The stocks also often fold, so deploying from a vehicle or aircraft is less complicated.
Stocks can often telescope for a custom length of pull for operators of all statures, and the cheekpiece may adjust for obtaining a perfect cheekweld. Also, barrel systems are often fully free floated and designed for quick release so they can be swapped out in minutes in the field.Įase of use and individualized customization are additional next-gen rifle features. Also, they often make use of ultra-modern materials such as polymer and aluminum in their construction that offer strength and light weight. Their components are designed to be easily installed or removed. Next-gen combat-style rifles are defined by their modularity. military trials, starting in the 1980s with the Advanced Combat Rifle program, have been conducted to find a replacement.
It has proven to be an excellent rifle, but, like the M1 Garand (also an excellent battle rifle), the AR will be superseded with the next generation of battle rifle. Over time, the platform evolved, and newer variants like the M4 Carbine and M16A4 rifle have been used extensively in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The AR platform has served as our country’s battle rifle since 1962, first as the M16, which was used during the Vietnam War.