Navy SEAL Mark "Coch" Cochiolo's 5 Worst Weapon Picks

[@Drrolfski]

Having never watched this channel and coming more from a "Forgotten Weapons" perspective, I actually found this an interesting and refreshing watch on the harsh realities of small arms weapons development.

[@tubeguy4066]

That show sucks

[@Stevarooni]

That Breaching Shotgun attachment is hilarious. Everyone wants to limit the number of pieces of gear you carry, but there's a reason plumbers don't have plunger-wrenches.

[@williambrasky3891]

So ya don't clumsily stick that wrong end up your bum(s)?

[@williambrasky3891]

And by your I meant any individual rocking an Ole Ripply; that Plumb diddly dump truck; The Roto Cooter; Bugmän's Best Friënd; a Buminator; Gregory's Crawlspace; A Pipe Dream; a Large Garbage Disposal; or as the kids now know as, Ass.

[@danielbell4007]

I feel like it could be done in a much better way, that isn’t so impeding. Single shot breach loaded system, similar to the 203, but in 12gauge. Could be cool. But yeah. Having a dedicated shotgun somewhere in the team is better than having a Swiss Army knife battle rifle setup.

[@invictusbp1prop143]

What...? I love my plungerwrench. ...and my snakehammer. Never leave home without my trusty knifegun. And the vibratoralarmclock I have my ex for Christmas was always a big hit. The flaskgrenade idea got shutdown, but I still have my beergogglesossignal.

[@CBB-dg9jy]

M26 is trash the "pump" is a shit stick.

[@kermitfrog6350]

Coch, I was working in the Ordnance Dept at WARCOM during the Mk23 development time. The MK23 Offensive Handgun requirement was written and driven by RJ all the way. NSW spent over $3M in development for RJ's ideal hangun design. No one elses' input was even considered. RJ was an imposing speaker and he was able to convince SOCOM to let him lead the MK23 deveopment all the way. I actually authored the SCAR Requirement document with assist from Mark L. Unfortunately, SOCOM had a rep. who drove key SCAR design elements away from the intended end product. E.g., the recip. charge handle. NSW fought, but lost most SCAR design battles in SOCOM. The SCAR Heavy is a decent gun, but I was sad to see us walk away from the SCAR Light. It was the right thing to do, to walk away. The EBR was a Mark L. driven issue as an interim to the SCAR systems. NSWC Crane did the best they could on a limited budget. Gave us options, at least. The OICW was an Army lab dream gun. Engineers sold the idea to the Army while they over-promised a multicaliber weapon with a programmable 20mm round capability. NSW never bought into the OICW at least while I was at WARCOM. On the money throughout. Great synopisis.

[@mattfleming86]

I could listen to Coch talk all day. Extremely experienced, but level headed modest and smart. Thanks. I hope to see more videos with your SME's sitting around talking about whatever they are passionate about. While on surface level this is kind of a "history" video it is also a scathing report on keeping your kit light, your gun from being bulky and unwieldy, and trying to get one tool to do too many things. Great lesson man.

[@boomanh63]

I worked at Insight prior to L3 taking it over, during the XM8 program. It wasn't a complete failure IMO. Yes, it had its issues, heat being the main one. The barrel life was fantastic. It ran very clean, I had one up to 12,000 rounds without cleaning and minimal lubrication, and the only reason I cleaned it was because I felt guilty. Even then it wasn't all that dirty. The eggheads at H&K didn't want to hear about some very basic issues I was noticing and I was just testing in a purely laboratory environment. Simply things like gas rings. They said they never wore out and I had a weapon that just wasn't "breathing" right. They sent an egghead in, he changed out every damn thing BUT the gas rings and it just wouldn't run. After a stupid amount of hours at this I finally had enough and said can we just try a new set of rings? Well guess what, the damn thing ran! I was not sorry when they finally pulled the plug on that program. If H&K had listened to those who were actually doing the "beat the crap out it" testing they may have actually had a chance, MAYBE!

[@otanguma]

no, the XM8 needed to die.

[@onpsxmember]

Absolute normal H&K behaviour. Sadly widely spread in certain parts of the german industry.

[@tylertass9983]

I loved the look of the XM8

[@kylecole7068]

Imagine the comfort provided by a successfully engineered sub-6 pound rifle though. Really, it's the only one on this list I wish had worked out. Most rifles clock in around 7.5-9 pounds, and this loaded with a magazine could've been the same as an empty rifle's weight.

[@lunchbox1553]

@@onpsxmember The downside of German Engineering is the superiority complex

[@jonmagnus3510]

This was a fun departure from the normal. I wouldn’t mind a few more sit downs in between the training advice and drills. Thanks for taking the time sir. 🇺🇸

[@andrewgould8924]

I would absolutely enjoy hearing more of this man's experiences and insight. Especially more of the weapons testing and procurement aspect.

