Comments on: The Russians finally show some taste in firearms

By: Tennessee Budd

Tennessee Budd — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 18:10:24 +0000

“Looks like they want to be able to hit barns.”
And do very little damage.
Damn, is Georgia really overrun with poodles?

By: Heartless Libertarian

Heartless Libertarian — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 18:43:32 +0000

I think it’s mostly a political thing. A couple of reasons:

1) Georgia would like very much to be part of NATO. They don’t like the Russians at all.

2) Georgia has an entire infantry brigade in Iraq. I’m sure we’re paying the bills for it, but in terms of manpower alone, it’s a huge commitment for a country of Georgia’s size.

By: Homer

Homer — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 13:27:47 +0000

Politically-driven or not, good or bad supply-line decision, there’s an opportunity here, one I’m confident will be missed. If the Russkis could be convinced that the M4 is the Cat’s Meow, but in a more effective caliber – something that should be pretty obvious by this point – they might be steered toward something like the 6.8 (or even the Grendel). I can’t help but think that a high-volume consumer of a more effective caliber would promote more manufacture of that caliber, in barrels, bolts and magazines as well as brass, making it easier for the US to transition to it. And, while waiting for that transition, the rest of us could avail ourselves of what is a pretty darn good rifle, save for lacking only a more effective cartridge produced in sufficient volume to activate economies of scale.

By: Jim W

Jim W — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 11:56:05 +0000

I personally don’t care for the M4 and I suspect they are using them for the same reason Israel does. Because they are free. This is more about our government giving a handout to colt (or FN or whoever it is) than about them selecting a superior product at a competitive price. There is no free market anything at work here, this is pure politics.

By: Rivrdog

Rivrdog — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 06:47:52 +0000

Ho hum….more “guns as symbols” bulltwaddle. Of course, guns are tools, and tools are rated on their suitability for the work which they are put to.

The M-4 is a fine short-to-medium range light carbine for light infantry operations not involving shooting into cover.

More serious and heavier infantry operations require the use of main battle rifles, not light carbines.

All this said, the Georgians are fools, because the pipeline for parts and ammo will be long and easily obstructed by their enemies, the Russians, whilce parts and ammo for the CommBloc rifles are easily available all over the region.

Tactics don’t win wars, logistics wins wars.

By: SandH

SandH — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 03:54:55 +0000

I’m fairly certain the folks in Georgia don’t like to be called Russians…. particularly after that nasty bit of Russian-supported ethnic cleansing in Abkhazia in the late 90’s.

Which may also help explain why they have no qualms moving away from the AK which is seen in the region as a strong sign of old Soviet power and oppression.

By: Unix-Jedi

Unix-Jedi — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 02:31:53 +0000

I think you AR-lovers can thank the Kildar...

By: Lyle

Lyle — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 01:51:44 +0000

The one AUG I had the opportunity to handle and fire was capable of being set up either right or left-handed. Still, I believe one shoulod be able to fire one’s rifle either right or left handed on a moment’s notice.

If it goes “bang” when it’s supposed to, I’ll consider it. I’d use a decent AR or a decent AK, and any of several others, and never feel uncomfortable about it. It would come down more to the available ammo and magazines in republic of GA.

This AR vs. AK issue has been beat to death anyway. Different strokes. Use what you like and learn to use it well. Better yet, learn to use ‘em all.

By: SayUncle

SayUncle — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 01:35:06 +0000

unless you’re left handed.

By: HardCorps

HardCorps — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 00:31:45 +0000

AR is the best rifle in the world?? News to me. My vote is for the Steyr Aug or other bullpup design.

By: Sebastian-PGP

Sebastian-PGP — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 23:01:17 +0000

Is it April 1st already?

By: Metulj

Metulj — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 23:00:57 +0000

Having been to Republic of Georgia, I can attest that they should probably focus on fixing a damaged economy and not spending on armaments. That is one incredibly poor place (and I have been to some incredibly poor places). It’s on my top five list of “Holy Shit. This is the 11th Century). I am sure that M4s are part of the payment for allowing Bush’s “missile shield”/boondoggle on their soil.

By: Joe Huffman

Joe Huffman — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:26:26 +0000

[cough] If I recall correctly you recently (October 13, 2007) lost a bet on the accuracy of an AK type rifle. And again, IIRC, that target was considerably smaller than a barn.