How long is the British Army going to use the SA-80 for?

Question

Whats the best alternative?
And don't say AK-47 as it is old and inacurrate!

Answer 1

The SA80(A2) is a much improved weapon system and is likely to stay in service until atleast 2015, numerous trials were conducted during the plans for the A1 refurb and the best other option was the G36 with wildcat system (as used by the German Para Brigade). Unfortunately the budget wasnt there so a refurb was considered cheaper, given the bigger procurement budget. The AK 47 is an awsome weapon if you need to train undereducated youngsters on mass, possibly a good idea given are current education standards, and the M16 family is easy to produce though like the AK is highly inaccurate. Hence we chose the SA80, a design which dates back to the 1940s (original is in the SASC museum at Warminster!), the British army i s reliant on marksman ship ie counting rounds. We do not have the budget to waste ammo like the americans, so we chose accuracy over simplicity and reliability..... Correctly maintained and fired the SA80 is an extremely suitable weapon system, especially in a 3 block war, other countries i have worked with are always impressed and having fired the M16 (US and CAN), the FMAS, The STEYR, the G36 and AK the only weapon which competes is the G36. Hope this all helps

Answer 2

The Sa80 should never have replaced the SLR. Any weapon where you have to assume mechanical failure after each round and "forward assist", and is standard issue, is tountamount to manslaughter by the issuer.

I've seen the plastic casing shatter when dropped on grass(!) and I've almost been bayoneted when someone in front of me presented arms and it flew off. Thing whole thing is terrible. Not to mention the radios, the lack of helicopters and air support and so on, the Army has to put up with.

We should use the M16 and the M4, with masterkey and 203mm additions when applicable, because of its realiability and cost effectiveness.

Answer 3

Now that they've sorted out the whole unnecessary 'forward assist' thing with the cocking handle...they've got no plans to get rid of the A2. It works fine.

As an ex-kiwi soldier, I have to say, however, that the IW Steyr is a MUCH better weapon. Fewer working parts, lighter, inbuilt SUSAT...what's there not to like? Oh yeah, and it has a cleaning kit hidden behind the butt plate. Excellent.

Answer 4

Until the Canadian Government makes an offer. Our Government buys everything that the British Government is going to throw in the trash eg Rusting, Leaking Submarines etc. (I'm not kidding)

Answer 5

AaronQ, the SLR was simply too powerful a weapon to be used in the sorts of actions the military face today. Personally I think scrapping the SMLE and Bren Gun were the real bad moves! ;-)

Answer 6

Until they have developed something even worse.

I have a contact in the USMC. He says that the French automatic rifle is the best around & that some ppl in 'force reconn'(? no i dont know who they are either) have got hold of some to use instead of the official issue weapons.

Answer 7

As far as I am aware there are no plans (even long term) to change. The number 2 spec seems to be working fine.

Answer 8

Mk2 will be in service till 2011 at least - its a good weapon

Mk3 will replace it in 2010

Answer 9

There's no plans for replacing it yet. The A2 is a much improved weapon.

Answer 10

the gang of leftist revolutionaries you think are in power in government will replace them with lollipops the day before the 'coup'