[@seanlowry7848]

I remember when I saw the selection for the Land warrior program. With the weapon and the whole heads up display and the on-board computer backpack. It was enormous. As an infantryman. I was so glad that went no where.

[@Shawn_the_Protogen]

Gun designers need to remember KISS sometimes. The XM8 always seemed like a cocaine idea made by someone who now works for Kel-Tec.

[@thrust_vectoring_spitfire]

Didn't they just copypaste the G36 platform for the XM8? Not trying to be a contrarian, but I thought that's what it was.

[@CombatVictory]

@@thrust_vectoring_spitfire they took the internals of the g36 and went to Audi for the exterior design

[@silentdogfart4892]

Perfect analogy

[@seventy2south886]

Have another drink and tell us more lol. Absolutely love listening to this man.He has a world of experience and knowledge and I respect his straight forward honesty

[@philippejoyal8065]

Oh man! I used to be a weapon tech in the late 90's and early 2000...All those awesome sci-fi weapons were all we talked about! Thanks for sharing the field experience. Great format.

[@mikedrop4421]

This guy is a great storyteller. Really enjoyed this and not just because it was in that irresistible top 5 countdown list format which as we know has been scientifically proven to scratch every itch, smooth every ruffled feather and warm every heart.

[@vapertainment5313]

The X-M8 was requested to look like it came from starship troopers. And that was its greatest success.

[@ohanailo7743]

Good presentation. When the Movie: “Aliens II, came out in the 1980’s” the one thing every body in my company wanted was the pistol gripped shotgun. Just like the one, the, “Colonial Marine” had used in the action scene to blow the Alien away. It appeared to be an old fashion “Ithaca 12 gauge deer slayer model.” One of my fellow Marines I served with, had gotten the synthetic stock Mossberg-590 model when they first came out and then added the pistol grip. He kept it in the company’s armory. He carried it when we would go out to the field and train. It was a reliable fill in, as a second chancer. It was fun to shoot in the field. I got mine sometime later. Semper Fi and Aloha. 🌺🌸🌴❤️🇺🇸

[@Blodhelm]

Hicks kept it around "for close encounters."

[@ohanailo7743]

@@Blodhelm That’s right.

[@tauruslove86]

I made a Pulse Rifle and am working on a real Smartgun at the moment.

[@taylorbennion3706]

Because of that movie I really want a M37 I just haven't been able to track down an old model though ineffective it's all about being able to slam fire that thing

[@herbderbler1585]

I absolutely detest the stockless pistol grip. It definitely falls in the "because Hollywood" category. Without a stock I guess you're supposed to shoot from the hip, but a pistol grip is ergonomically trash when held anywhere lower than chest height. If that's your thing, it's for the better that the birdhead grip has become the standard with stockless "firearms" like the Mossberg Shockwave as they're infinitely more comfortable for hip fire. They're both kinda silly if you want to hold them out front and risk punching yourself in the face trying to use the sights, but at least the birdhead grip has the added benefit of helping to create the 26" overall length that keeps them from being classified as SBS.

[@bryancombs9575]

Thanks Choch! I enjoy listening to you bash the terrible choices made by the government and manufacturers.

[@elbryan9]

My local gunshop had an H&K MK23 and yeah, that thing was huge! Though, it did surprise me just how lightweight the thing was. Granted, this was with an empty magazine and no other attatchments like a can or laser or anything. It's a pretty cool pistol, but I don't know if it's $2,300 cool...

[@anusrepairman]

If ur lucky u can find them for like maybe 800-1100. Altho idk exactly what the current proces are with everything being inflated

[@chaskaabraxas5314]

$800-$1100 ? No way! That price was long gone ! Back in the 80’s thats their price range 🤑🤑

[@gunsmithgeoff8218]

Yeah no way $1100. I found a used one in 2011 for $1400 but good luck doing that today.

[@DowntownDeuce2]

@@chaskaabraxas5314 The Mk23 didn't exist in the 80's, so you weren't likely to find one for sale at that price, or any other price, back then. The earliest production date code is KG, indicative of 1996 manufacture.

[@DowntownDeuce2]

@@anusrepairman No, son, they didn't. You find a single Mk23 auction that closed in that price range in the last 20 years, and I'll give you mine. Even the USP Tactical sold for more than that

[@protodevilin]

"It was the 80's. You had to be there, right?" Most accurate description of the decade.

[@believethehype8936]

Great videi! I can sit around a campfire and listen to Cochs stories!

