Shijima Kuraimaru wrote:True Adamance wrote:Logically speaking if one kind of main combat rifle, which also logically would be designed to be durable, adaptable, and modifiable, is not prevalent in a nations armed forces another equally appropriate rifle will find its way into circulation.
I can't in good conscience argue against the modern assault rifle being the prevalent weapon because it simply is the best option and if there wasn't one in my army.....I would push for one.
Here you're confusing best with cheapest. Assault/combat rifles are prevalent in the world's armed forces because they are the cheapest mass produced weapon with the necessary performance. If small man portable FFAR rocket pods were cheapest to effectively field en mass, they'd most likely be the main weapon carried by troops instead.
So
when it comes to equipping military forces, it's always at the lowest most cost efficient levels.
So once again, don't confuse best with cheapest.
Respectfully - you are quite incorrect.
The modern battle rifles (and military systems period) that populate most of the higher technology enabled militaries use the "Best Value" model. Basically, it prevents the lowest bidder from securing the contract and delivering bare bones capability at the cost of effectiveness and sustainment of the equipment. The Best Value system essentially means you litterally are willng to pay more for more preformance and you have certain minimum preformance thresholds that all offered weapons MUST adhere to. The value add part comes in when the weapons exceed the minimum thresholds or provide options and capabilities beyond the basic requirements.
For example, with the current HK416 that we use or the M4 series the base rifle doesn't cost as much as the attachements and equipment that come with your kit. The rifle itself is a quality platform but the modularity and breadth of configuring options is what makes it a valued tool.
Also, the big difference in the comparision to New Eden and todays weapons is the simple fact that there are no technologically viable alternatives for rifle sized weapon systems other than the standared enclosed cartridge gunpowder propelled projectile. The point of racial tech trees is that the four major races had divergent and distinct tech innovations that govern everything from ship design and function all the way down to individual Soldier level technology (suits, modules, weapons) and ground tactics built arournd or at least enabled by their proprietary tech.