The OICW was split into two projects, a rifle and a grenade launcher. The grenade launcher half evolved into the XM25 which kept the smart feature but enlarged from 20mm to 25mm.
The downside was that it was a rifle sized weapon. Therefore it entirely replaced the rifle of whoever carried it.
The M320 fires the larger conventional 40mm HEDP rounds, but it is able to in theory fire larger smart munitions like the Pike missile. I speculate that the increased versatility, the simplistic design of the base weapon, the fact that it doesn’t entirely replace a rifle, and the ability to fire the larger dumb munitions made it more attractive.
Even more anecdotally, if a 40mm doesn’t do the job, a 66mm disposable dumb fire M72 LAW is the perfect way to deal with the kind of moderate cover that an XM25 is supposed to deal with.
I’m a big fan of the 40mm. I don’t know that I’d like that. I liked having my 203, and knowing there were several others as well, which could be quickly switched to. This thing looks alright more of as a niche carry thing. Like, wanting a couple guys to carry one, but it’s not their primary weapon. I can’t fucking imagine stepping out of an apc or fast roping out of a helicopter with just that. Or maybe I’m just old and stuck in my way, I’m hoping maybe a little of both!
You’re talking to somebody who thinks the M72 or the MK153 is the problem solver needed when a dumbfire 40mm doesn’t work. Personally I am also biased against 25mm smart launchers.
The OICW was split into two projects, a rifle and a grenade launcher. The grenade launcher half evolved into the XM25 which kept the smart feature but enlarged from 20mm to 25mm.
The downside was that it was a rifle sized weapon. Therefore it entirely replaced the rifle of whoever carried it.
The M320 fires the larger conventional 40mm HEDP rounds, but it is able to in theory fire larger smart munitions like the Pike missile. I speculate that the increased versatility, the simplistic design of the base weapon, the fact that it doesn’t entirely replace a rifle, and the ability to fire the larger dumb munitions made it more attractive.
Even more anecdotally, if a 40mm doesn’t do the job, a 66mm disposable dumb fire M72 LAW is the perfect way to deal with the kind of moderate cover that an XM25 is supposed to deal with.
I’m a big fan of the 40mm. I don’t know that I’d like that. I liked having my 203, and knowing there were several others as well, which could be quickly switched to. This thing looks alright more of as a niche carry thing. Like, wanting a couple guys to carry one, but it’s not their primary weapon. I can’t fucking imagine stepping out of an apc or fast roping out of a helicopter with just that. Or maybe I’m just old and stuck in my way, I’m hoping maybe a little of both!
You’re talking to somebody who thinks the M72 or the MK153 is the problem solver needed when a dumbfire 40mm doesn’t work. Personally I am also biased against 25mm smart launchers.
My only regret of my service was not getting to fire the mk 19.
mk19 - only got to fire one when attached to an MP unit. Wouldn’t want to run one for a living but it was fun on the range.