[@lucion511]

Mk23 Mod0 has such a fascinating purpose. Yes, too big and bulky. Hk did a great job making an all purpose offensive Commando pistol. All the points that were said are undeniable. Pretty cool that Snipers would get some use out of it. Or Helicopter pilots and SWCC boatsmen, but now it makes sense to adopt the Mp7A2 instead for those. Same size but better in every way.

[@col.strayga1389]

Sentry removal and PDWs have different requirements. Some aspects may overlap but they are not the same.

[@ivankrylov6270]

Angry .17 hmr? Doesn't work suprrssed

[@dennisjaros3345]

Yeah you had to be Arnold to carry them Hk 45 back in the day

[@AFreeThinkingDawg09]

MK23 is beyond massive when you actually pick it up. I bought it bc of my favorite childhood game, Metal Gear Solid. The HK45CT is essentially a miniature version and shoots wonderfully!

[@blacklabelholsters1635]

@@AFreeThinkingDawg09 I've seen a few and shot one, with a bipod attached as a joke. Once you pick one up, you realize the bipod might not actually be a joke, haha!

[@HarborSite-7]

I really liked this particular video. It was done by a guy who obviously knows the technical aspects with some personal experiences included. It always helps if the info is coming from someone who was involved in the subject he is speaking about. Mark gives off the vibe of a regular guy who also possesses the knowledge of someone who was a part of SOCOM as an operator and a weapons development guy. Great job Mark and thank you for your service. Have a great Memorial Day weekend! 🙏🇺🇸

[@Goldenwithaleash]

The MK23 is such an iconic pistol of my youth. As impractical as it is, I still kinda want one.

[@bsmithhammer]

This, in a nutshell, accounts for a large part of HK's continued success in the year 2022.

[@TheRustedShackleford]

SNAAAAAAAAKE!

[@rwdplz1]

"Too heavy" "Too heavy" "Too heavy" ... "Went WAY overboard with the light[ness]" Engineer: **pounding head against wall**

[@flattire4243]

😂

[@galm14ever]

Soldiers just want a gun that carries and shoots itself, so they can eat pop tarts and flip through hustler armed with their trusty flesh light while they “fight”.

[@USAFraimius]

A six pound rifle in 5.56....where have I heard that...? That's right! It's been in the inventory since Vietnam.

[@terrysnyder3599]

@@USAFraimius Because of Politics!

[@JebHoge]

If I recall, HK went light to the point that their poly-bodied gun couldn't handle the heat.

[@andrewsteele7663]

Thanks Coch, you bring back so many memoires, I joined the green machine when we had the SLR & FI sub machine gun, and if we were really unlucky you may have got issued the Browning pistol. I left when the Steyr AUG was being issued, and we all thought we had been ripped off. It was cheap, plastic and broke a lot. But lets not get in the way of a bad idea that has had millions spent on it. Lets spend more, and I am advised by young soldiers now that its brilliant. But its hard to make a comparison when you were born after the gun was initially issued. Cheers love your work, I still carry a knife in case someone shows up with cake.

[@mjolnirdynamics8789]

Great insight into just how poorly organized and chaotic the world of military procurement is for the uninitiated. It's come a long way to be sure but at the end of the day, those in the political class (0-7s included) who stand to gain financially still weigh in too heavily.

[@slappy8941]

And the guys in the shit don't get to have a say in the matter.

[@katiebarber407]

it's almost like the military and our government is owned by the rich and serves their interests

[@Whitedennisrodman]

I do get what you’re saying but there’s a reason why military procurement is so expensive and unwieldy; it’s the amount of paperwork and accountability attached to the spending, more so than a lot of other functions of government, so it’s really hard to change course once you’re pot committed.

[@dustanreichard72]

The one thing I can say about the mk23 aka German eagle...lol...it was designed to be used as a primary weapon in cgb ...

[@shorty7943]

Its a beast!

[@CSdjcdog]

I still would love to get me hands on one again,I shot one in 1990 at Camp Pendelton.

[@thh4584]

Makes for a good clubbing tool too

[@eddietat95]

@@CSdjcdog First solicitation was made in 1991. First few prototypes were made in 1992. First production batch was 1996. You may be thinking of the similar-in-concept H&K P9S that the Navy bought for NSW in the mid-1980s.

[@eddietat95]

It was only a primary "offensive" weapon in name and concept. The two places where it was even remotely useful as a "primary" was room clearing for snipers (as Coch mentioned) and apparently SWCC and combat diver ops in salt water - these guys have been photographed with MK23s in the early-2000s. Otherwise, as another SEAL on the channel (Dorr) mentioned, the preference was the MP5s (in N, K-N, and SD-N flavors) in all of the "offensive" roles the MK23 was supposed to fill. Former Delta Force member Larry Vickers mentioned in an interview with Ken Hackathorn that both the MK23 and it's replacement, their MK24 (HK45), were also ideal for snipers protecting their hide site.

