Politics aside, as most US Defense procurements have that feature, the M27 Infantry Assault Rifle (IAR) will be initially issued to some USMC MEU Battalions and for one reserve infantry battalion this summer for pre-deployment training . The USMC have selected the modified HK416 which beat out entries from FN, Colt, LWRC, and other competitors. The USMC designated the modified HK416 as the M27 IAR to replace the M249s and still have the manueverability of an assault rifle. The designated SAW replacement is still subject in many circles as does not have the high capacity ordnance use like the M249.

The M27 IAR is a 5.56mm HK416 rifle that has been modified with a heavy barrel and is a short-stroke gas piston with a close-bolt position. It has a lower sustained rate of fire but it is said to be more accurate and uses a less number of ammunition than an M249 in taking the same targets according to officials cited by Military.com.

The HK416 is subject to much debate, even if merit-wise, it is said to be superior than the M4 in use by the US infantry. It is cooler to use, more accurate and jams lesser than the M4. But since politics always rears its ugly head, as politicians are sensitive to the needs of the US arms manufacturers and providing jobs in their districts, the HK416 had very limited deployment as demanded by special operations operators. However in this contract with the USMC, Heckler & Koch will manufacture the M27 IAR in their US facility.

One point of contention is the use 30-round magazines as a support weapon. There have been proposals for a drum/C-magazines to be used by designated squad support people but the USMC will have to conduct separate tests for it. One contender can be the Armatac SAW-Mag which has a 150-round capacity or the 100-round double drum magazine from Beta Co.

The M27 IAR has a bayonet lug while the HK416 does not. Some European forces also use the bayonet lug in their own HK416 versions. The US Marine Corps plan to an initial 4,100 M27s after concluding real life tests. We will know how the test results will be by next year.

Below is a test comparison between the HK416 and the M4 for your viewing pleasure.