PDWs...and other small arms.

[stanc]

I still think the M4 is too large for a PDW for Combat Support and Combat Service Support troops, as LR1955 referred to. I also don't like a protruding magazine for their duty positions, which is why the box-shaped design with unconventional magazine arrangement makes a lot of sense.

The reduced snag hazard of such a design would certainly be desirable for MOS's like tank crewmen, who have to clamber through small hatches. I'd really like to see further development of the concept, although I suspect that's rather unlikely to happen, what with the military's usually conservative mindset.

BTW, here's the statement I referred to earlier:

Our modernization efforts will emphasize key capabilities. We will focus on the light machine gun capability with product improvement of the M249 SAW and an improved personal defense weapon (PDW) capability.

This improved PDW capability includes focus in two areas – compact carbines and pistols. The compact carbine will be a weapon with longer range and greater lethality than a pistol. It will also be shorter and more maneuverable than either a rifle or a carbine. This weapon is intended specifically for vehicle drivers, aircrews, armored vehicle crews, engineers, construction teams, and other Soldiers whose primary duties require them to fight within smaller spaces, replacing the pistols or M16s these Soldiers carry. The M4 serves in this capacity now for some Soldiers, though the ultimate goal is for a more portable weapon than even the M4.

http://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/mag...UN2006.pdf

Sounds like it may have been the impetus for the Colt SCW? http://www.colt.com/Catalog/Military/Pro...Weapon-SCW