Australia's new small arms

**Slater** · 10-04-22, 14:30

Quite an assortment:

"Australian manufacturer ZU Bladeworx’s Double-Edged Fighting Knife - selected as the basis of the ADF’s new Hand-to-Hand Fighting System. The black, double-edged fighting knife has a 100mm blade, is machined from a solid billet of A2 steel and features a non-slip handle and retention ring.

The SIG Sauer P320 XCarry Pro - selected as the platform for the Sidearm Weapon System, which will replace the venerable Browning Mk3 pistol. It will be complemented with reflex sights, and a white light illuminator.

The Benelli M3A1 - selected as the platform for the Combat Shotgun System. Operable in semi-automatic or pump-action mode, it is complemented with a red dot sight and white light illuminator.

The SIG Sauer MCX, in .300 Blackout calibre - selected as the platform for the Personal Defence Weapon System, to provide dismounted combatants with a light, modular, and compact weapon system that can be rapidly optimised for specialised roles.

The Accuracy International AX-SR - selected as the platform for the Long Range Sniper Capability. It will be introduced into ADF service as a multi-calibre system capable of delivering in .338 Lapua Magnum, .300 Norma Magnum and 7.62mm NATO calibres.

The Sniper Surveillance Capability – selected to provide ADF snipers with a day and night capability utilising the Safran JIM Compact multispectral surveillance device and Steiner laser range-finding binoculars.

The M107A1 rifle, manufactured by Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Incorporated, - selected as the platform for the Anti-Material Sniper Capability. The M107A1 is a lighter, modernised and suppressed derivative of the in-service weapon, and is complemented with precision optics, night vision, and ranger-finding devices."

https://news.defence.gov.au/media/me...ration-weapons

**WickedWillis** · 10-04-22, 15:24

Sig is just stacking contracts.

**SteyrAUG** · 10-04-22, 18:33

They desperately needed to update from their 88s (Aussie quality was poor compared to Austrian quality), but really they went to .300 BO?

**202** · 10-04-22, 19:40

I wonder why they chose 300BO instead of 5.56.

**SomeOtherGuy** · 10-04-22, 20:09

Originally Posted by Slater

Quite an assortment:

"Australian manufacturer ZU Bladeworx’s Double-Edged Fighting Knife - selected as the basis of the ADF’s new Hand-to-Hand Fighting System. The black, double-edged fighting knife has a 100mm blade, is machined from a solid billet of A2 steel and features a non-slip handle and retention ring.

Sounds like more of a challenge coin than a useful knife. 100mm = 4"

**SteyrAUG** · 10-04-22, 20:51

Originally Posted by SomeOtherGuy

Sounds like more of a challenge coin than a useful knife. 100mm = 4"

I tend to agree, 4" is more of a carry knife than a combat knife. I thought the Brits handed out some bottom feeder kit but wow. Only the Barrett, Benelli and the AI rifle what I consider reliable and they are the three least likely to be employed.

The handgun and the standard rifle are goober shit.

**hotbiggun42** · 10-04-22, 21:10

Off the subject a bit but does anyone else own a M3 shotgun that is unreliable?

**JediGuy** · 10-04-22, 21:23

Is it just me, or does anyone else read like they are not changing a primary “assault rifle,” instead adding the MCX for a limited role as a personal defense weapon (American term?)?

**utahjeepr** · 10-04-22, 21:37

Originally Posted by JediGuy

Is it just me, or does anyone else read like they are not changing a primary “assault rifle,” instead adding the MCX for a limited role as a personal defense weapon (American term?)?

That's how I read it as well. As in, issued to folks who don't normally get issued carbines or rifles.