Exclusive: Royal Marines hit the range with new KS-1 assault rifle

[@thorney36]

The in-line thermal had me salivating, at £12-15k a pop I pray for the poor soul who loses the first one in the field

[@davidrobertsemail]

Ouch. I was drooling over that. That’s too much for a service optic.

[@crlourenco88]

That equipament is hardly getting in the hand of cannon folder's...

[@ZeldasGhost]

@@crlourenco88or the ones that cant spell

[@justsomeplantcells-]

5 dollar brain, 300 dollar gun Wont happen to this one

[@johnjonathan2716]

@@crlourenco88you are aware it was the marines that lost an sa80 on dartmore right? Not the “cannon fodder”

[@donwyoming1936]

It only took the Brits 60 years, but they finally got their own AR-15. And it is a very nice one. Fantastic rifle. 🤠

[@MyrddnWllt]

😂😂😂 just commented this. 🇬🇧

[@_ob200]

Only a few select units get this. Shocking really. Mod need to bin that crappy sa80 and put this to the wider army

[@user-ew3oj7cd2i]

At least they didn’t have to all the growing pains we did 🤣 pretty jealous of this and I’m rockin an M27

[@terrancebutternut4751]

Stopping sending Billions abroad might help, we have the best soldiers in the world and should be a priority.@@cj64343

[@kevinoliver3083]

The British Army began using AR15s for jungle warfare in 1959.

[@bushwookieplays8629]

The boys finally getting the kit the deserve!

[@romeisfallingagain]

not quite. still alot of work to be done and alot to be delivered to them. SAS getting the gepard gm6 lynx was nice also

[@Rubeless]

A lot

[@watchonjar]

should have gone with the hk416

[@romeisfallingagain]

@@watchonjar should have designed their own rifle but instead they want to pretend to be americans lol

[@_e_6456]

@@watchonjar That thing is overrated, its too heavy as well. Direct impingement is the way to go.

[@PiperX1X]

If we had something like this when I served back in the 90’s my shooting experience and marksmanship would have been much easier and better for me as I’ve always been a natural left handed shot and could hardly hit a barn door with the sa80 due to it been right handed only system, this system would have been a game changer for me and many more lefties.

[@shonunezekiel]

I have no soldiering experience - but plenty of tax-paying experience - and the idea that our taxes were spent equipping soldiers with guns that were incompatible for one in ten soldiers is sickening - this new gun looks like it has been properly thought-through.

[@jost4897]

'Hit the nail on the head' there pal, the SA80's Bullpup design was very anti-leftie, the British Army took the rather arrogant 'any soldier can be taught to fire right-handed'. However this didn't take into account right/left eye dominance or even cross-eye dominance. The SA80 was rushed into service as a poor quality weapon with a host of flaws, but no doubt someone made a shed load of money from the contract, it didn't even begin to become a half decent rifle till H&K had breathed on it and by the time that had happened 20 years down the line it was obsolete! The British army still have the 'Made in Britain' mentality must be the best, sorry, but sticking a Union flag on it no longer guarantees quality. We always seem to fumble along with sub standard kit and precious little of it before it's abandoned and we end up buying it from the USA or Europe.

[@thegrumpygeordie9007]

Yes mate though I'm left handed I never took into consideration that I'm right eye dominant, which was probably why I didn't do badly with it. Also having to take more of your body around a door frame to check its clear isn't the best. Also there's a reason they called it the civil servant.@@jost4897

[@Ugasgit90]

​@shonunezekiel hi there, not being funny but i love it when civvi's gob off about paying taxes, do you realise all HM forces pay taxes aswell? and quite alot of it? and every left handed shooter i know manages just fine, take care 👍

[@indiathylane2158]

Being right-handed but having to shoot left-handed (weak right eye) meant bull-pups were out for me. In fact the idea of grit hitting my right eye kept me nervous.

[@savage3354]

A sensible upgrade for British Forces.

[@jimmoynahan9910]

Not really, it's only used by specialist units.

[@guyfawkesuThe1]

Looks like just a suppressed M-4. DI is not good! Combat types in the US Army are getting 6.8 mm and piston driven new guns! Check out the Sig Spear MCX.

[@AR15andGOD]

Very popular word in britain, huh

[@HaydenLau.]

why is DI not good? It's a rifle not a machine gun. ​@@guyfawkesuThe1

[@willl7780]

@@guyfawkesuThe1 piston is a downgrade i think

[@yodawg3469]

Gotta thank Mr.Stoner for creating one awesome weapon platform.

[@alpine7313]

New US army adoptions make me so mad, this choice is a breath of fresh air. Also the gas system on this rifle is sealed at the factory meaning no gas leakage, consistent pressure cycling the gun, reduced carbon buildup in the block and tube, and recoil perfectly tuned for the ammunition used by the Army, making it arguably the best Direct Impingement AR design on the market.

[@mitchdaytonam3]

It’s almost like you’ve watch Garand Thumb’s video on the Ultimate fighting rifle.

[@alpine7313]

@@mitchdaytonam3 I like the gun.

[@mitchdaytonam3]

@@alpine7313 clearly, you’ve taken what Garand Thumb said on his KAC 15 video, and regurgitated it for us all to read. 👍

[@andyasdf2078]

There will be carbon buildup due to it being suppressed - I imagine if/when it enters full time service most of them will be using non-suppressed soldier-proof ACOG sights variants

[@whitewittock]

@@andyasdf2078 yeah that hinged sight looks ready to break off

[@MrH1990s]

I’ve got to admit the kit does look bad ass

[@nikoc8968]

imagine designing a weapon thats still being newly adopted by major militaries more than 60 YEARS later...Eugene Stoner was WAY ahead of his time...

[@purplerocket4300]

Great stuff. This rifle should be standard for all soldiers.

[@G1NZOU]

This adoption and feedback from users will absolutely influence Project Greyburn, which is the project to replace the L85 in the wider service. If there's good feedback from the Royal Marines and Rangers in the field and Knight's pull off this contract without issues, it puts them in very good standing.

