Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW), page 1

I did not mean to say that HK weapons in general are bad weapons. The HK91 is an excellent weapon, although the HK33 adn G36 suffer from one fallibility... the 5.56mm caliber.

I have posted numerous times on the ballistic inequities between the 5.56mm and the 7.62mm. Suffice to say that the 7.62mm has well over 2.5X the energy developed, far better range and penetration.

What heartburn I do have about the OICW is that it is designed as a damn computer gun. Remember Murphys law, if it can go wrong, it will go wrong, especially in combat. And in middle of a firefight is the last place that you want any part of your weapon failing you.

The 200mm grenade launcher, all the fancy electronics aside, is a complete waste of time, as it is physically too small to carry a sufficient explosive payload to make much difference. If you need a grenade launcher in combat, use the tried and true 40mm M-79 or M-203. The 40mm grenade shell is the equivalent of a full sized handgrenade. And it doesnt have the fancy electronics to fail on it.

The 5.56mm is already a ballistic dog, but what really worries me about the HK OICW is the 10 inch barrel. The NATO 5.56mm ammo is already underpowered and low velocity compared to the original loading, and firing it through a stubby 10 inch barrel further reduces its effectiveness. Firing a 62 gr bullet, from a 10 inch barrel, it has a muzzle velocity of around 2500-2600 feet per second, producing around 700-800 foot pounds of energy. Compare this to 2800 feet per second for a 147 gr .308 bullet producing 2600-2800 foot pounds of energy for the 7.62mm.

By contrast, a .44 magnum from a 6 inch revolver firing a 240 gr bullet at 1400 feet per second produces over 1000 foot pounds of energy.

So you want to risk your life with a rifle that produces less energy than a pistol?

As far as rate of fire, full auto is highly overrated in combat. Opening up Rock and Roll in full auto wastes ammo, risks mechanical failure of the weapon, advertises your location to the enemy, puts friendly forces at risk due to irresponsible fire control, and installs a false sense of security.

Besides that, I am STILL waiting for someone to explain to me the wisdom of firing large numbers of rounds that hit nothing but air as opposed to aiming at, firing, and hitting your target using proper fire control discipline.