Carrying a bigger stick: Ranger rifles and the UKSF new tender

With recent images being released of the new Ranger Rifle tender, as well as rumors that the Royal Marines have purchased 1,600 units of the Knight’s Armament Corporation’s SR16 E3 rifles, I thought we would take a look at the contenders for fulfilling the small-arms contract with the UK’s newly-raised Ranger Regiment.

Why do the Rangers need a new rifle?

It is clear then, that given that less-than-overt and dynamic nature of the Ranger roles, both in the Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) and Special Operations Brigade (SOB), that a more discreet and ubiquitous profile is needed. This rules the L85A3 out – well and truly (much to the delight of the average Ranger). There are also more than a few underlying reasons why the Colt Canada (formerly Diemaco) arms of yesteryear – both L119A1 and A2 – were considered unsuitable for such a regiment.

Despite being an excellent rifle in its own right, the L119A1 is close to 25 years old, those in armouries are fairly knackered. There is also the issue of the UKSF Contract KAC RAS not holding zero on the 3 and 9 o’clock rails – not a deal-breaker, granted, but far from ideal when selecting a fully modular rifle for a 21st century fighting force.

The Colt Canada IUR, adopted as the L119A2 sometime in 2015, was never universally loved. Whilst the Integrated Upper Receiver design was certainly niche, and the rails hold zero on all sides. The one-piece design made cleaning and maintenance inside the upper receiver challenging at best, dangerous at worst. These were procured in 3 variants;

1)      CQB upper with non-picatinny-railed sides, this was the general upper receiver procured and issued to UKSF troopers and attached personnel. It reduced weight but still facilitated the attachment of sling loops at the rear, and weapon lights and pressure switches at the fore.

2)      CQB upper with full picatinny railed sides, from my understanding these were issued to Royal Navy Special Fleet Divers, Intelligence Officers and was briefly considered for Army Rangers and the Army’s SOB.

3)      Carbine length upper complete with 12” rail and 15.7” barrel, this was to be adopted as a marksman rifle within UKSF.

Excessive carbon build-up, maintenance difficulties and poor heat dissipation – especially under sustained suppressed fire - plagued all three of these variants, possibly contributing to their poor reputation. Again, none of these are ideal for a largely clandestine and ‘cutting edge’ fighting force.

So now we’ve presupposed why the Colt Canada offerings weren’t viable, let’s look at the line-up of those vying for the Ranger contract.

The tender, for 10,000 units initially, is officially for “the Procurement and Support of an Armalite Rifle (AR) platform Alternative Individual Weapon (AIW) System for the Army Special Operations Brigade. Rifle System comprising of a Rifle and a detachable Signature Reduction System and An Optic System that complements the Rifle and is ballistically matched to the stated ammunition nature and supplied barrel length.”

More specifically a “5.56mm Armalite Rifle (AR Platform) optimised for use with L15A2, a 62gr 5.56×45 NATO ball round, equivalent to SS109”.

The “Rifle System” is expected to include:

-          “A Safe Blank Firing System (SBFS) for use with the platform delivered at SOR Item 7

-          An Optic System that complements the Rifle and is ballistically matched to the stated ammunition nature and supplied barrel length.

-          An Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Optic System that complements the Rifle and is ballistically matched to the stated ammunition nature and supplied barrel length.”

The 5 Rifles

We’ll start with the one we know the most about, Sig Sauer’s MCX SPEAR LT, colloquially referred to as the “Hunter Project” Rifle. Piston-driven, featuring a side-folding stock, and being offered with the TANGO6T Variable Optic and ROMEO2 RDS on a Reptilia saddle mount. The SLXC suppressor is also being offered alongside the tender, fresh from success in the US’ NGSW Programme. From those Rangers who have spoken to me, this is the second most popular rifle in the tender.

Sig MCX SPEAR LT.

Secondly, the only other piston-driven rifle; Heckler and Koch HK416E5. They have put forward their offering with the 14” barrel, HK’s QD MLOK Rail, adjustable gas-system and Trijicon’s VC18-Compact VCOG (1-8x adjustable power). It is reported that HK were loath to make any really effort to bring a custom rifle to this tender outside of being guaranteed a contract, and so offered one of their more off-the-shelf options.

Heckler and Koch HK416E5.

Thirdly, and widely-tipped as the favourite to win the contract, is Knight’s Armament Company’s KC-1. Based heavily on the SR16, albeit with a modified gas system and E3 bolt – the rifle was largely developed to meet the growing need of a reliable, ergonomic and light carbine for International Special Operations-capable Forces. Put forward with a removable shroud, 1-8x Nite Force ATACR F1 Scope, the rifle appears to have been very well received both in Ranger trials, Special Forces and indeed in the Royal Marines, who have reportedly ordered 1,600 units. The suppressor itself is the 5.56 KAC QDC Micro Suppressor and the shroud, largely unpopular and promptly removed into armoury bins, is designed to minimise heat signature and maximise cooling.

Knight’s Armament Co. RC-1.

Seemingly Glock’s first foray into the rifle game has been hailed as slightly disappointing. Not as reliable as initially hoped from what their line of pistols would suggest, and with a few too many sharp edges. But we will have to wait and see as those trialling the rifles are sworn to secrecy until such a time as a decision is made.

Glock’s entry into the carbine market has seemingly been shaky.

Daniel Defense has been something of a dark horse in this tender. Offering a modified version of their DDM4v7, we haven’t heard anything of this rifle. Good or bad – make of that what you will. Regardless, it will be offered with the populat 1-8x Nite Force ATACR F1 Scope, and Aimpoint ACRO piggypack RDS.

Daniel Defense’s DDM4v7

Conclusion

Regardless of the outcome of these trials, it will be interesting to see how these rifles, and the Ranger Regiment together with their Cerakote tools, perform. From our understanding, this T&E phase is being taken seriously by both the Army testers, as well as the manufacturers answering the call. This is understandable, with the emerging victor likely to be offered the opportunity to offer a replacement to the long-suffered L85A3.

What are your thoughts on the rifle trials?