[@007JHS]

Yep

[@MasterAviator870]

Not gonna lie it would be pricey, but I think it'd be well worth it

[@vulcanraisin8859]

Welcome to our 70 year old platform. The ar15 is a mean girl and Vortex makes outstanding optics with an outstanding warranty. Your weapons procurement team actually did their homework on this one. Very well thought out and this platform is very modifiable including the ability to swap the upper receiver and change chamberings, at the push of two detents.

[@jaypee389]

EXTREMELY well thought out. Primo setup.

[@jonevansauthor]

This is the bit that gets me. It's got rails. You mean, like the L85A3? The journalists don't ask questions like, 'Can you specify how many attachments you put on the current rifle, versus how many this will take?' Which would be interesting, because the concept makes sense, but a rail is a rail, so presumably x inches of rail take Y bits of gear and there's a finite number of things you're using it for. Mind you, they ask literally none of the other questions on any subject, even ones they're theoretically expert in so this is not surprising.

[@devindiaz1085]

​@@jonevansauthorWhat? The rails are picatinny standard. Anything can go on any weapon. There is no difference. These things are heavy AF tho with all the bells and whistles. At a certain point you'll prefer to forgo some features to save weight

[@jonevansauthor]

@@devindiaz1085 the press releases/commentary about the KS-1 keeps claiming that the magical picatinny rails mean it's infinitely better because you can get all the attachments you'd ever want. They don't ever say, 'You can have this one which you can't on the L85A3.' I mean, there's barely any info in the articles they just sort of accept the notion the firearm is a massive improvement but never think to ask why that actually is. Ambidexterity is an easy one to explain. Not that we couldn't have had an ambidextrous bullpup.

[@zarelli7831]

We were using these 7 years ago lol

[@Barrybud2816]

There's a worrying amount of people in these comments that seem to think the RM is part of the army....

[@bennyhill5938]

part of the British Army

[@snowyowl7413]

The royals marines themselves are not part of the British army they are part of His majesty’s naval service. There are commandos in the army in 29 commando and 24 commando which support 3 commando brigade with artillery and engineering respectively and they have to pass the AACC but they are not part of the Royal Marines

[@wmoule]

@@bennyhill5938 Huh? Marines are Navy....

[@AverageWagie2024]

Sorry bootnecks but the army wins the war

[@ImaSMACKHEAD982]

​@@bennyhill5938oh dear me

[@ShunzeyBunzer]

Better than our issue kit! 🇺🇸

[@cognition26]

This is gonna sound crazy to you Europeans but this is a very sought after rifle here in the US. The SR-15 the civilian version is right under 4k USD after taxes. The SR-16 has a true true ambi lower and full auto select fire which adds 35k USD to the price tag. The suppressor is 1.8k USD, the suppressor shroud is 225 USD, the civilian version of the scope is 4k USD, the scope mount is 150 USD, the Acro reflex is 600 USD, and the thermal is 16.6k all before taxes. This baby is a jaw dropper turned to 11. Knight's Armament is well respected here in the USA.

[@christo_reese]

The Brits doing good with Knight's Armament 👍🏻

[@guyfawkesuThe1]

Looks like just a suppressed M-4. DI is not good! Combat types in the US Army are getting 6.8 mm and piston driven new guns! Check out the Sig Spear MCX.

[@1911FORGED]

@@guyfawkesuThe1why are you copy and pasting your reply to every comment, screams attention seeker

[@guyfawkesuThe1]

@@1911FORGED Hahaha

[@ReconRider]

@@guyfawkesuThe1piston guns are more front heavy due to the gas system, but typically are adjustable making them better for suppressed shooting vs di which can be over gassed depending on setup, and piston guns do better on shorter barrel lengths, but both have their time and place where they’re useful

[@thomasneal9291]

@@guyfawkesuThe1" Check out the Sig Spear MCX" which version? there are many, in many different calibers.

[@JammyDodger45]

Ahh Barry Buddon ranges, hitting anything there is an achievement as there's a consistently inconsistent 20mph wind changing direction every 13 seconds! Lovely place.

[@marchood99]

I did think it was Barry butlins 😂 but wasent 100% as the grass looks to well kept hahah though it might of been the ranges near Edinburgh that the rifles use , forget the name as only been twice.

[@PabloE888]

Barry Budden is listed as father on many birth certificates.

[@marchood99]

@@PabloE888 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@stewiecall97]

Having a lovely freezing cold visit next week 🙄

[@divvntdunchis]

Barry Buttcheeks I heard!

[@gtan431]

I served for over 30 year's in the Women's Auxiliary Balloon Corps and found the reliability of a Lee Enfield 303 unsurpassed.

[@danielmarshall4587]

Come on now that's not fair....

[@Plentisaki]

Fixing bayonets must've been a tense moment mate! 😊

[@nietzchesghost]

We're you in the balloon shooting out or shooting at balloons?

[@bluewinds10]

Please tell us, was it cushy or not?

[@alexmarshall4331]

You asked for some of these replies!!!♡

[@AverageWagie2024]

I bet by 2030 we will only have 500 soldiers left in the British army, but look on the bright side, at least they will be more “agile, lethal, and adaptable”. That’s what all the army adverts and key notes said.

[@Barrybud2816]

God job this is for the commando brigade then isn't it !

[@Jimbo_Jumbo]

This is by design. Keep demoralising the native men and telling children their country is nothing worth fighting for.

[@Reticulosis]

😂, yea, the Brit’s do need to invest in their army and get the numbers up.

