This week's
Army Times paper (16 Oct cover date) has an article about a new prototype Special Ops rifle, in production by FN Herstal, that might replace the current M4A1, Mk11, Mk12, and M14 rifles in use now. The SCAR as it's known (
Special ops
Combat
Assault
Rifle) comes in a "Light" and "Heavy" version, chambered in 5.56mm and 7.62mm respectively. The
online version of story also includes a Windows Media video at the bottom of the page, showing test fires, disassembly and the modular 40mm grenade attachment.
* * *
Also in this week's paper was a story about a "
Emergency Survival Kit" from Smith & Wesson for use as the ulimate way to survive a bear attack. The snub nose pistol comes in both .50 cal and .46 cal editions. Yikes! The inclusion of "Bear Attacks of the Century - True Stories of Courage and Survival" book by Larry Mueller and Marguerite Reiss is a nice touch.

(kit includes other basic survival gear: matches, mirror, blankets, etc)