[@josholdham1033]

I loved this content. It’s like Larry Vickers weapons history breakdowns from Delta, only now it’s from the Navy side. More like this please! It’s such a unique perspective hearing it from a guy who was involved with the T&E processes.

[@TombstoneThe]

the Mark 23 is one of my favourite guns conceptually because it's essentially a pistol designed to be a primary weapon, but that also seems to be why it was an overall failure from the accounts of servicemen who were using it. the use case of a sniper using it as a PDW for clearing buildings is a cool use case, but PDWs have come so far that I imagine anyone who was already committing to using a pistol with such a large profile and weight would be better served these days by a modern solution (something like an MP7).

[@aksel487]

The thing is, it does nothing better than the USP but is fn huge

[@The_Conspiracy_Analyst]

@@aksel487 MK23 can chamber .45 Super safely, USP cannot.

[@eddietat95]

Even before the MK23 was conceptualized, SOCOM units used the MP5, MP5K, and MP5SD to do all of the "offensive" roles the MK23 was supposed to do.

[@TehSt1ng]

Something tells me that the majority of the problems with the "lightweight" plasticky xm8 was its frangibility. Back in the days in IDF we had problems with plasticky tavors. The original design supposed to be lighter then ar-15's, but the early prototypes/versions where very fragile, and they got damaged or broken, by simply being dropped on the ground by soldiers in bootcamp. So they reinforced it - made it much more reliable, but way more heavier then expected.

[@AFreeThinkingDawg09]

Yeh the realized quick with polymer that you need steel reinforcement. Now it’s in all of the polymer guns, especially HK since they kinda started it

[@AKprime051]

The hand guard heating up was the primary issue from what I’ve heard.

[@nataliedeyton6829]

This is such a great video... it’s like a actual history lesson without all the BS

[@blacklabelholsters1635]

I could not agree more! Just the facts, please!

[@Ideo7Z]

Everything on this list have one thing in common, they were all 1st gen tech. New untried technologies are always gonna be big, bulky and cumbersome until experience and further refinements actually make something practical. Guys like him and other operators were akin to test pilots like Chuck Yeager in the 40s and 50s flying experimental planes to get what was needed out of them so F15s and F16s could exist.

[@Valorius]

How is a mk23 first gen tech?

[@MyLonewolf25]

@@Valorius the usp

[@Ideo7Z]

@@Valorius What pistol had an integrated frame rail and a threaded barrel standard before it? Who was making single unit light/laser modules for a pistol before this? HK took what they learned and scaled it down to the more practical USP. Now everybody and their brother makes pistols with frame rails and a threaded barrel as an option. Insight, Surefire, Streamlight and others now make light/laser combos that can fit on pistols the size of a Sig 365.

[@OmegaBahn]

I'd say keep both formats. Make it so that we wouldn't know what to expect. I like this chill talk. That XM8 fish with the optic was a killer... 😆

[@Sarge-xg6kx]

About time someone with knowledge and experience with the right attitude, from the SEAL community did an outstanding presentation. I enjoyed this man’s attitude and vid. The money wasted on weapon/special systems is Hugh in SOF. I spent a lot of time moving the community in and out of conflict zones and the new items that came thru was amazing high speed stuff. This new format of presentation is fantastic. Would like to see it spread to other individual gear such as webbing, head protective, etc. Basically, what works and what does not in this same format. I enjoyed this-sweat and to the point. Thanks

[@feppur]

Pure gold these first hand experiences!

[@comfortablynumb9342]

The South African cops have a little 12 guage they call "stompie" with about a 10" tube. They use it for doors or other close "obstacles". The SWAT type cop I saw in a video showed his and said he carried it often.

[@magusscorpiones9276]

This video is particularly interesting to me because I worked on a build team for Knight's Armament for 5 years. We came to the exact same conclusions on the MK23. (although as a range only gun, it's really fun) I wish I could talk about some of the worst ideas that never made it past the initial design phase, but NDAs are still in effect. I can say there's a ton of stuff people have come up with that looks awesome on paper, but is a real stinker once you start putting it together.

[@ReticentIndignation]

Mark, you're like the uncle I never had but always wished I did. I love watching your videos, always keep me interested. Much appreciated! Thank you.

[@hazehendrix7133]

This was a really enjoyable. Love hearing the history from someone who was there and saw it all! Thanks

[@prdubi]

If this was a pilot episode, please green light it for a full season. This guy is awesome.

[@bronzeandsteel3344]

Really interesting take on the mk23 mod 0. I always thought it was just the bees knees of pistols, but I guess that just goes to show that companies really need to stick guns in soldiers hands and get feedback BEFORE putting it in mass production.