[@anthonywright6237]

I'm so boring I tend to read way too much into Ukraine and Russian war.. men on the ground will always be the last effort in any war.. FOREVER.. but every single war since wars began. Army's learn, adapt. And push fighting to a whole new level.. to what helps them benefit and basically makes their life that little bit easier.. numbers have always been so unbelievably important throughout history. But you can only fight against what's infront of you. If thousands of red coats.. even blue French coats where to walk into battle in todays theater they would be annihilation. And would soon learn to fight a different strategy. Technology is key and learning is even more important.. and the British are extremely good at learning.. and learning fast.. the world hates to admit it.. but it is FACT

[@AverageWagie2024]

@@Barrybud2816 okay. 10 agile and lethal marines by 2030

[@Tomeh27]

Nice breakdown, I'm glad theyre slowly starting to get more kit!

[@armorers_wrench]

This is definitely a very nice setup. I'm quite curious about that Vortex scope. Knowing Vortex, once they meet the contractual requirements owed to the British commandos they'll start selling these on the American commercial market.

[@loquat44-40]

I am also interested in that flip over thingy in front of the vortex scope. I did not understand it all since I am not completely fluent in UK english these days.

[@AverageComet250]

The main rifle uppers are gonna be sold on the American market too as soon as the contract is finished as well. Don’t know about the lowers, but it’ll probably be a modified version that isn’t select fire

[@loquat44-40]

@@AverageComet250 Some federal agencies can buy it with the lower if they want it.

[@meme4one]

​@@loquat44-40it's a thermal camera, uses heat (well the infra red energy heat releases). It works in black and white. White can be hot or black can be hot, the user chooses what they prefer. If you don't need it, you can flip it out of the way. Not new technology but always getting better.

[@loquat44-40]

@@meme4one thanks for the info.

[@mairiconnell6282]

Great for the boys! From the chaos I know they really like this weapon. Plus the other kit that is coming with it.

[@europa1387]

Lovely looking weapon.

[@guyfawkesuThe1]

Looks like just a suppressed M-4. DI is not good! Combat types in the US Army are getting 6.8 mm and piston driven new guns! Check out the Sig Spear MCX.

[@guyfawkesuThe1]

@@landonray9517 Who told you that?

[@guyfawkesuThe1]

@@landonray9517 DI is on the way out. Notice the new SigSauer contract for the US Army? Piston all the way for the warriors! The DI now is like the M-1 carbine, given to troops in the rear!

[@guyfawkesuThe1]

@@landonray9517 Ah yes it does. Military contracts talk money. The Marines also switched to the M27... piston!

[@d0bbs]

“The buttstock can adjust 2 inches.” First thought was so what. Then it dawned on me the UK had the SA80. I guess that’s what these commandos used too. Must be a nice change.

[@markwalker2986]

It was the L1A1 slr weapon with the hard hitting 7.62mm round when I was in the light infantry in the 1980s ,however, this new rifle looks promising . I never did like the sa80.

[@donaldanderson7619]

Knights Armament is top notch equipment. IMO it’s cut above what the US is fielding. I’m jealous 😊.

[@remembermorrison]

I had a Knights Armament SR-15 in the US Marines with a Leopold scope and suppressor during the Iraq war. Great rifle. I own the same rifle as a civilian.

[@NoHomo1776]

I agree. For some reason the US government is dead set on using German designed rifles. The KAC, LMT or even Colt would be a better option based on the lighter weight DI system alone.

[@cedhome7945]

Staggering how long it's taken to get this gun type as lots of countries have been using this for decades and the amount the mod is paying is breathtaking expensive ! ...... Eugene stoner would be proud

[@cglees]

Exactly!! None of this is “new”. Just shows how slow the MOD is.

[@SCscoutguy]

To be fair the SA-80 was largely a Eugene Stoner design as well. It is essentially a AR-18 reconfigured into a bullpup.

[@Rubeless]

Cliff claven

[@_e_6456]

The RM have been using AR15 designs since the late 60s

[@mrfrisky6501]

The SA 80s reduced barrel length really came about as the Brits had to go door to door and Room to room in Northern Ireland for 40 years - so it was better suited to those situations. As the IRA are now deleted it's rightly time to move on.

[@markryan9323]

The little recoil and sleek setup is dope!

[@jaypee389]

Laser.

[@English.Andy1]

The little engraving of the dagger was an extra £150 😅

[@mairiconnell6282]

To earn that engraving 32 weeks of blood sweat and toil.

[@Rubeless]

Only one of those guys shooting had some skill. The rest were pogs. Can’t take 32 weeks to turn out conventional infantry and pogs.

[@ruzziasht349]

@Andyb2379 But nowhere to attach a bayonet - how ironic

[@meme4one]

​@@RubelessBoring. There are world class shots in the army, navy and probably but can't confirm, air force too. We just don't get naked in bars as often.

[@English.Andy1]

@@ruzziasht349 very true, the old cold steel can have an amazing physiological impact on the user & the person you’re about to stick it in.

[@sc1731]

I grew up in the UK, now live in the US, and I have 2/3 rifles like this (minus in line thermal) I shoot every week or two.

[@JeffreyFay]

Not in Cali or NY I assume….

[@WilliamMooreHCFS]

I'm in Canada, and have a extremely similar setup.

[@adrianmorning.1555]

Lucky you

[@ShepherdOfTheSilkies]

@@WilliamMooreHCFSdon’t let the Mounties hear you

[@ShepherdOfTheSilkies]

@@paullllehtxtheirs not a better optic. That’s the next generation LPVO. The only optic on the market that fits into that caliber is the primary arms 1-8 FFP compact. Which is made in the same factor is that vortex Eleanor.

[@automandan]

You know it's funny how so many countries keep saying that their assault rifles are so much better than the AR-15S. And yet, years later, they end up developing an AR style rifle. Eugene Stoner would be so proud to see his rifle still being used in different variations 50 years later.

[@Fighting_Fatigue_117]

I'm so happy for the marines! Nothing necessarily "wrong" with the L85 but it always seems strange seeing commandos using it, it definitely seems like more of an army weapon.

[@ÆthelwulfOfNordHymbraLand2333]

The L85 isn't even adequate as a personal defensive weapon, never mind an assault rifle. It's too heavy, and it's troublesome to manipulate under pressure and distress. It's an awful weapon system.

