New SANDF Rifle

[HK416]

As we may all know that the LM / R series of rifle has reached the end of the road. Israel pulled the plug on Denel / LIW in a nut shell. S.A has to find a replacement rifle soon. Some guys recon it will be replaced with AK-47's because of cost and the rest of Africa using it.
Although we are not a NATO country I think S.A will stick to the .223 cal. If we go the AK route we will be seen as a third world country even though we are.
SAPS are also looking for a replacement rifle. I spoke to a SAPS member that is in the 'know' recon that SAPS is looking at a calibre smaller than .223 cal. SAPS feels that the .223 is a bit of an 'over kill ' for urban work. The Z88 pistols are already being phased out by Barreta's.

So wise men of this forum , What will the next SANDF rifle be and calibre? And When?

[Gidsie]

SANF
Ive heard there is tons of R4's still wrapped in Plastic and that Production can easily be restarted if need be.
Also heard that current R4 barrels are being replaced with a new and improved barrel. Not sure if this implies different caliber or technology. And that the R5 is being done away with.

SAPS
I'm sure SAPS needs a new assualt rifle that does not allow you to take your own engine out when ducking and firing through the window of a speading van @ 120km/h +...
BUT where will this WEAPON be found?
Go see the vehicles at Lyttleton Police Station

[SSP]

If SA does go the AK route I think that it's more likely to be based on the '74. I don't see them changing calibres. Although, in my view, considering our enviroment 7.62X39 would be better.

I don't think that a PCC for the SAPS would be appropriate given the threat level faced and the dismal performance against vehicles.

Again, 7.62 is the answer. Perhaps not for everyone. I understand the problem that the managment may have with "high powered" rifles in the hands of the average members but looking for a hardware solution for a software problem is not an answer.

Issue the shotguns they already have in their inventory with AAA. This gives good performance wth reduced downrange risk. 7.62 rifles for the HSLD dudes. Like Highway patrol, flying squad and the TF used to do with the PARA FAL's and R2's.

[Thorkind]

I think there are logical choices and then there are political choices when it comes to arms procurement. It's going to be a bit of a lucky packet IMO. I'd be interested to see if the Raptor features.

[kurly]

IMO it will probably depend on which supplier offers the "heaviest" handshake nj

[SWATG]

kurly you took the words out of my mouth, yes on an on and of basis I have been involved with some of the testing of some of the firearms that the SAPS and SANDF are looking at, and honestly in my personal experience it will boil down to the "heaviest" handshake, like most of their other tactical related equipment, quality, function etc. is a mere after thought!

[griffin]

Grease my palms and you will get the tender!

[abhm]

kurly you took the words out of my mouth, yes on an on and of basis I have been involved with some of the testing of some of the firearms that the SAPS and SANDF are looking at, and honestly in my personal experience it will boil down to the "heaviest" handshake, like most of their other tactical related equipment, quality, function etc. is a mere after thought!

yeah based on all of that they might get a FAMAS!

[hmostert1]

Trust me.  The SADF will use up all the current resources and then it's back to the iron-age methods of fighting ;D

Maybe, just maybe AK'S from their new best friend, China.

[KK20]

the cubans have already made representation to supply AK 50000 now and rest to manufacturred