[@bodyluge8994]

I really enjoy listening to you talk. you are very clear and knowledgeable about the equipment. I was in the army, I love firearms, I learned a lot from this video.

[@java9090]

I'd be interested to hear your opinion on the sig spear and if you think it makes sense as an m4 replacement.

[@Valorius]

I am by no means an ex seal, but I am former infantry, and I think the M5 as a general infantry issue weapon is the dumbest thing the US Army has ever done.

[@Scott-qq9jd]

The XM5 is about the same weight in planned configuration as the Mk14 EBR.

[@MrAdamdot]

This was my first visit to this channel and I must say I’m impressed, this man doesn’t talk like a tosser, and he’s not a health fanatic, just a good story well told by a man with a thousand yard stare 🙏🏻🤙🏼💥

[@fudgerounds91]

I would love to hear his takes on the XM5 that the government recently adopted.

[@AV5Z4]

Excellent delivery. Not smug, or overly dramatic. Explained in a superb fashion. Like listening to your favorite professor or a great podcast.

[@craigthescott5074]

Yea I own a HK mark 23. It’s very big but never had any reliability problems with the suppressor on or without. It almost needs a stock and fore-grip though. Love your content I just subscribed.

[@jimpalmer4061]

A real guy with real context and content - MUCH APPRECIATED!

[@derpenstein713]

When you were talking about the EBR, I really started thinking of the M5 and IMHO it seems like the same mistake is being made all over again. I haven't put my hands on one yet but it's only a pound less than the M1 and that's with modern materials and a slightly smaller cartridge...

[@hiddendragon415]

Yep when even the tough, strong Specops guys value lightness and compactness it's a concern. Also the weight balance is very forward making it more cumbersome. Possibly a bullpup would have been better.

[@josedorsaith5261]

@@hiddendragon415 Bullpups just bring a new host of issues with them. A lot of them are training issues, but issues nonetheless

[@finaljustice3848]

This is a great format for the channel. I always thought Coch made a great coach and instructor for breaking down tactics and mindset but he's also great for explaining the ideas and intentions with events in the military. Hopefully more of this.

[@Sigrafix]

A common theme seems to be: "Too big, too heavy, slowed you down.." Lol. I'm just a civilian who is a 2nd amendment advocate.. Everytime I see a guy with a tricked out AR 15 with infrared lasers, lights, foregrips, scope, canted red dot, backup flip up sights, tourniquet, battery compartment, large adjustable stock, extended mag etc etc.. I always ask myself, what's the point of all that crap besides making your gun stupid heavy? Lol.. I have 2 AR's, a 16'' with a foregrip, light and a lvpo and 10.5'' with a small handgun laser/light combo with a red dot.. that's it.

[@Catgat37]

Maybe they just want it for fun? Weight is really only a concern for civilians if shtf and you gotta ruck it. If that ever happens, I can't take all my firearms with me anyways.

[@arrowhead5217]

As a civilian, I have night vision, so a laser/illuminator is a must in my opinion. The attachments I choose for a rifle depend on the use case.

[@joecrail7596]

I like how you mentioned the subsonic of the 45 and a lot of people don't know that you can hear unsuppressed 45 go off from about a block away it's a pretty loud handgun so suppressing it did make sense!

[@m1a1abrams3]

any vid with marcus coachyolo is automatically twice more hilarious

[@RobertSmith-me3gs]

I haven't seen the old format yet, but I was today years old when I realized how much I needed military weapons history in my life.

[@ThatWilsonGuyvids]

This got me thinking about a laser "sight" for the m203 a few of us got issued to try out in 06'. I googled but couldn't find anything but the PSQ-18 which is different from what I remember. This one had 4-6 LEDs that would help you obtain the correct angle to hit a lased range you got be pointing it direct fire. It was heavy, limited use and ended up in the bottom of a conex.

[@Valorius]

@@literallynobody1515 06 is not exactly a bygone era.

[@Nylonscheme]

@@Valorius 16 years ago.

[@joeh4295]

Had one chance to fire the SCAR 7.62 when I did a site visit to the ST unit at McCord. The CCT guys were awesome teaching this regular medic how to handle it properly and effectively. I was surprised how smooth that SCAR was.

[@sharting.zogbot1229]

Coch seems like a good dude. I wish him well

[@searcherT]

Mark, listened to your words, you seem like a genuine decent human being, I am definitely subscribing. Would like to hear more about what you think of the gun situation. A new fan.

[@NoHomo1776]

Awesome video! Very interesting, thanks for making it.

[@Rose.Of.Hizaki]

that XM-29 looks suspiciously like the prop they used in robocop that fired lazers at things to make them explode.