[@brianives838]

Right handed only!!@@ÆthelwulfOfNordHymbraLand2333

[@NickHunter]

@@ÆthelwulfOfNordHymbraLand2333 My brother in law was in the RAF and he hated the things. No-one seemed to think they were fit for purpose

[@G1NZOU]

@@ÆthelwulfOfNordHymbraLand2333 The reason is when it was designed the British Army envisioned cold war combat with even more mechanised units, so since the assumption was that they'd ride into battle weight was seen as less of an issue and weapon length (or rather lack of it) was considered to be important. It's not awful, but it suffers from weight and bad ergonomics for the controls, which is why the AR platform is superior, especially with modern ammo making shorter barrel AR rifles much better than the early gen carbines in terms of effective range.

[@RedCoatsAssemble]

I'll miss the prominent silhouette of the l85a3 in use against a setting sun background.. you have served us well and will always be in my British heart.. HELLO SEXY KS-1.. Needs a side rail though

[@G1NZOU]

That's the beauty of M-LOK, you can attach side rails in small or large segments to your heart's content, while still keeping the handguard lighter and easier to hold when you don't have rails on it, as well as more ventilated than full RIS handguards. They did some of the same with the A3 upgrade of the L85, just with KeyMod instead of M-LOK, but it looks like M-LOK is starting to beat out KeyMod in the contracts that count, such as the new XM7 and XM250 for the US Army, and the L403A1 and L129A2 for the Royal Marines.

[@ClientsMusic]

this is a specialty weapon, chill out. this is being added to their armoury so that operators can choose this if they feel the need to use this, it isn't becoming the new standard rifle for all infantry lol

[@alanmcmillan6969]

This iss a good gun, seems to be capable for all condutions, light to carry, with high level targeting options. The calabre will do the job with ease. Field use will ensure if this is the gun of choice.

[@jakepi2607]

The interviewer did a great job with terminology and presentation. Also, this rifle looks like an absolute unit!!

[@mantabond]

A brilliant, enjoyable presentation. The weapon system is rather interesting, especially its ability to reduce recoil.

[@jaypee389]

Perfect for the old boys to send their kids out to test against OPFOR. Mountbattens grandkids ect. Laughs in British Aristocracy**.

[@emcee1337]

nice looking but questionable decision since armies around the world switch to a piston AR (HK416, SS Spear etc) that won't seize when most needed. the DI's get too hot during heavy fire fights and aren't as reliable in dirty conditions. so why update to an old system?!

[@jaypee389]

@emcee1337 These don't jam up. Less recoil. More accurate. But yes. Regular Brits should have the 416 like the French and Germans.

[@AR15andGOD]

Piston guns only pro is enhanced suppressed usability since you aren't getting gassed out, which is why the guys choose them in the field since it's always firing suppressed. otherwise DI beats it in every way.@@emcee1337

[@markbooth1117]

Nice. As right handed person, who shoots long arms left handed due to eye dominance, this is a lot better. I got to grips using the SLR on active service in the 1980's (and before that the Lee Enfield .303 as a teenage cadet) left handed but not the SA80.

[@randallrobertson7190]

This looks to be a very well thought out weapon system.

[@offgrid8445]

SLR 7.62 All hail the King. That would always spoil the baddies day.

[@isparkz859]

The fact that I'm right handed but cross eye dominant in my left eye was what deterred me from joining and firing the previous weapon but now I think they've taken this to a new level

[@jonjames7328]

UK civilian rifle shooter here: if this helps non snipers to reach out with confidence to 5/600 meters whilst also being an effective CQB weapon whilst having lighter weight than the SA80 and good night vision then great. I wish our forces all the best with it. Just one thing - aren’t we a little behind the curve? 6.8 mm for example.

[@johnc2438]

Must comply with the NATO standard round, unfortunately. I carried an M16A1 for a year-and-a-half in Vietnam more than a half-century ago. A 6.8 mm caliber makes more sense these days. Salute to you and all British military from a retired U.S. Navy chief petty officer across the Pond in the Pacific Northwest. Luckily for me, the only place I shot the M16 was on practice ranges in-country.

[@jonevansauthor]

@@johnc2438 wait, why does the UK have to comply with the NATO round but the US doesn't? That sounds like an MOD screwing up thing, not a NATO trying to get everyone but the US to stay on 5.56 this time around. I'm hoping the NGSW program proves to have been a good decision and a better rifle is available to our forces in the future. Or maybe it'll go the other way and be such a disaster it doesn't achieve any of it's goal (as the M16 and SA80 didn't for the first couple of decades leading to a lot of not unreasonable complaints about the good old days that still affect the conversation today). It'll be interesting to see what happens either way.

[@jaypee389]

I can go prone on full auto with this and get more hits out to 300m then a little skinny Brit with a heavy 6.8 Fury. Only hits count. Differnet tools in the toolbox. 6.8 Fury would be an EXCELLENT DMR standoff Weapon System. 170-180 Grain .700-.800 b.c. 6.8mm @ 2800FPS +/-. Not great for little privates to be sprinting around with. Heavy, heavy system.@@jonevansauthor

[@willcruickshankw5527]

​@@jonevansauthorthe US sets the nato calibers. 6.8x51 is a nato round now. but the xm7 isn't adopted as a replacement for 5.56 guns. Modern 5.56 is extremely effective compared to its weight. 6.8 is replacing 7.62x51

[@jonevansauthor]

@@willcruickshankw5527 the goal of the NGSW was to replace the M4 and the M249. Dunno what you've heard but I can't find anything to suggest that has changed.

[@kenlandon7803]

Gene Stoner was a true genius. This platform was ahead of its time, but keeps on improving with "tweakiing"

[@M25warrior]

Nice looking weapon. I wonder if MOD Procurement have managed to massively overspend on them?

[@arcuz7862]

Thank you for your solidarity with Sweden!

[@peterwait641]

Basic gun is about 5 k in America and coming with fancy sight , so not really overspend !

