Canada and Colt unveiled the prototype assault rifle of the future for the Canadian Armed Forces

2015-02-20T17:47:11-05:00

Bullpup Design (magazine behind trigger) and chambered in 5.56 NATO. Yet, the ammo will not be your typical brass cased ammunition. To reduce ammo weight by 40 percent, the round will be encased in polymer, and is known as cased telescoped ammunition.

The top rail will give the operator the option of having a 40mm grenade launcher that can hold multiple rounds, or a 12 gauge shotgun, depending on mission or the shooter’s role.

The “smart” designation comes from the weapon’s ability to access a command network in which the gun can receive data, pinpoint targets, and even fire on its own when on target. The network will be able to share these target and threat locations to other ground units nearby (think Blue Force Tracker/FBCB in gun form).

It is rumored to also incorporate tracking point-style projectile guidance technology in which the ammo is also “smart” and can change path mid-flight.

Response by SGT James Elphick made Feb 20 at 2015 5:52 PM

2015-02-20T17:52:01-05:00

That doesn't look like anything I would want to carry. What is the obsession with combining as many weapons systems into one platform?

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 20 at 2015 6:05 PM

2015-02-20T18:05:04-05:00

OICW 2.0.....?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2015 6:41 PM

2015-02-20T18:41:49-05:00

And this is why colt is not going to be the next rifle maker for the Army. This is not something that is feasible. It is huge. Could you image having to jump that in. Not everyone needs an attachment. In my platoon we use the M320 as a stand alone weapon. I am also concerned about the ergonomics of the weapons. With the Optic being so high it is going to have a wild variation from 0-100 meters. The Co-witness of this is also in question. I don't even see iron sights. I would take an M-4 over this any day of the week. A bullpup is great but not for war. To change the mag you are going to have to take it off your shoulder. It is not going to be a fluid motion at all and you are going to lose your sight picture of the target. I will pass.

Even worse is why would you put your optic on top of a removable attachment like the grenade launcher. You would have to reconfirm your zero every time it would take it off or exchange it for something else.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 20 at 2015 9:44 PM

2015-02-20T21:44:22-05:00

Over/Under Labatt beer launcher with optional back bacon optics. Take off you hosers!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2015 9:50 PM

2015-02-20T21:50:56-05:00

Isn't that the pulse rifle from Aliens?

Response by COL Charles Williams made Feb 21 at 2015 12:00 AM

2015-02-21T00:00:17-05:00

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2015 2:47 AM

2015-02-21T02:47:39-05:00

Here are my issues with changing to any other "carbine".

1. The training needed to accomplish the change. If I was the enemy I would attack during the first month of implementation. Nobody would know how to shoot it.

2. It looks like a m*&# f*# to maintain/clean.

3. "smart" is an oxymoron

4. 80% of Soldiers struggle qualifying with the M4

On another note, looks like it would be fun to play with.

Response by SPC Charles Griffith made Feb 21 at 2015 3:33 AM

2015-02-21T03:33:44-05:00

M4 with a 203 is still the weapons system I trust.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2015 5:27 AM

2015-02-21T05:27:23-05:00

Am I the only one that's a bit nervous with a "wi-fi weapon" that can "select targets/change targets"??? Just seems like a dangerous concept to me.

Furthermore, who in their right mind would want an OVERBARREL grenade launcher/shotgun? I'd rather have maximum accuracy off of the weapon that I will MOST be utilizing, rather than the "back-up/SHTF" setup.

Not sure why they'd wanna do something with that....
v/r,
CPT Butler

Response by COL Charles Williams made Feb 21 at 2015 2:14 PM

2015-02-21T14:14:50-05:00

Response by Cpl Brett Wagner made Feb 21 at 2015 3:23 PM

2015-02-21T15:23:00-05:00

OMGosh I want one so much.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Feb 21 at 2015 3:34 PM

2015-02-21T15:34:11-05:00

Well if we are going to get all crazy, they should go with the Gilboa Snake Double Barrel AR-15 (see picture above). a secondary weapon as an 'overbarrel', seems a bit to gimmicky for me. The M4 with tried and tested upgrades would make so much more sense. Take the M4, make it piston driven, add a upgraded trigger, a ambidextrous charging handle and a bigger round is what WE should do...I really don't care what Canada chooses to do with their weapon system.