[@KatanaKamisama]

I, in my ignorance, was surprised when he said EBR. Having no firearms experience apart from the virtual, I was slightly taken aback that the EBR which I really enjoyed using in games was considered a failure. I guess that's a testament to the difference between games and the real thing...

[@24YOA]

You can't feel weight in videogames and almost every weapon is pinpoint accurate. EBR IRL was a heavy MFer and the chassis used relic M14s that randomly chosen and not necessarily accurate.

[@ryanvargas4889]

That gun was the reason I bought my M1A. I picked up the Springfield SOCOM2, the 16” version and was planning on getting the sage stock for it but never did. I cringe @ the name because the gun was never used by SOCOM and was just marketing. It has a ridiculous full length VLTOR cluster rail on it and is heavy as shit but as a collector I had to have it for some reason.

[@joshuagibson2520]

Put down the controller and get out on the range once in a while.

[@jimclayron417]

Durrr

[@AKprime051]

If I remember right, the XM eight was designed from the outside in, they had some European car designers come in to design the shape, and then fit some altered G36 Internal‘s.

[@DIYDad1]

The common theme here seems to be keep it simple, keep it light. so many cool guns from HK on this list lol as an HK fan I gotta agree though some of those crack pot ideas, while really cool in theory just didn’t work out because they were just seriously over engineered. Sometimes simplicity wins. That XM8 though. Cool looking space gat.

[@joejones3885]

Thank you sir!! Just wanted to say thank for your service.. I do like the new format. and I really like the talk about before gwot can't wait for the next video. Stay safe and enjoy life 😉🇺🇸💯

[@thaedleinad]

Just a small and respectful correction: the XM8 is based on the G36 and not the G3.

[@tacticalhyvecadre1049]

Yes. He miss spoke. Thx for posting

[@spacecoyote6646]

What is an S-Video is some really good info. What isn't in this video is a coherent well-written presentation

[@ffostraining219]

Awesome, thanks for sharing your story. Honestly, was your time in the procurement job as cool as it sounds?

[@guidedbycory]

These videos should be a series "Whisky Time" with Coch! Tac Hyve's take on Tea Time chats!

[@GeorgeCowsert]

I honestly think the FN SCAR is a massive waste of the Army's time and money. Eugene Stoner spent a lot of time designing the AR-10, making it as optimized for 308 as possible, and then is forced to downsize it to a brand new caliber while the military gives 308 to the M14. And when the SCAR program started, nobody bothered considering the AR-10 despite it being lighter than most of the options with far better recoil. On top of that, FN over charges for one of the most piss-poor excuses for firearms engineering I've ever seen. Instead of having the charging handle be an AK style to save time and cost for machining, they put it up top to make it "ambidextrous" when they could get that same result with a removable charging handle and a plastic cover for whatever side you're not using. They use a stupid hybrid of long-stroke and short-stroke piston that has neither of the benefits. The barrel is a pain in the ass to remove and isn't accurate due to the piss-poor barrel harmonics. And it's too damn heavy even in the 308 variants. While I think the MCX platform is so much better for 5.56, I'm glad it won the NGSW program so people can stop giving the fucking SCAR all of this undeserved attention and money.

[@WalterPidgeonsForge]

Wisdom! ^^^… but besides their 17 and 20.. the short FNH stuff works. But they don’t feet like “quality” firearms( as you pointed out)

[@aniquinstark4347]

The SCAR is expensive and stupid for the sake of being expensive and stupid.

[@Sophistry0001]

Is the harmonics the reason why the SCAR is known to chew up optics? Or is that due to something else like a weird recoil impulse?

[@JoeZelensky]

And the MCX is still a turd and the XM5 is going to be a huge failure.

[@MitchJohnson0110]

I never understood why they went with the M14 instead of just using an AR10

[@redscyte1340]

Love your details! I hate when people make revoews and they just say “it sucks bc its bad” but offers no detials, like weigh is bad, performs like crap, etc. As a medic i didnt get insight into the weapons so im a brainlet when it comes to the platforms and brands, but you def gave legit insight its real flaws. I like it.

[@wykittypreps5794]

Loved the new format...of course I wouldn't want it to replace the range time...but interesting for us knuckle heads who love hearing history of frogmen. Maybe a video story on those cool ⚓tats. What's that your drinking? looks tasty. Does it have bcaa's hahaha

[@TheDabernet]

FWIU discreet tatting was the regs bitd with some of the reasoning; of being on covert recon full arm sleeves are a giveaway that you're an American. The REAL Meat Eaters are discreet fellows, not peacocks.

[@wykittypreps5794]

@@TheDabernet That makes sense. Thanks.