[@Rubeless]

Gotta be 7-8000 with the optics.

[@glugtrop2010]

15 million pounds for 1620 setups, so

[@peterwait641]

They spend £900 on A3 paint job and fancy rail lol

[@jas_bataille]

One of the most important part missing commentary here, is the fight that this suppressor is mainly designed as a thermal-signature reducing device, that will make the thermal signature of the weapon much less visible through the enemy's thermal sighting equipment, which is a massive thing.

[@SomethingOrganic-m7e]

I hope the Royal Marines are as fond of this platform as we are.

[@Oldsmobile69]

It's funny how the ergonomics of a rifle have been worked on for like a hundred years and turns out having not much weight and what weight you have should be in the middle of it is the best and it just so happens there's the AR platform that does exactly that but not because it was really designed like that but because it just does it.

[@DarkShroom]

i'm not sure i agree, having the weight backwards in something like the Stey Aug means you can even just fire it one handed, you also can have a full length barrel so better range, accuracy and penetration.... i think it's some Americans opinions who like to wine about bullpups because they believe everything american must just be best by default

[@cglees]

AR platform is front heavy

[@TheStig505]

​@@DarkShroomLol Americans living rent free in your head. There's plenty of US-made bullpups (DT MDRx, Kel-Tec RDB & RFB, Bushmaster M17S, among others), they just aren't better than the Stoner platform. The gains of compactness for barrel length and weight balance don't matter much when it comes at the cost of much worse ergonomics, bad triggers, gassy when suppressed, less rail space for equipment, and a hinderance to left-handed shooters. You'd probably say to my last point that the AUG, FAMAS, and Tavor are ambidextrous, which is true, but they require the rifle to be disassembled and switched to left-hand ejection then reassembled. For an AR, either-handed shooters can pick up the same rifle and fire it without any disassembly, much more suitable for battlefield conditions.

[@SCscoutguy]

@@DarkShroom no one is whining about bullpups. It is obvious that the AR platform is just better. Look at the countries like Australia, NZ and now the UK who are moving away from their bullpups and going to an AR platform. Israel is even admitting that their Tavor bullpup just isn't as good as an AR platform and has reissued M4's back to their front line troops.

[@loquat44-40]

@@SCscoutguyStoner et al got it right.

[@stewrmo]

Gun Jesus is gonna love this!

[@roseybut]

At last a decent musket!!

[@oscarcintra-sadiki1703]

Just so everyone who comments on this video about how we don't use the AR-15 variants knows we have used C-8 carbines for a while

[@collegestudent6071]

Just a KAC SR-16 (SR-15 is the civilian semi-auto version) for anyone wondering, which is a fairly old rifle, like 2010 iirc.. KS-1 is just a random name given to it to make it seem like their own, new weapon. It's just a normal AR, nothing special about them other than being overpriced AF. Good to see at least the more mainstream forces are ditching those bullpups, I believe UK Special Forces groups have always opted for AR pattern rifles.

[@Xeno87]

It's really interesting to see that the UK outfits their special operations-capable maritime forces with a 1-10x LPVO. That is a quite surprisingly high maginification, and caught me off guard at first. For comparison, the german marines use 1-4x, while the french marines usually don't even carry any optic (french *sniper* squads are outfitted with 1-8x optics, just to demonstrate how large a magnification this represents). But apparently, this optic selection seems to be intended to match the capabilities of their US counterpart, who just switched to 1-8x magnification as well. Overall, the new KS-1 with vortex optic and redpoint visually appears extremely similar to the new US service rifle XM7 with its vortex XM157 optic - ignoring that they are vastly different systems, though.

[@RIchard-u9y]

Hey I know nothing about any of this stuff, other than the basics and shooting the previous british standard rile (semi-automatic) version as a "cadet" a couple of times - How useful is 10x since the rifle is chambered in 5.56 when it comes to longer ranges ? Just a random question aha - Is it more likely for target identification ?

[@Jin-Ro]

Maybe the Brits and Americans learned something in Afghanistan and went with higher mags? No idea, I'm far from an expert.

[@TheMikeshannon]

​@user-uc7fx4zy1o 1-4 starts to lack pretty hard past 3-500 yards. Sure you can still make impacts, however Spotting splash, ID'ing people, items, uniforms etc all are benefited by higher magnification. The vortex 1-10 also is one of the best LPVOs when it comes to daylight illumination on the 1x and has incredible glass quality. Another benefit of the LPVO is although it has 10x it has a full magnification range to use in between those as well

[@adamnewton8565]

Even since the days of WW1 Britain has placed accuracy and marksmanship above just getting lead down range. WW1 soldiers weren't paid if they failed to meet required marksmanship levels, the L1A1 SLR had it's automatic fire mode removed to prevent overuse of ammo, and even as a cadet instructor today, we teach them marksmanship principles so they can get a killshot every time

[@albertptran]

Nice to see the brands, models and details spelled out!

[@Swatmat]

an actual success for British military procurement, going from the OK but not amazing l85a3, to this? good job guys!

[@wardy6224]

‘ok but not amazing’ it really is though :/

[@Swatmat]

The L85a3 still has most of the issues the A2 and A1 have, it's too heavy for how large it is, it's a pain for left-handed shooters, it has awkward handling (yes training can get you into how to do it efficiently, but it's not as simple as an AR platform. @@wardy6224

[@XILPIX]

This is a game changer, only took a few decades but better late than never.

[@Max_Da_G]

This would most certainly be an upgrade over the SA80, being much lighter. Also soldiers will appreciate the ability to change shoulder without worrying about copping brass to the face. These days reality has finally hit home that most of the actual shooting that results in enemies being neutralized is done in vast majority of case at within 250m, so there is no need for a long barrel rifle such as the the SA80 which is worlds longest barreled assault rifle. Any further away and different weapon systems are used.

