5.56 replacement

[MTT TL]

Do pistols really see any combat action?

In three years I used mine once. That was because I had not planned on needing a weapon (and did not have my rifle) but it turned out I did (and had my pistol, because you got to have something).

Funny that.

I really missed having the rifle that day.

[chack]

Originally Posted by B.L.E.

Do pistols really see any combat action? Aren't they last ditch weapons worn by people who are not generally expected to see combat just in case they need to defend themselves?
In the grand scheme of things, our officers could wear Browning Buckmarks and it would make no significant difference in our wars.

I agree completely B.L.E.

Pistols have been little more than badges of rank and authority for nearly a century. They went out of use as serious combat tools with horse cavalry and the saber.

[Dan44149]

Pistols are good for light CQB work... but not in 9mm

[MTT TL]

Pistols are good for light CQB work... but not in 9mm

M4s are better. But also not in 9mm. I am thinking a light round that has great stopping capability at close range. How about 5.56?

[ronl]

I believe the 5.56 round will certainly be with us for a long time. You want to make it more lethal, simply put on a barrel in which the round is not fully stabilized and watch what it does when it hits something. As to lead from bullets in the environment, it's all total BS. Where do you think it comes from in the first place? It is a rather common metal. The whole thing started as a scheme to separate us from our guns.

[Buzzcook]

After the civil war they figure that between 250 and three hundred pounds of bullets and canon ball was fired for every casualty.
The answer of course was to develop a rifle that fired 275 pound bullets.
Never got off the ground though.

[Art Eatman]

Beyond redemption.