[@wykittypreps5794]

@Mark Cochiolo Haha 12 years old? Gotta be tasty. I want to thank you for your service early this Memorial day.. an the awesome videos on the Tactical hive.. keep up the good fight.

[@nigeldean3726]

As much as I love listening to reviews from guntubers its always refreshing listening to actual operators talk about why things failed

[@anthonyperez5757]

I like that this guy has ZERO posturing. Just a guy who knows a lot about weapons and their procurement.

[@firefuzz1]

Great video. A guy I worked with on a small PD in the early 80's, like you said...you had to be there, actually built up a SP1 AR and a 18" 870 combo with a mount he found either in SOF mag or Shotgun News. He lugged it around for a couple of weeks until the chief made him go to the range and qualify with it. He couldn't qualify on our standard course with either the top or the bottom so he took it apart. Also liked the comments on M14/M1A's with a chassis system...way to heavy. I reversed the front sling mount and attached a rail to the bottom of a standard SA Scout Sniper fiberglass stock and it works great and is much lighter.

[@dustanreichard72]

I do have the mk23 but only as a collection peace

[@morganml3983]

Lot of history in this video... awesome stuff and yes I bought the Mark 23✊🏾

[@stevenicholas5651]

Coach I would love to hear your opinion about the Army's new service round, the .277 fury. This round was adopted in combination with Sig's SPEAR rifle as part of the NGSW weapons program.

[@AFreeThinkingDawg09]

It’s also 13+ lbs with all the necessities. Increased the stand-off distance with the new smart digital optical system but greatly increased the weight too

[@mondaysinsanity8193]

​@@AFreeThinkingDawg09 google says 8.30. 9.7 loaded? its less than 14 inches long. even woth supressor its a little over 10

[@DoingTheBestICan]

@@mondaysinsanity8193 ~9.8 lbs loaded + 1.46 lbs suppressor = 11.26 lbs, not including the Vortex fire control system. That's at least another 2-3 pounds, given the ruggedized cantilever mount, integrated LRF/laser/atmospheric sensor, and 1-8 LPVO (which will likely weigh over a pound as is, as evidenced by similar Vortex LPVOs). Overall we're looking at a possibly 14 lb standard infantry weapon.

[@7curiogeo]

This was very cool to watch and learn from. I gotta say like how you keep it straight forward and simple, no BS. Definetly a get it done guy. Thank you for your time showing and teaching us, real things that are proven and work, helping us figure it out with real life guidance and direction.

[@dtna]

Love hearing your stories and experiences in Spec Ops. Were you in the jungle south of the border in the '90s?

[@deejayimm]

Hello from dangerously close to NSWC Crane. It's both awesome and bewildering that they picked this area to do the things they do. Kinda wish I was in on it....

[@JG54206]

As someone who has extensive video game experience and window shopping with HK USP pistols and the Mk.23, I’m convinced that HK only said they were for service as an excuse. They knew how badly kids would want it.

[@Mithradates_of_Los_Angeles]

Smh🤦‍♂️

[@Seasniffer69]

I could have swore you can get a seal edition SIG p226 with the locking slide in the civ market. I 100% believe I came across one for sale for 1400 bucks 6 years ago

[@ramhammer10-4]

Right on dude, you have a great communication style. I felt you broke down the reasons for your dismay towards the weapons very accurately. I will be looking forward to more content from you.

[@commander31able60]

if an ex-Navy SEAL runs an Olight on their carbine, then I feel validated and the Olight haters can cope and seethe. edit: is that a WWSD-like carbine?

[@oregonian3238]

I don't know about the rest of you, but guys like this and his compatriots that are still serving make me very proud and help keep my faith in our country alive. God Bless them.

[@t.m.h.7962]

What happened to the M79 grenade launcher? Or the 63A Stoner? I used a plain wood stocked M14 w/selector for full auto. This was Vietnam 67/68 , I wanted a round that had range, accuracy and knockdown. I wish I had that aluminum stock 14. Sounds like a fungun. I never had any stock warpage, keep it dry, no problem. I also carried a 1911 (45). I took my .45 home, I wanted to take my M14, but that would have been hard to explain. Loesing/ destroyed (due to enemy action). That would have had a plan setup, far in advance to pull something like that.. Oh by the way I was navy also. But for that deployment I was attached to Hqbn 3Rd Mardiv spec unit 2. Kinda nice being on loan, we could get by with more sh it that way. Speaking of bringing that 14 home, I bough an M1A later . Along with a pile of other play toys. Anyway nice listening to ya.

[@j.murphy4884]

SOCOM still use old M79s with the stock and most of the barrel chopped off and a red dot attached as a compact nade launching solution. The Stoner was rejected by Army SF in 1970 for being complex and finicky to keep running, Cadillac Gage then stopped producing them but the SEALS held onto theirs till the early 80s when the FN SAW was adopted.

