Is it possible to get excited about the choice of weapons for some military unit. Maybe yes, maybe not, the choice of a new weapon for the famous Delta Force is definitely worth mentioning.
There are several reasons for this. First of all, the unit under the sign of a triangle, lightning and sword (its unofficial logo) is responsible for a large number of innovations in military technology and personal equipment of a soldier. It is worth mentioning at least the innovative approach to the M4 carbine handguard - visible in the photo of the Delta MSG operator Kyle Lamba, then improved and used by civilian and military shooters under the name VTAC Delta Rail, or similar design called the FSP by Daniel Defense.
Another interesting episode was to prove to KAC gunsmiths that it was possible to shorten the barrel in the SR25 rifle to 16 inches while maintaining reliable operation of the gas system and precision of shots.
The story goes that Delta operators asked the KAC company for the SR25 version with a shortened 16 inch barrel, which would make it easier to operate it in indoor combat situations. KAC said that it can't be done. The CAG operators' response was to convert the SR25 into a shorter version by simply cutting the barrel (probably making a new crown and other gunsmithing operations) by a Delta Force gunsmith.
The rifle did great and its factory version, slightly modified and modernized, is now available in the KAC offer.
And finally Delta Force gave the world the HK416. Thanks to the cooperation of the unit, including the legendary former operator Larry Vickers with the HK company, a rifle was created, which is undeniably synonymous with a special forces weapon, i.e. the HK416D.
Germany, in cooperation with American military, eliminated the main problems of short carbines of the Eugen Stoner's system, combining a compact design with the piston system known from the G36. This is how the HK416 (initially HK-M4) was born. The weapon is used by CAG, DEVGRU, and in Poland by all units of Polish special forces units, with the exception of FORMOZA.
Meanwhile, as rumors carry, CAG is probably looking for a new carbine, a successors of the HK416D, which in the latest version with anodized parts, can be admired in the photos of operators in Syria or Afghanistan, where CAG provided personal protection (PSD) for General Austin Miller.
Interestingly, the photos also show the possible direct competitor of the HK416D in the fight for a contract for a new weapon, the Sig Sauer MCX LVAW carbine.
As is well known (even from WMASG reports), SIG Sauer seems to be dominating the US firearms market. The won contracts for the M17/M18 for US ARMY and USMC, the TANGO 6 scopes for the new USARMY SDMR. Will the company also provide weapons for DBOYS? According to a subjective opinion, probably yes, although SIG has to beat several competitors. The SIG MCX seems to be what is currently the best on the market when it comes to automatic rifles - a compact design with a folding stock, reducing the size of the weapon. SIG has abandoned the classic buffer tube known from the AR series.
In addition, the MCX is a modular system, and SIG has already developed conversions (upper receiver) for the .300 Blackout round, which was probably what the CAG soldiers used to protect General Miller. The MCX is also equipped with a short piston stroke system similar to the one found in the HK416, providing more reliable operation than the classic Stoner's Direct Impingement system. All these features make the design appear to be higher in the hierarchy of interest than carbines mad in the DI system.
a short stroke piston system
Direct Impingement system (direct discharge of powder gases onto the bolt carrier)
Speaking of the DI system, sources suggest that one of the contenders for the contract is the KAC Knights Armament CQB Mod 2 E3 SR16.
The KAC weapon is known for its reliable operation and precision of manufacturing. It was this company that the Polish GROM chose for its first M4s. In the civilian market, KAC weapons are in the premium class, and Polish dealers price the SR15E3 model at around 3300 EUR (civilian HK MR223 or DD Mk18 costs from 2200 to 2400 EUR). The above mentioned KAC model, reportedly considered by CAG, is equipped with an improved gas system adapted an 11.5 inch barrel, rounded bolt carrier lugs and a new type of extract claw, called the lobbster tail extractor. KAC rifles were supposedly seen in the hands of operators (it was not confirmed whether they were Delta Force) during the PSD operation securing the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo.
And there is the HK416A5 - a refreshed HK model that is prized by operators of Polish special forces units.
Compared to the HK416D version, the A5 version is distinguished by a longer barrel (11 inches in place of 10.5 in the shortest model), a different shape of the magazine well, similar to the classic shape known from the AR15/M4 models allowing to use all magazines in the STANAG system, contrary to the HK416. The A5 version also has double-sided manipulators (the current standard in modern small arms) and an enlarged castle nut to prevent the risk of slack in this particular place. The HK416A5 also changed the way gas flow is regulated, thus making it easier for the operator to change the settings for firing with or without a silencer faster.
Which design will prove to be the winner of the alleged proceedings for the new Delta Force carbine? Giving a subjective opinion, it will be the SIG Sauer with MCX/LVAW design, which brings new solutions, weight reduction and modularity which (at least it seems that way) its competitors do not have. Knights Armament CQB Mod 2 E3 SR16 with DI system seems to be a step back in terms of reliability, although the system itself has many followers who claim that for all the years since it was invented, it has been refined and is completely reliable. And finally the HK416A5, which also does not seem to be such a dramatic technological leap in relation to its older brother. Perhaps this is a wrong theory, but a similar situation could be observed when trying to introduce the FN SCAR-L (5.56X45mm NATO) rifle when one of the factors causing the cancellation of the program was the lack of significantly better shooting and handling characteristics of the weapon.
We will carefully monitor the activities at Fort Bragg and, as much as possible, inform you about any developments.
Sources: stowarzyszenie.waltergdynia.pl, thereptilehouseblog.com, defensereview.com, wikipedia.org, coffeeordie.com, danieldefense.com, reddit.com, pinterest.com, picuki.com, soldiersystems.net, hkpro.com, knightarmco.com, author's private archives.
