Well, I don't know much about assault rifles and all that, and I do realise that the ADF probably won't replace the Steyr until some major change occurs, but I just couldn't resist having my say.
I would like to see a locally produce version of the M17s. I'm pretty sure that the ADF or Thales could buy either the patents or at least the right to use the patent. It'd also be beneficial if the upper receiver was made from a polymer than from aluminium.
Why do I want to see this weapon made? It's pretty simple:
Short Length: The M17s is 760 mm long, shorter than the current service rifle.
Long Barrel Length: Despite being 45 mm shorter than the AUG, the M17s has a barrel length of 546 mm, 38 mm longer than the AUG's.
Reliability: Okay, so I know that there isn't really that much a problem with the AUG's reliability. However, I still reckon that the AR-18 style mechanism would provide better reliability. I mean, the G36 uses virtually the same system and it's supposed to be extremely reliable.
I'd also like to see the caliber stepped up to 6.5 Grendel. Why? Because it has a longer range, a heavier bullet, hits harder and yet you can still fit 26 rounds into a standard length magazine (although you can't actually fit them into a standard mag). From what I've heard, it also has a recoil that is less than 7.62x39, which in turn has a recoil less than the 7.62 NATO.
Of course, there's a whole logistics problem, but I honestly believe that if Australia wants to get ahead in the world, then we have to stop following other countries. We have to make the changes and let other countries follow suit. Besides, our country's pretty open, so you want a good, long range round if we ever go into serious trouble
.
Anyway, that's just my armchair opinion.