[@johnallen7807]

After 40 plus years of trying to get the SA80 right someone really needs to get a grip! Personally I liked the SLR with SUIT sight, when that hit you you did not get up!

[@mikecoxlong9442]

Cheers dits

[@johnallen7807]

Shows my age lol.@@mikecoxlong9442

[@MarcusAurelius7777]

Proudly made in America by Knight's Armament Company for you guys!! GO NATO!!

[@cedhome7945]

And how much we are paying for them !

[@SteveDonaldson-r5k]

​@@cedhome7945tbf the SA80 was money straight down the toilet with not much to show.

[@meme4one]

​@@cedhome7945far less than if we tried to design one ourselves.

[@__K__B__]

KAC makes great stuff, but it is just a nice M4 with a modern suppressor, LPVO and thermal clip-on. It's pretty funny to hear them talk about this stuff like it's new and innovative.

[@MarcusAurelius7777]

@@__K__B__ For them it's new bc they were using a 25 yr old rifle...

[@whitewittock]

Finally seeing sense to move on from bullpups and polymers and back to the time honoured M16 design

[@jessiebedlam6094]

I know some blokes I fought next to from the UK who are happy AF because this isn’t another bullpup. 👍👍.

[@RunzWithScalpel]

The dagger on the buffer tube was a nice touch.

[@PhantomMark]

Looks thoroughly decent. I am guessing it will have a billion times less stoppages than the outgoing tech :D

[@Jin-Ro]

A3 is a good rifle. Unfortunately the reputation of the A1 tarnishes all the following models. Which it didn't with the M16A1 for some weird reason

[@PhantomMark]

@@Jin-Ro Not used the A3, A2 was pretty ok tho tbf, it was just those dirty blanks that killed them, I guess those blanks are not kind to any platform tho ?? Now the A1.......yeah, well lol :D

[@mcspike5003]

British government discovers the AR-15

[@4N50N]

looks like a brilliant upgrade. Kinda sad I won't get to try it.

[@jaypee389]

Lobby your local government to unban 5 round AR15s. The trauma of Dunblane is not your trauma. Don't sell to Glasgow youth or Gang members. Vet people. 😁

[@nathanielwhite8769]

Excellent Upgrade for the Royal Marines. This System should be selected for the next replacement General Service Rifle to the L85A3 when it eventually reaches its out of service date with rest of our Armed Forces. This could provide standardisation and commonality of logistics, Spare Parts and Training across the entire Military, as apposed to having separate weapons for elite units to mainstream forces personal.

[@da90sReAlvloc]

Royal marines🇬🇧 best in the world

[@i_druth]

Fair play, a handsome rifle and major step forward for our armed forces in comparison to the SA80. Question is however, would the KS-1 be entering service with the rest of the armed forces in future or are they specific for our special forces?

[@smplyizzy]

Hopefully for the entire armed forces. If not, they only had to purchase like 25 rifles for every UK SF member.

[@wardy6224]

@@smplyizzynah the A3 is a great system for standard issue use

[@JezArnold]

They’ve bought enough for the SF, RM, Ranger Regiment, and some other specialist units.. it’s called the AIW aka “Alternative” Infantry Weapon. SA80A3 is for everyone else

[@BlossomField91]

@@wardy6224 The SA80 is getting replaced. Project Greyburn.

[@Mister_Kourkoutas]

Still don’t understand why we didn’t get the HK416 as the standard rifle. Would have saved us having to upgrade the L85A2 to the A3 model.

[@nfaisnfgay]

Because this is better than a 416 in everyway

[@G1NZOU]

For the regular Army the L85 still has some benefits of barrel length to total length ratio, making it good for mounted troops, despite the ergonomics issues the design had from the start, there was no vital need to upgrade compared to more specialised mobile troops like the Commandos and the Ranger Regiment who want a lighter weapon. HK are expensive if you're talking about servicewide adoption, and an upgrade was considered better value for money while they continue to explore options for eventual servicewide adoption. If this weapon is well liked it will significantly effect the MoD's final decision regarding replacing the L85.

[@Mister_Kourkoutas]

@@G1NZOU “HK are expensive” And the SA80 upgrade programs ran by H&K weren’t expensive already? They’ve been practically rebuilt from the ground up by Kraut space magic twice now. Surely adopting the HK416 service wide would ease logistics and secure a rifle good enough for both the regular infantry and the Commandos/Rangers?

[@gregkollaeg2365]

Lol direkt gas🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@RichestTea]

penny pinching by the treasury, and gold-plating of any request with lots of shiny bells, is the correct answer to why any MOD RFP goes off the rails. Expect line infantry to get this minus the fancy night-sight and aim-point.

[@mikewinston8709]

So pleased he explained what ambidextrous meant.

[@dagored4077]

I'd give my left arm to be ambidextrous.

[@mikewinston8709]

@@dagored4077 🤣🤣

[@DH.2016]

The short "bullpup" style of the SA80 is best fired right handed because if used left handed, the hot spent cartridge will probably smack you in the face. With the new Knight's Armament rifle, this won't happen if you fire it left-handed because the cartridge is ejected well forward of your face so it can be used by both right and left handers - hence "ambidextrous."

[@mikewinston8709]

@@DH.2016 I used SA80 both left and right handed but never found that myself.

[@DH.2016]

Interesting. Please share your experiences with the SA80 and let us know why you think the MOD's requirement stipulated why the weapon had to be ambidextrous. 🙂@@mikewinston8709

[@robm9113]

Wikipedia says that an initial 1,620 rifles were purchased for a total of 15 million pounds. That means each rifle costs about 9,250 pounds, or the equivalent of $11,500 U.S. dollars. To compare that to a modern M4 Carbine which costs under $1,000 U.S. dollars in stock configuration, to over $2K decked out, it sounds to be a very exorbitant cost for each rifle. What were people saying about the Military Industrial Complex?

[@pac6010]

You priced high quality red dots, optics and thermal scopes lately ? They spensive! That’s where the majority of your money is going on this rifle is on those three optics.

