The Marine Corps Times is reporting the US Marines picked the H&K IAR to replace the M249 SAW in infantry fire teams. The H&K was one of four weapons being tested by the Marines. The others were two submissions by Colt and a single submission by FN Herstal.
The H&K IAR was the lightest weapon tested at 7.9 pounds (empty).
Firing the 5.56mm cartridge used in the M16/M4 rifles, the 16.5″ barrel IAR is a gas operated system that fires from a closed bolt. It has a cyclical rate of 700-900 rounds per minute. The IAR uses H&K 20- and 30-round magazines.
I had not been following this story, but the IAR looks a lot like a H&K 416 with a different rear sight. Can anyone clue me in?
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