The M-16 rifle. First widely-used in the Vietnam War, the gun has since become an icon of the United States military, with its “update” — the M4 — introduced in 1997.

Lately, however, the weapon has been the center of a debate on what will follow it and whether or not it should be phased out. It’s long been contended that it’s only optimal when “clean” and in less-than-rugged conditions, making it unreliable otherwise. In 2006, a survey of returning combat veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan found that 19% complained of their M4 jamming during firefights and 20% said they were “unable to engage the target with that weapon during a significant portion of or the entire firefight after performing immediate or remedial action to clear the stoppage.”

While many argue that it should have been done years ago, the military is finally seriously considering replacing the firearm, and will hold an “Industry Day” on March 30 to try and find cutting-edge alternatives.

While this isn’t surprising, the candidates vying to be the replacement are. Here they are — the weapons that could be tagged “it” by the U.S. military.

Flickr_-_The_U.S._Army_-_Testing_the_new_XM-25_weapon_system

The XM25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement System allows soldiers to hit targets hiding behind barriers. The XM25 operator uses a laser to help compute the distance to the target and then calibrates the microchip-equipped round to explode right above the target’s head. The rifle can launch 25mm rounds up to 546 yards at a precise target and 765 yards when firing on a wider area.

hk416

 

The HK416, which was developed for U.S. special forces, bears an outward resemblance to the M4. But inside, it uses a short-stroke gas system that proponents say constitutes a vast improvement over the M4’s design. The rifle has been used by the Army’s Delta Force since 2004 after tests determined that the HK14 piston operating system cut down on the frequency of malfunctions while extending the life of its parts.

FN_SCAR_rifle

 

The FN SCAR – an acronym for Special Forces Combat Assault Rifles – figures in any discussion of future replacements for the M4 Carbine. In 2009, the rifle was issued to a U.S. Ranger regiment. It features a short-stroke, gas-piston operating system and comes in versions that fire the NATO standard 5.56 caliber as well as the 7.62 caliber bullet. In 2008, the SCAR earned an invitation to the army’s Industry Day.

Barrett_REC7_(edited)

 

REC7, an assault rifle formerly known as the M468 and developed by the Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, looks a lot like the M4. However, it features a short-stroke gas piston system and it fires a different kind of round – the 6.8 x 43 cartridge. The company says the round has 44% more stopping power and a longer effective range than the 5.56 cartridge used by the U.S. Army.

 

CBS News