Have we reached the pinnacle of self contained cartridge small arms?

[TomD]

Yea, maybe, as far as slinging lead goes but it would be nice to put all that lead on target so the afore mentioned acquisition/targeting systems will be of considerable importance.

[JoshNC]

I think small arms essentially have reached the pinnacle. We will continue to see interesting evolutionary changes, and some near (but not quite) revolutionary changes like reliable cased telescoping ammunition. Where it is going to get interesting is electro optics. I believe we will see integrated NV/Thermal systems with daylight capabilities that are very compact, very light, very power efficient, and much much less expensive than current prices. Add smart ballistic computers slaved to the integrated day/night electro optics, smart munitions, etc.

[VIP3R 237]

I think the next great innovations will be in detection and targeting. Much like smart missile systems writ small for the infantryman. Not smart bullets at first, but computerized scopes that take situational inputs, lock on a target, and fine tune the gross movements of the shooter.

The technology is already there (trackingpoint) its just uber $. But over time the technology will become less expensive and more available. Also IIRC guided rounds have been tested successfully so that could make up for any small deficiencies.

A HUD integrated into your Oakleys with crosshair and remaining round count.

I think a direct link from the firearm into a helmet mounted display is the future, there will be no sights to aim down, it will all be HUD based. The firearm will have a built in optic, rangefinder, and atmospheric sensor/gps relay that feeds to the HUD, then a program calculates trajectory so all the user has to do is put the reticle on the target and pull the trigger.

[SteyrAUG]

I think small arms essentially have reached the pinnacle. We will continue to see interesting evolutionary changes, and some near (but not quite) revolutionary changes like reliable cased telescoping ammunition. Where it is going to get interesting is electro optics. I believe we will see integrated NV/Thermal systems with daylight capabilities that are very compact, very light, very power efficient, and much much less expensive than current prices. Add smart ballistic computers slaved to the integrated day/night electro optics, smart munitions, etc.

Yeah, before we see an improvement in cased ammo down rifled barrels, we will likely have optics that will completely dope the shot before it's even fired.

[Todd00000]

When and what will be the next great innovation in small arms and will any civilians get to use it?

The laser guided .50 cal round is on the way to operational reality. As material science and miniaturization improves so will the rifle.

[Moose-Knuckle]

I think before we see anything case-less we will see DARPA's "smart bullets". As technology progresses things are miniaturized, just imagine the capabilities of smart bombs in a small arms envelope.

[Todd00000]

I think before we see anything case-less we will see DARPA's "smart bullets". As technology progresses things are miniaturized, just imagine the capabilities of smart bombs in a small arms envelope.

And I consider this a revolutionary change. What has happened to the bomb, missile, and artillery rounds is finally happening to small arms. The individual enemy infantryman will have guided bullets coming at him, this is a big deal.

[GTF425]

M2 - Has this weapon changed at all since the 1930s?

For what it's worth, the new M2s we're fielding are fixed headspace/timing and have quick change barrels with the BE Meyers flash hiders. I believe it's simply called the M2A2.

[JoshNC]

The technology is already there (trackingpoint) its just uber $. But over time the technology will become less expensive and more available. Also IIRC guided rounds have been tested successfully so that could make up for any small deficiencies.



I think a direct link from the firearm into a helmet mounted display is the future, there will be no sights to aim down, it will all be HUD based. The firearm will have a built in optic, rangefinder, and atmospheric sensor/gps relay that feeds to the HUD, then a program calculates trajectory so all the user has to do is put the reticle on the target and pull the trigger.

Tracking point is also ridiculously large at this point. Current electro optics and integrated ballistic computers are analogous to early home computers and mobile phones. In 5-10 years I believe we will see his technology become much much smaller and more user friendly.

[yellowfin]

What we need to work on now is getting rid of the anti gun political movement, eliminate gun laws up to and including the NFA, abolishing the anti gun policies of NY, NJ, MA, MD, CT, CA, and HI, eradicate its presence from academia and culture, then go to work on other countries. THAT is what we can work on now and is much more important in maintaining that we can have what we now have let alone anything that comes along that's better.

You asked, and that's the answer. If we don't accomplish that then the rest is useless trivia.