[jbour13]

I've owned and have carried an M-4 and M-16 for the short 9 years that I've been in. Granted, I don't shoot near as much as those that need to or have to (I'm intel, don't hold it against me).

I own an upper from LWRC and my oldest brother works as the Demo Team leader and sales rep for LWRC. They make fine rifles in multiple configurations and calibers. Upon my return to Bragg, I am planning on getting LWRC to come down and do a demo for my BN at least, if not the Group or beyond. Does my family benefit from the potential purchase of these systems, you bet. But call my oldest brother and he will give you the real reason. He wants to get the best possible weapon in the hands of who matter most, the soldier. I can talk at length of the benefits, but research it if need be.

Direct inpingement, or The Legacy System, causes problems. So does dirt and crappy ammo. Biggest thing I see is failure to do right on the weapons operator. Clean your crap and move out. I mentioned priorities of work at BNCOC and got the deer in the headlights look. It isn't just the young joes that are lacking. NCO's are failing to do the right things. I had only 2 soldiers in my class that had any idea of what priorities of work meant. They were former 11B's. I only know because I had it beat into my brain by my NCOIC who was Infantry for the 4 years I was assigned to 2nd BDE and 1-27 Inf in Hawaii.

HK makes fine guns, at a cost. Gas piston guns are nice, at a cost. How cost effective is a life, well that is for those in power and bean counters to decide. Until I'm given something different, I'll train with and maintain my rifle like it was my own.

Pete made the best point, "A weapon is a tool."