paul@abekrd.co.uk (Paul Cameron) (03/18/91)
From: paul@abekrd.co.uk (Paul Cameron) In response to Stephen P. Dragoo's points on the British Army's Assault Rifle. He was mostly correct however he is mistaken on the weapon's calibre. It is NOT 4.85mm as he quotes. This was the calibre used on the prototypes tested in the 70's. The production, in-service rifle, is NATO Standard 5.56mm, as is the Light Support Weapon (LSW). Both weapons are very accurate and far easier to obtain tight grouping against standing targets than was the case with the older 7.62mm SLR. I should add that the Individual Weapon (IW) and the LSW issued to infantry (as opposed to Support Services troops) is fitted with a X4 magnification Optical Sight. This may not have been present on the film footage that Scott Silvey (of Berkley) saw. If he saw the same footage that the rest of us saw it would have been artillerymen having to resort to bunker clearing in order to secure their position. Their rifles would not have had the Optical Sight. I have one question, while I'm on the net! Does anyone have any information on the state of development of microprocessor controlled hand grenades? SERIOUSLY!!! Ta much, Paul.