3 ms·

Seems like a classic case of the innovator or early adopter's dilemma. If you're one of the first to do a new thing (in this case, semi-automatic rifles for y

Seems like a classic case of the innovator or early adopter's dilemma. If you're one of the first to do a new thing (in this case, semi-automatic rifles for your army) then you risk getting stuck with something that lacks refinement (smaller cartridge, removable magazines, select fire). Those latter two were retrofitted to the M1 to make the M14, but the full sized rifle cartridge wasn't a good fit.

Zak 3y ago
The US military's new M7 rifle with its 6.8x51mm cartridge suggests current military leaders do not think the full-power rifle cartridge was a mistake.
- unethical_ban 3y ago
  It was a mistake at the time, but we've come around full circle a bit. If I recall correctly, and I am not a military expert, engagements are happening at longer distances again and enemies have stronger body armor. Thus the need once more for a large cartridge.
- somerandomqaguy 3y ago
  The shift is more that that the military leaders think that the battle environment is changing again and this is to preempt that shift. Part of it is the perceived expectation of going against infantry with better body armor, and part of it is improved electronics. The M7 has a fire control computer built into the optic which should allow for easier engagements at extended range.
rgoulter 3y ago
The French small arms seem particularly afflicted by this. The Lebel rifle is notable for being the first rifle which used smokeless gunpowder. (This made the bullet much faster; but also didn't reveal the shooter's positions in the same way that blackpowder did). Smokeless was so good, that the rifle's development was rushed, in secrecy. Aside from being smokeless, the Lebel had technology that was the state of the art at the time... but, within a few short years, was almost obsolete for its lack of rapid loading, and its awkwardly shaped cartridge. I think the French were working on replacing their infantry rifles with the next-generation technology of repeating rifles, but were unable to do so before WWI.

Zak 3y ago

The US military's new M7 rifle with its 6.8x51mm cartridge suggests current military leaders do not think the full-power rifle cartridge was a mistake.

unethical_ban 3y ago
It was a mistake at the time, but we've come around full circle a bit. If I recall correctly, and I am not a military expert, engagements are happening at longer distances again and enemies have stronger body armor. Thus the need once more for a large cartridge.
somerandomqaguy 3y ago
The shift is more that that the military leaders think that the battle environment is changing again and this is to preempt that shift. Part of it is the perceived expectation of going against infantry with better body armor, and part of it is improved electronics. The M7 has a fire control computer built into the optic which should allow for easier engagements at extended range.

rgoulter 3y ago

The French small arms seem particularly afflicted by this. The Lebel rifle is notable for being the first rifle which used smokeless gunpowder. (This made the bullet much faster; but also didn't reveal the shooter's positions in the same way that blackpowder did). Smokeless was so good, that the rifle's development was rushed, in secrecy. Aside from being smokeless, the Lebel had technology that was the state of the art at the time... but, within a few short years, was almost obsolete for its lack of rapid loading, and its awkwardly shaped cartridge. I think the French were working on replacing their infantry rifles with the next-generation technology of repeating rifles, but were unable to do so before WWI.