Colt CM901 Multi-Caliber Rifle

[Magic_Salad0892]

To me "conversion" rifles are a lot like "all in one" hand tools.

While a socket handle that has hammer, wrench and screwdriver attachments can seem handy at first glance, the reality is that it really doesn't do most of those jobs to the full potential and it is often less frustrating to just bring along the hammer and screwdrivers.

I can't imagine any special forces types packing two additional uppers and two more ammo load outs and related parts. Guys who work with their rifles want to be able to set them up correctly the first time and do the job. They don't want to be playing games trying to reconfigure their rifle as they are doing the job.

So this kind of thing is really for the civilian shooter who wants a Lego rifle. And while I can understand why some might want a Lego rifle, I still think you are back to the "all in one" combo tool and related problems. I'd rather have a dedicated 5.56 and .308 rifle.

But as others have said, I can appreciate the innovation and design. It is ideas like this that eventually lead to more viable rifles.

IMHO, I don't think dicking around with this gun mid-mission was part of the purpose.

I think it's simply to get one gun to do more things. And it does.

I appreciate that. I mean... that's why we love the M4 isn't it?

[SteyrAUG]

IMHO, I don't think dicking around with this gun mid-mission was part of the purpose.

I think it's simply to get one gun to do more things. And it does.

I appreciate that. I mean... that's why we love the M4 isn't it?

And you would be more informed than most. A lot of guys imagine a Navy SEAL running around with something like this and a backpack full of uppers.

And if it happens to float your boat, by all means go for it. I have plenty of firearms that would have a difficult time qualifying as practical.

[wild_wild_wes]

So this kind of thing is really for the civilian shooter who wants a Lego rifle. And while I can understand why some might want a Lego rifle, I still think you are back to the "all in one" combo tool and related problems. I'd rather have a dedicated 5.56 and .308 rifle.

The modular/multi-caliber idea is derived from the SCAR program, correct? And that is a military aquisition issue, since the users wanted a new 7.62 rifle, but did not see the need for a seperate 5.56 rifle that offered no real improvement over the M4. However, a modular lower could give them 5.56 also. So perhaps the multi-caliber paradigm is just another evolutionary dead-end? Driven more by circumstance than actual operational need?

[SteyrAUG]

The modular/multi-caliber idea is derived from the SCAR program, correct? And that is a military aquisition issue, since the users wanted a new 7.62 rifle, but did not see the need for a seperate 5.56 rifle that offered no real improvement over the M4. However, a modular lower could give them 5.56 also. So perhaps the multi-caliber paradigm is just another evolutionary dead-end? Driven more by circumstance than actual operational need?

Could be. Honestly I'm not very researched on the SCAR program and the militaries final determinations. I basically know I still want one and that's about all.

[Velcro]

but with anything new, would have to run it through there break-in phase.

Colt is no dummy, as we may want to think, but they are on top to the game with most everyone else, they just really don't need to change much...not yet. I remember a fer years ago, last time I was there, the GP rifle was hitting the market with all the rant and rave about how they were going to change the industry. I ask the guy there (VERY crediable source) why was Colt not looking into developing a GP system...he said to me

"who told you that...we have them ready to ship to the GOV when they make there decision that they want to go to them, don't think it will happen any time soon though"

...and it still hasn't, like they said. The HK IAR is the first real step to a GP system becoming a "GI" weapon for a branch of the MIL. Sure there are Scar's and 416 out there...but test systems, and limited OPS units. I really could see that MIL, if this thing really works out, replacing the current A4 systems and M4 systems with this thing as a "multi-capable IO/Squad weapon system". Get a few guy's with this system in a unit, but have the capability for any solider to be able to use the system just by changing a upper...and we know how long that takes...

..."if" it works, I think this will hit WAY bigger than anyone thinks right now. I want one!


Velcro

[Ark1443]

I'd be interested in selling my springefield m1a & buying one of these... if they'll ever release them.

[Magic_Salad0892]

And you would be more informed than most. A lot of guys imagine a Navy SEAL running around with something like this and a backpack full of uppers.

And if it happens to float your boat, by all means go for it. I have plenty of firearms that would have a difficult time qualifying as practical.

I won't be getting it because 5.56mm meets all my rifle needs, and I won't be adding a caliber to the stable.

One reason I think of it this way:

Who runs around with both a CQBR upper, and DMR upper in 5.56mm?

Nobody. Why would a caliber change make that any different?

Pick the upper, and round to suit the mission. Cool part? You can do it all in one gun.

All of a sudden just because the gun changes calibers means you gotta carry like 3 or 4 uppers.

Same thing happened with the MRP series. ''I won't be carrying 3 barrels in the field, so why would I need this?!''

[charmcitycop]

.......

[patriot_man]

Is there a release date for the CM901?

[Magic_Salad0892]

I agree but my understanding is that Colt chose that particular arrangement so they could use the same forging for both DI guns and their piston gun.

I wanna know what their piston design is so bad, and what the ''hybrid'' system is.

That's the million dollar question, for me.