The replacement for the m4 is here

[SHASTINTOR]

Actually Joe, Ive heard that during testing they encountered a lot of problems with the M8 overheating and proving unreliable. Unless they make some drastic changes, it'll probably get scrapped like so many other military contracts for a new replacement rifle.

[Jimdalf]

Its just teething problems, they will probably adopt an improved variant... they have to, they have spent far too much on the OICW project as a whole to scrap it all now

[Dionysus]

Originally Posted by Jimdalf

Its just teething problems, they will probably adopt an improved variant... they have to, they have spent far too much on the OICW project as a whole to scrap it all now

USA? Spend to much? Like that is even possible...

[SHASTINTOR]

The XM8 has absolutely nothing to do with the OICW. Not related in any shape or form.

The problem with the XM8 is the fact that its mostly composite (plastic) material, which is good because it keeps the weight down, but bad because plastic just doesnt hold up as good old steel does, plus it can warp and overheat and crack, and not only this, but I would imagine that since it is composite, the sights and the integral 1.5x scope which is in the carry handle would be hard to keep zeroed because it is likely to bend or warp in different weather conditions, and just from being tossed around, dropped etc.

We'll see what happens to it. I still say that the armed forces have to ditch the 5.56mm round and go back to 30 caliber.

[Sic Semper Tyrannis]

i doubt we'll ever go back a 30 caliber bullet. the 5.56 is so popular and has been since the introduction of the m16. so popular in fact that the russians dropped the 7.62 for it. not to mention that the iw uses it also, along with many other rifles.