Replacement of 5.56mm and M4?

tankee1981 SG

The Barrett Model M468 is a high-performance rifle that has proven to be a life-saver in dangerous places. The rifle's enhanced power is packaged in the familiar AR-style configuration. It is a no-nonsense rifle designed specifically for those who must have a trustworthy, compact rifle that delivers conclusive results.

The Model M468 forged 7075 aluminum upper and lower receivers are type 3 hardcoat anodized. The lower houses a smooth, dependable, two-stage combat trigger without adjustment screws that can shoot loose. The upper supports a free-floated, chrome-lined barrel with M-4 style feed ramps machined into both the receiver and the barrel extension. A super-efficient muzzle brake all but eliminates recoil. The nickel phosphate plated bolt is silky smooth, easy to clean, and purposely sized for the 6.8 SPC cartridge. The rifle is designed to run cool, be easy to clean and be 100% reliable.

The Model M468, optimized for use with optics, is equipped with the A.R.M.S. SIR accessory mounting system. The integral, fully adjustable #40 L backup rear sight is always ready. The Barrett gas block is threaded for a Barrett suppressor and also provides a solid base for the folding front sight. A unique ratchet is built into the gas block to positively maintain a Barrett suppressor's position.

The Model M468 is also available as an upper receiver conversion.

http://www.barrettrifles.com/rifle_468.aspx

Here is a documentary from Discovery Channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zMpN_-pcas&feature=related

LRRP SG

Its an impressive weapon but i think the US Army is more swayed towards the HK416.

SpecOps87 SG

Hmmm…considering that they have produced bazillion rounds of 5.56 and many weapon systems in the US arsenal are based on this round, it will take crazy effort to replace everything to 6.8mm or make it the NATO standard. Thus M468 will probably only see service in the SF units. Perhaps Barrett should market this to the PMCs, they will definitely be more receptive towards it.

Darkness_hacker99 SG

Yea.. It's design are very similar to those of M4. So soldiers who are used to M4 will most likely be very familiar with the Barrett.

If you compare hor, M4 just doesn't have the strength to hit a person down, but a Barrett can.

I watch from a documentary show.. dunno is discovery channel or National geographic channel

Darkness_hacker99 SG

Aiya, someone is faster than me.. yar.. it’s that video.

specialOps SG

it depends what kinda person u're hitting.

A 5.56mm from M4/M16/SAR-21 or any other assault rifle will instantly drop an UNARMOURED person....instant...you can try at SAF range urself, but don't say I recommended it.

But 5.56mm is too tiny to blast thru armour, esp ceramic or dragonskin.

6.8mm might be better....even then it stilll may not penetrate dragonskin.

Maybe we should use .5 (12.7mm), those mounted on M113/Bionix...use as personal rifle...idea....kidding.

Alvin.Yeoh SG

They'll never move over to 6.8mm round for standard line troops. They have far too much of the ammo lying around and the whole NATO is also using 5.56 and you can't really expect them to change as well.

For SF then yeah, they might as those troops tend to have alot more leeway when it comes to weapons and ammo then again, they also might not want to change as they risk losing ammo commonality.

It looks very impressive though.

the.owl SG

looks exactly like an M4 LOL.

Meia Gisborn SG

Several AR manufacturers (Stag Arms, Bushmaster, DPMS, to name a few) are already offering ARs rifles chambered for the 6.8 SPC cartridge. If you already own a regular AR-pattern rifle chambered in 223/5.56, you can just acquire an upper assembly chambered in 6.8 SPC and attach it to your existing lower.

The only drawback is that 6.8 SPC ammo is currently much more expensive than 223/5.56 ammo.

Alvin.Yeoh SG

How much more expensive is it?

SpecOps87 SG

Well...considering that its not a industry standard round, I suppose the price factor is something that will stay for qite some time. Hey Meia, juz wondering ammo like the 5.7mm and 4.6mm?

Meia Gisborn SG

A box of 20 rounds of 115 gr. FMJ cartridges in 6.8 SPC typically goes for over US$25. See here for an example.

In comparison, 20 rounds of 55 gr. FMJ cartridges in 223 usually go for under US$10. See here.

Meia Gisborn SG

Currently, the only firearms chambered in 5.7 x 28mm that are available to civilians in the US are the Five-seveN handgun (which I've had the opportunity to shoot in the past) and PS90 carbine, both made by Fabrique Nationale. 5.7 x 28mm ammo used to be rather difficult to find, but can now be readily purchased for a little under US$20 per box of 50 cartridges.

I have not been following the development of the 4.6 x 30mm cartridge. It appears to be available for sale at some on-line vendors for around US$20 per box of 50 cartridges, though.

davechng SG

U could also easily upgrade the normal 5.56 rifle with an upper like this

http://www.model1sales.com/catalog-list.cfm?Category=02&Subcat=Standard%20Upper%20Halves&storeid=1

just use the lower and swap out the upper and of course a differnt magazines!

the logistics of the 6.8 ammo will be challenging and expensive if all units is goin to transit over to the 6.8 ! shot the ammo , very accurate .... in full auto! it is controllable but more significant than the 5.56!

DaveC