Hi Michael
31 Mar 98, Michael Shirley writes to Rick Nolan:
 >         Actually, the design predates the selection of the 5.56mm
 > SS-109 Cartridge. If memory serves, your ordinance people were
 > originally experimenting with that rifle as the 4.85mm individual
 > weapon and was
 > originally intended to use a British cartridge. I remember several
 > articles that I'd read during the late 70's and early 80's describing
 > that rifle with it's orphan cartridge.
They decided in 1979 to replace the FN with a 5.56 for compatibility,
the change to be implimented by 1985.
After all the politics were finished the army were given only three
weapons to choose from,the SA80,the M16,and the Steyer AUG :-(
No-one wanted the M-16,few wanted the SA80 because of its complexity,
and the Steyer got my vote because it was easier than either to use.
 >         Is the British design that bad to where Steyr's rifle looks
 > that good?
Its over designed and too fragile IMHO.
 >
 >         Back when I was in the Army, I had a plan for what I was going
 > to do in the event of war and somebody stuck me with an M-16 of any
 > kind. First thing is to acquire a Kalashnikov from the nearest dead
 > Russian available.
There were one or two unfortunate Australians up on charges for
"loseing" their FNs :-)
BTW,the thing I couldn't understand was why you guys put up with
those MREs,I thought the British "compo" rations bad till I ate
a MRE !
Regards,
Rick
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