What if the M16 never happened? The T44 vs. T48 Edition.

Published on February 19, 2022
Duration: 14:06

This video explores an alternative history where the FN FAL (T48) was adopted by the US military instead of the M16. It details the T44/M14 vs. T48/FAL trials, highlighting controversies and the eventual adoption of the M16. The discussion delves into the post-WWII trends in intermediate cartridges and NATO standardization efforts, ultimately questioning what rifle the US military might be using today if the M16 had never been adopted.

Quick Summary

The T44/M14 and T48/FN FAL were key competitors in US military rifle trials. The T44 evolved into the M14, which had a short service life. The T48, a US version of the FN FAL, was considered superior by some and was part of a broken promise to NATO allies regarding cartridge and rifle standardization.

Chapters

  1. 00:10Introduction: M16 Alternative History
  2. 00:37M16 Adoption and M14 Service
  3. 01:21Post-WWII Infantry Rifle Trends
  4. 02:00NATO Standardization and US Promise
  5. 02:35.308 vs Intermediate Cartridge
  6. 02:46T44/M14 vs T48/FAL Trials
  7. 03:23M14 Arctic Trials Controversy
  8. 04:23M14's Short Service Life
  9. 05:10T48/FAL Features Discussion
  10. 05:23Primary Arms Promotion
  11. 06:10Ammunition & T48 Details
  12. 06:38British Intermediate Cartridge
  13. 07:44US Military Decision Factors
  14. 08:01FN FAL Global Adoption
  15. 08:25T48 Unique Features
  16. 09:25T48 Carry Handle and Open Action
  17. 10:46T48 Trigger Guard and Last Round Hold Open
  18. 11:47Alternative History Question
  19. 12:22Modern Gun School Promotion
  20. 12:49Concluding Thoughts and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main competition in the US military rifle trials that led to the M16?

The primary competition was between the T44, which became the M14, and the T48, a US-manufactured version of the FN FAL. The trials also considered intermediate cartridges versus full-power rounds like the .308 NATO.

Why did the M14 have a short service life?

The M14, adopted in 1959, was the US's shortest-serving infantry rifle, replaced by the M16 in 1965. This was partly due to issues with select-fire control using the full-power .308 cartridge and the subsequent push for lighter, intermediate cartridge rifles.

What was the US promise to NATO regarding rifle adoption?

The US promised NATO allies that if they adopted the .308 (7.62x51 NATO) cartridge, the US would adopt the FN FAL (T48) instead of its own T44 (M14). However, the US later adopted the 5.56 M16, breaking this promise.

What were some notable features of the T48 (FN FAL) trial rifle?

The T48 featured a long flash hider with a bayonet mount, a lightweight barrel, standard FAL gas adjustment, and a unique front sight. It also had a foldable trigger guard for winter gloves and a last-round bolt hold open.

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