Carbines like the M4 are accurate out to 300m, but they have
very little wounding capacity at that range. The M193 5.56mm round
derives much of its lethality from the fact that it fragments
inside the body. However, this effect only occurs if the round hits
the target above a certain velocity. With a full length barrel,
this occurs out to about 200m. With a carbine, this only occurs out
to about 50m. Beyond these ranges, the lethality of 5.56mm falls
off dramatically. While you might be able to hit the target, it
will keep fighting.
The SAR 21 is certainly not perfect. It was developed to address
two main issues with the M-16: accuracy and length. Based on user
feedback, it accomplished its task. It is much more accurate than
the M-16 at both long and short ranges, and it is much shorter. It
also happens to be easier to maintain and more mechanically
reliable. However, these improvements over the M-16 came at a cost
in ergonomics and sight reliability. Three steps forward, two steps
back. The SAR 21 will continue to be improved and the lessons
learned will be applied to the next combat rifle the SAF decides to
adopt.
