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Subject: Is the assault rifle becoming obsolet?
jofredes    6/17/2004 8:59:43 PM
Since the introduction of the light machinegun it has been used in ever increasing numbers. From being in one per platoon in ww1 it has moved to on per squad more recently we see tendencies for it to be used in two per squad in regular armies, while in guerilla and special forces units it has been used even by 50% of soldiers in a unit, with the other 50% for example using grenade launchers, sniper rifles or rpgs. Is this the demise of the assualt rifle as a weapon in it self? Is there any tactical reason why you should keep the assault rifle? I can see economic reasons, it's cheaper than the alternatives and lighter, but it can't really do anything that the other weapons can't do better can it?
 
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Mark F    RE:Is the assault rifle becoming obsolet?   6/18/2004 9:38:19 AM
I'm curious where you get your statistics for non-regular forces. Squad automatic weapons serve a purpose, but you can't put one in every guys hands. Not even remotely practical.
 
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Horsesoldier    RE:Is the assault rifle becoming obsolet?   6/18/2004 9:53:09 AM
Nor desirable. The assault rifle is a generalist weapon. Suitable for front line infantry and then all the way back to the rear area guys who need a self-defense weapon. Light machineguns won't manage that -- nor will something like OICW when it comes on line. The assault rifle will be around for a long time, in my opinion, in one capacity or another.
 
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WinsettZ    RE:Is the assault rifle becoming obsolet?   6/19/2004 8:23:35 PM
I think jofredes is thinking about squad automatics like the RPK, which is 5kg with tripod (lighter in a "standard" configuration?) according to world.guns.ru; with the AKM at 3.14kg from the same site. Even so, RPKs and other squad automatic weapons/LMGs are considerably heavier then assault rifles. Assault rifles at the moment are more plentiful and way cheaper: pre-reqs that will keep them in use for a long, long time. They're also lighter and depending on the assault rifle and light machinegun directly compared to each other; the assault rifle is lighter. The AK/RPG combo seen in combat hotspots around the world: While the gunmen use AKs out of convienence, the RPG gunner uses a AK because it's lighter and interferes less with the primary weapon. Assault rifles aren't obsolete yet.
 
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