[@tomstravels520]

Also the tools for the user and maintainer, spare parts technical documentation and many other behind the scenes items

[@METALLIFY16]

It’s hilarious how the narrator is describing the rifle as some sort of new space age technology like dude this things been around for like 60 years lmao.

[@MilspecPanda]

And the barrel is dimpled 🥹 it’s beautiful

[@WilliamMooreHCFS]

I'm in the Great White North, and have two rifles like this as well. There's nothing tremendously special about a milspec AR with Vortex and Aimpoint optics. I'm actually surprised that the British Army didn't opt for an Eotech LPVO. The thermal is cool, but you can get one off the shelf if you can cough up enough.

[@anthonyescoto2572]

Of course a country that doesn't allow civilians to own guns, uses America's rifle from its best manufacturer

[@chuckhaggard1584]

Having a robust gun culture helps drive firearms R&D

[@bindayirwin1523]

Typical ignorant comment from you Anthony. Hundreds of thousands of UK citizens own licensed firearms.

[@anthonyescoto2572]

@@bindayirwin1523 should be more

[@Twm532]

@@bindayirwin1523 The vast majority of firearms in the UK are shotguns. Its not like America where millions of people own rifles so theres a reason for companies to develop and innovate

[@davidjosullivan9174]

This weapon looks awesome about time our heroes got more updated weapons.

[@AlexanderEddy]

It looks huge in her hands

[@TheBiggerLebowski-t1m]

That mag change ... 1:08

[@brianfunt2619]

How the hell did he pull off a video game style reload like that

[@Balt9mm]

@@brianfunt2619training

[@teddypicker8799]

Ridiculously fast, must be under 2 seconds

[@shermansquires3979]

So basically, it’s an AR platform?

[@HoneyLaw1]

Yep, it's just like a nice civilian ar15 but it has an auto sear.

[@EndTheNFApls]

Its high tier and ambi

[@shermansquires3979]

@@HoneyLaw1 how is it like a civilian model?

[@not_your_business666]

@shermansquires3979 generally speaking civilian market is more advanced comparing to what people get in the military. This is one of the rare cases when the boys are getting gucci ar insteand of basic stuff.

[@HoneyLaw1]

@@shermansquires3979 It's functionally identical to a civilian ar it just has an auto sear that allows it to shoot full auto. Ar15 is litteraly just an m4 with the auto sear removed and a slightly different lower receiver that prevents an auto sear from being installed.

[@Peterkass235]

never seen a military adopt a modern good firearm, with good accessories, i dont like the 1-10 but its definetly a good upgrade

[@PeterRoos]

Good choice fellas. The AR15 is a great platform. Train hard, and train smart. With love from the United States.

[@bigboy0625]

Best start of a video ever a hot news reporter holding a BIG GUN 😍 🔫

[@PersonalityMalfunction]

Funny how POC account for less than 3% of Royal Marines but are 50% in all promos.

[@ClydeBuilt]

Every weapon should be treated as loaded. That means don't put your hand in front of the barrel 😂😂😂

[@JammyDodger45]

That's what amateurs think and say.

[@ClydeBuilt]

@@JammyDodger45 Nope

[@JammyDodger45]

Yes. It's the primary tool of his trade. He's the only person to handle it in the demo and he's cleared it before doing so. Treating a known weapon state as potentially hazardous is amateur and unprofessional. He's neither of those things but apparently you are.

[@ClydeBuilt]

@@JammyDodger45 Stand down Royal 🤣

[@JammyDodger45]

Well you got me there! 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@hoglefish]

Just thinking you live in a free state in the US, you can have a semiautomatic version clone of this. Fun and great for coyotes, feral hogs and self defense

[@danielmarshall4587]

I suspect you'd pay a lot less as well, PRAISE BE.

[@sshep86]

Want a cookie?

[@VideoSpectator1223]

​@@sshep86yes, chocolate chip would be nice

[@tomstravels520]

Self defense? Because a Glock is incapable of doing so if someone were to enter your house?

[@mitchellbutler7068]

It’s good to see the British supporting an American rifle .. instead of trying to do everything differently with the bill pup and creating an ugly mess. The AR-15 is the world’s most superior rifle. An outstanding weapon and refined to elite design and function. This version with its exceptionally short flash hider and range of optic options is a really practical build . It makes supporting the Royal Maines more appealing. Great rifle great design and I wish I had one .

[@TheRealEtaoinShrdlu]

The front of the silencer looks like some kind of alien Fleshlight 😂😂😂

[@aloadofbollocks988]

When the British Army starts watching guntubers.

[@jackvalentine7403]

Deffo Flannel daddy not Brandon, thankfully

[@roo1234]

Bin the SA80 and buy these in a gradual phasing out/phase in.

[@jakehayes1998]

This isn't replacing the sa80, whatever comes out of project grayburn, and that won't happen anytime soon. Sa80a3 is here for the long run.

[@roo1234]

@@jakehayes1998 I did not say that this was replacing the SA80…..

[@eFeXuy]

Wow, it only took like 40 years for UK armed forces to adopt an AR-15.

[@mairiconnell6282]

Well at least we know it won't be used to hose down perhaps your kids going to school.

[@AverageWagie2024]

@@mairiconnell6282 At least the yanks can actually hold enemy ground though without having to be bailed out by allies due to not having enough soldiers *cough* Basra

[@eFeXuy]

@@mairiconnell6282 lol. Did I sounded too American? because I'm not. Still, is incredibly amusing how they are describing one of the oldest and most widespread weapon platforms like it's some future tech.

[@joemama.556]

​@@mairiconnell6282ah yes because they dont get shanked with "rambos" on the daily... and there are a lot of ar15s in europe, there are a bunch of ar15 owners at my local ramge including me. not sure what your point is but go on with your skitzo rants

[@Anni3sgotagun]

They SAS used Colts C8/M4s

[@JG_1998]

I have that same suppressor on a knights SR15 mod 2 carbine. Easily the smoothest shooting combat rifle ive ever fired. The suppressor is surprisingly effective for the size.

