mind that the details are supported by marksmen who use significantly greater calibers than 5.56.
I agree.
The 6.8 has a very long way to go before and IF it makes it. The costs would be extraordinary with tooling, ammo, accessories etc.
IF the 6.8 were going to make it, I think it would have by now with all the funding that’s been going into the Military with GW at the helm. It sure won’t get funding with the Democrats in office, which will probably be from 2008 to 2016 if I were a betting man…unless they really screw the pooch from '08 to
'12.
BTW…Mk262 will drop 'em!
I don’t think their Counter Snipers worry about over penetration when using .300WSM. 
There’s a list with 61 requirements that went with this solicitation. One of those requirements was that the carbine be piston operated. I know LWRC will be submitting samples to the USSS. I’m pretty sure HK will be as well, but don’t quote me on that as I’m not POSITIVE on that one.
You guys do know that Mk262 is about the same cost or a bit more than U.S.G. pricing on 6.8 mm ammo, right?
Doc,
Do you think that the cost of 6.8 will come down given the recent happenings in the frozen tundra?