09-28-2013, 04:11 AM
Think about it. Since we moved towards assault rifles, there have been two generations. In most cases it was the introduction of a new round that pushed the rifle.
The M14, the FN-FAL and the SKS are Gen I. For the US and NATO it was the introduction of the 7.62x51 that pushed the acceptance of the M14 and the FAL. It replaced the .30-06 and the .303 rounds. The 7.62x39 replaced the 7.62x54R.
Gen II was the M16/M4 in the US. And similar rifles in NATO. The push was the 5.56x45mm round. The Soviets updated their rifle to the AK-47 then to the AK-74 in 5.54x39mm.
If we get Gen III it will be due to a new round such as the 6.5 Grendel.
The M14, the FN-FAL and the SKS are Gen I. For the US and NATO it was the introduction of the 7.62x51 that pushed the acceptance of the M14 and the FAL. It replaced the .30-06 and the .303 rounds. The 7.62x39 replaced the 7.62x54R.
Gen II was the M16/M4 in the US. And similar rifles in NATO. The push was the 5.56x45mm round. The Soviets updated their rifle to the AK-47 then to the AK-74 in 5.54x39mm.
If we get Gen III it will be due to a new round such as the 6.5 Grendel.