[@ZachAttack2U]

What do you mean as far as "effective"? Obviously, the sound suppression is minimal with such a short can... I've heard great things about the flow through and flash reduction, though... Have you tried the CRS-PRT as well as the shorty MCQ-PRT? I'd be curious to hear your opinion on the differences.

[@johnnytyler5685]

Aren't the Royal Marines Commandos some of the most highly-trained soldiers in the UK military? I'd heard that they were pretty much the best-of-the-best of the regular military. Essentially just below dedicated SOF units such as the SAS and SBS. I'm just wondering why the fella at 1:17 (and again at 4:00, although that might be the same moment being filmed from a drone rather than from the ground) is shooting right-handed but has the wrong foot forward? I've never seen anyone outside of brand-new shooters stand like that. I mean someone who has literally never fired a rifle before and has to be taught how to hold the rifle, how to stand, etc. Essentially all of the basics of firing a gun. I would think that shooting stance would be something covered on day one of training for a unit like the Royal Marines Commandos.

[@Barrybud2816]

Because they're doing a cqb, basic skills shoot and practicing firing from different shoulders (as highlighted in the video) using different stances to simulate shoots from different cover ? Or he just made a mistake ...people make mistakes you know, no matter how highly trained they are.

[@cglees]

Isosceles stance. Present the front of the body armour toward the threat

[@seyance9820]

Targets don't shoot back, to be most effective in a range of gunfights against combatants you need to be able to shoot from both feet and both shoulders.

[@snowyowl7413]

Some of the most highly trained non special forces soldiers in the world . Training for RMs lasts for 32 weeks which is about 7 ish months . About the same as SAS /SBS selection.

[@Dd-fb2tj]

Paras and I suppose the Rangers these days are right up there aswell

[@Augh98-nt2zn]

Diversity points scored.

[@picklewiickle.1583]

the only 2 black dudes there get to be in the video how woke.

[@Anni3sgotagun]

Just say you don’t want to see Black people?

[@RubbishGimpy]

Finally a video of it firing. I can see a forward grip handle making its way onto this. The long arm extension for barrel support to increase stablisation could get taxing. Its a good gun though, it just needs the red, yellow and green heat vision to make it full blown 'Predaor'.

[@coldsteel9420]

The US Marines has already ditched their direct impingement the Army is ditching it now, because it's much more high maintenance. The new rifles are the M27 and M5.

[@Waywind420]

Non-british presenter reviewing a non-british gun whilst non-british commando's display it's capabilities 💀 The absolute state of the UK these days.

[@texx45]

How is the presenter and the commando's not British? Can you elaborate?

[@Waywind420]

@@texx45 Because British people are white European people with unique phenotypical attributes that developed over thousands of years worth of exposure to their climatic conditions, and these noble gentlemen are clearly of foreign origin who happen to reside in the Isles with arbitrarily designated citizenship and little-to-nothing in the way of the biological genes that constitute the heritage of Native British people. They're British Citizens, they are not ethnic Brits. Is a Fijian who lives in Japan Japanese? Yes but no.

[@texx45]

All humans originated from Africa what is your point? Nobody is 100% British

[@tonyjames5444]

​@@texx45don't try reasoning with a pathetic keyboard racist, it's not as if this loser would ever say that to someone's face.😂

[@wardy6224]

@@texx45 he’s letting his racism show, pay no mind :)

[@overcorpse]

And just as the US Army goes 6.8mm. Amazing foresight by the MoD /s

[@Dr.D00p]

Actually only specialist units will be issued the 6.8mm weapons in the US military, just as with the KS1 in the UK military. The 5.56 AR platform will be in use for decades to come.

[@overcorpse]

@@Dr.D00p Incorrect. The XM5 is being issued to all front-line units.

[@LRRPFco52]

@@overcorpse The “X" in front of XM7 (XM5 had to be dropped due to Colt’s existing M5), is your first clue it isn’t a program of record yet. XM7 will not be issued to all front line troops because it’s too heavy, doesn’t allow enough ammunition or magazines to be carried, and there are major questions about barrel life. I foresee a weapons mix where most combat soldiers will still carry some newer variant of the M4 with SOPMOD Block II and III inspired updates. All soft skills combat support soldiers will carry M4s as well if they don’t have a sidearm. Guys I know in SF said they were getting it last year, then haven’t heard anything since as there are delays. SF has said it’s only really a good DMR for them, not something every soldier on an ODA would carry due to weight, mag capacity, and bulk. Big Army PEO for XM7 is getting a slew of comments like this as they do initial trials with the system, and the dual charge handle open receiver design isn’t winning over anyone so far. XM7 is a DM Carbine at best, with impressive performance but at a weight/bulk penalty.

[@CH-bn7qb]

What he said ^^^^^

[@ej_22]

​@@LRRPFco52wrong it's going to be given to all fronts line troops

[@philcanny6356]

A point of interest. The AR was also early developed to chamber 7.62. There's and example in Leeds Armoury (well worth a visit). I bet that was a beast.

[@brianives838]

AR 10 as used by Dutch military for several years!

[@PaddyInf]

We already have one in service, the L129A1 sharpshooter rifle.

[@1911GreaterThanALL]

So essentially the Brits are copying the Americans except keeping the 556 and not getting the new 277 Fury.

[@taiven.lechevalier]

The marines are getting massively upgraded across the board, it looks like they are getting kitted out more towards special operations troops than conventional troops now.

[@BullRoarer_]

That’s exactly what’s happening, the Royals are being reshuffled into their original role, coastal raids and such and no doubt taking over some SBS duties.

[@darhammora7867]

It lacks a forward grip, which makes the rifle more stable and easier to handle

[@johnwhite.762]

And I served in the Meat and Veg from 1989 to 1992 a pair of leather personnel carriers and two Mk 1 fists. . we started with the SLR then got the Civil Servant.