The Army Times reports that Army weapons officials have presented to Congress six proposed upgrades to the M4. They are …

• Heavy barrel. This will increase the rate of fire and decrease heat problems but at the expense of weight.
• Add gas-piston system so that the carbine will run cleaner.
• Improve trigger pull.
• Adding monolithic full length rail system for added strength. Makes sense, but is expensive.
• Add electronic round counter to pistol grip to track rounds fired. Is this really needed?
• Ambidextrous controls.

A special “integrated product team” will evaluate the pros and cons of each of the proposed improvements and decide which options, if any, will give the service the “biggest bang for the buck,” Tamilio said.

The team will be made up of multiple agencies such as the Infantry Center, Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center and Program Executive Office Soldier. It will also include soldiers with combat experience and members of the small-arms community.

Representatives from the Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force will also get a chance to weigh in on the decision for future improvements to the M4.

What do you think of the proposed changes? Sound off in the comments.

Many thanks to Morten for emailing me the link.