The Ultimate Rifle Essay -- Technological Innovations, Advancements

In today’s world technology is constantly changing and evolving, at the forefront of technological innovation is the United States Military. The US military has lead major break troughs with satellites, GPS, aerospace engineering, marine exploration, and of course weaponry. In recent years a major weapons manufacturer named Heckler and Koch began designing and testing a new rifle that would retire the military’s standard issued M4. The proposed weapon is the H&K XM8. This rifle is more versatile, more reliable, and designed to better suit the soldiers carrying it than the military’s standard issued M4 and because of this the XM8 will help save lives. The XM8 is one of the most versatile weapons ever created. The XM8 is capable of exchanging interchangeable assembly groups consisting of the barrel, lower receiver, hand guard, butt stock modules, and sighting system ("XM8 Lightweight Carbine." xx). That’s not all, the XM8 is also capable of under barrel attachments such as the XM320 40mm grenade launcher and the XM26 modular lightweight shotgun system which can be added in the field without tools. The XM8 allows for the exchange of these butt stocks; the standard collapsible multi-positional version, an optional butt cap for portability, or a sniper butt stock with and adjustable cheek piece (Military Gear Spotlight: XM-8 Rifle). By allowing for different stocks the XM8 is capable of maximum comfort and performance for various situations. Being uncomfortable in a stressful situation is distracting, much like having a rock stuck in your shoe or a piece of food stuck between your teeth, only now the weapon that is your first line of protection is what is distracting you and putting your life in jeopardy. The XM8 essentially ensures t... ...tp://ezproxy.wnc.edu:2312/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=e8a16477-59f6-4978- 98b2-f7773ede5fcb%40sessionmgr113&vid=7&hid=112>. "LEAVE TRIGGER ASSEMBLY ALONE." PS: Preventive Maintenance Monthly. Oct. 2005: 18. Web. 14 May 14. . "Military." XM8 Lightweight Carbine. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2014. . "Military Gear Spotlight: XM-8 Rifle." Military Gear Spotlight: XM-8 Rifle. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2014. . "US Army Reviews OICW Programme." N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2014. .