Heard of this rifle SR-47?

Simon Dean SG

The SR-47 is a modern assault rifle based on the AR-15 family of rifles created by Knight's Armament Company for the USSOCOM. Unlike the majority of guns based around ArmaLite design, the SR-47 fires the Soviet 7.62 × 39 mm round from AK-47 magazines. The rifle was created after soldiers on long missions in Operation Enduring Freedom complained of running out of 5.56 x 45 mm ammunition for their M4 carbines but having plenty of captured AK-47 magazines. The SR-47 is basically an M4 that will accept standard AK-47 magazines rather than NATO STANAG M16/M4 mags, along with other minor modifications common to KAC's designs.

It is speculated that the SR-47 was discontinued because of the glut of AK-47s found in Iraq and Afghanistan and the reliability issue of feeding "dirty" 7.62 × 39 mm ammunition through the AR-15 direct impingement gas system. Personnel issued the weapon in the field also mentioned that the SR-47's action often had trouble feeding and firing rounds from standard AK-type magazines.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SR-47

Blockhead SG

Wow, interesting idea!

I can see why it didn't work tho, especially what it says with the fouling of the system due to the rounds. If they had trouble with too many AK mags, I wonder why they don't just use AKs as backups instead of going thru all this trouble to develop a M4 to shoot AK mags and rounds?

beavan SG

it's like getting a BMW salesman to drive Mercedes. all in the name. can't have US troops using AKs. Mr. Green

Shotgun SG

Because the AK is bloody inaccurate and not very suitable for close combat? The AK-47s don't have any picatinny rails for Red Dot sights n stuff.

The Special Forces requirement was a design that could enhance their ammunition endurance while retaining weapon familiarity. Hence the SR-47.

chino65 SG

I thought it was a pretty silly idea when I first read about it years ago for all the reason you guys already mentioned.

But the Americans are just too deeply in love with their M-16 that they will use the M-16 as a base for EVERYTHING from pistols to belt-feed MG.

tankee1981 SG

Its a great idea as to be able to use the abundant ammo used by the enemy against themselves. However, this design is to fail from the start because the direct impingement gas system can never handle the Russian ammo. Very Happy

chino65 SG

If there is truly a need for such a weapon in the West, why not build an accurized AK (like the Galil) that can take AK ammo and mags?

wonderamazement SG

They created this rifle to make use of the large amount of AK mags and 7.62 rounds they found isn’t it?

Shotgun SG

Say b4 le....

Cos the Special Forces requirement was for a rifle that they are accustomed to. Which is an AR-15 variant!

chino65 SG

It was a tool looking for a job.