[@jimclayron417]

63A stoner…. Get a KAC SR-15 or better a lamg

[@Jordan-ce7sf]

Great video as always. I own a HK Mark 23 as well as the KAC suppressor. Practical? Maybe not, but damn cool.

[@armadilloeggs231]

The xm8 was not a “G3 setup.” It was a short stroke piston G36 in a different piece of plastic. If you want to go back further it’s an AR180. The G3 was not a gas piston gun.

[@texasPITBULL54]

Thank you yes roller delayed not a gas gun

[@josephclay7499]

I remember when we got the EBR at the unit level. They looked awsome! But when we deployed with them weight was really a big issue there as well. I did everything I could to drop weight including switching the mark 4 that came with them to a lpvo. But also too the rails system made it cumbersome too. By the time our unit rotation ended we switched back to the m-4's with enhanced uppers and put the lpvo's on those.

[@perlenbacher6788]

What about the Hk416? A solution to a problem back when DI ARs where trash with shorter barrel? Ive read that NSW know run the Noveske DI guns. Any info on that?

[@slappy8941]

Where and were are different words with different meanings, genius.

[@AltronT]

A video like this on just optics would be awesome.

[@echo_research_and_development]

I thought M203 / Carbine combination was a bad idea. Neither good as a carbine nor good of a grenade launcher. I thought I was a very small minority on that view. At about the end of 2004 the Army supplied a laser range finding sight for M203 that bloats the M203/M4 to look like some sort of oversized SciFi movie prop. I still suspect there was some fraud involved, since had the army consulted soldiers who used M203 before buying it, I cannot imagine any of them having anything good to say about it.

[@pnastysavage5510]

I remember seeing those stashed in the arms room, they exsisted to piss my armorer off just like the bradley port firing thing's that were forbidden to be named !!!!

[@ChevTecGroup]

I have a psq-18A for my grenade launchers. Wanted to be able to shoot them with NV. It's been sitting on a shelf for quite a while

[@DdddyBgggggggs]

I love this"inside baseball" vibe, subscription activated

[@pyeitme508]

Oof 😅 the FN 40mm grenade launcher too?

[@craykard8325]

Glad to hear these nuggets. I remember the M320 - carried in Afghanistan and did so stand alone. Loved it I remember when we received the M14 EBR before we deployed. Hated that hard to get screw near the grip and stock that would always wiggle loose.

[@SuperDeinVadda]

Hey, not sure if this is still relevant, but there is stuff like threadlocker (loctite) which prevents bolt from rattling loose. In the field you could substitute it with nail polish or any type of lacquer/ paint really. Just dip the tip of the screw in it prior to installation. Works like a charm and will still break loose with enough determination.

[@thomas_jay]

Of course, the XM8 lead straight to the G36 which in turn made its way to the HK 416.

[@texasPITBULL54]

The g36 came first my friend which is a derivative of the ar18 or ar180 in the civilian world. And the xm8 had great ideas that we see now on modern firearms but like dual optics they just were not that good at the time. Plus the main flaw to the xm8 was that they wanted a saw version and they would melt handguards due to the polymer construction. Plus the gun didn’t have a bolt release like the ar15 which people are used to and leads a lot of people and even operators to not like those guns. There is way more history to why the xm8 failed and it wasn’t because it was a bad gun it was just never going to be better enough than the m16/m4 to be adopted.

[@menayazzie7765]

Great video. He seem like he was just hanging out in our backyard just chilling and telling stories.

[@gaigejones3947]

This was super fun. You should do 5 guns that you liked using in the teams! Keep up the videos stay safe boss!

[@bryanwhisler4193]

I owned an H&K Mark 23...... I used to carry it back in the day when I was a gun noob. The only thing I found that really worked for it was a race holster so I would open carry my Mark 23 in a race holster 😆 ....in VA you can open carry anywhere without a permit...so funny to think about now. I trained jiu jitsu with a Navy SEAL who said he hated that gun and everybody hated that gun. This video brings back memories. I sold the gun 20 years ago because I needed money. Wish I had kept it. They are collectible now.

[@marktarascio4766]

This guy seems to be real honest and thorough I would love to hear his take on the new M5 specially about being heavy

[@petemcphee2]

Fascinating. I thought I was familiar with all those weapons and their development history, but that has just lifted the lid on a lot of them.

[@billyaitken7461]

OICW …….Starship Troopers 😬!?! I loved the remark about a camel being a horse designed by a committee 😊👍

[@brianhager1838]

I love how practical this is, a worst weapon is a heavy weapon