June 21, 2011: Waiting for a leap-ahead technology based on a...

June 21, 2011: Waiting for a leap-ahead technology based on a kinetic energy weapon platform is a waste of time and money, so we need to look at what is out there now. What the Army needs is a weapon that is now ready for prime-time and not a developmental system. The requirement comes from the field, not from an office in some garrison activity, not from some consultant and definitely not from a vendor. - Major Chaz Bowser, SOCOM.

so forget all the new 'smart guns' (XM25, X8, XM29). It seems SOCOM just wants improved versions of the M4/M16 family and their 'ancillary equipment'. This idea seems to be supported by something published recently.

June 14, 2011: Pre-solicitation W56HZV-10-R-0593, covering 70,000 ? 100,000 M4 and M4A1 carbines over 5 years.

The contractor(s) winning the best value competition will also be required to provide ancillary equipment as specified by the contract, and will be paid only for produced items, not for setup and manufacturing costs. Bidding is restricted to firms in the U.S. & its territories, and the carbines will be produced in accordance with the M4/M4A1 Technical Data Package (TDP) and the license agreement between the U.S. Government and Colt Defense, LLC.

'ancillary equipment' - What could be an improved shot gun (and grenade launcher) that Colt could manufacture for an improved M4/M4A1???????

http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/the-usas-m4-carbine-controversy-03289/