Thread: New Defence Force rifles need firing pins replaced

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/a...ectid=12128131

Every single firing pin in the NZ Defence Force's 9040 new infantry rifles has been replaced after a number of the rifles broke when the weapon was brought into service.

The firing pin is a critical part of any firearm - without one it won't work.

The rifles were part of a $59 million deal to provide military personnel with state-of-the-art weapons.

The MARS-L rifle was brought to replace the Steyr rifle, which had been the general infantry weapon since 1988.

The new weapon is based on the M-16/AR-15 type weapon and was intended to double the range effectiveness of those firing it out to 600 metres.

The first shipment of the 9040 rifles bought from United States manufacturer Lewis Machine and Tools arrived in May last year.

They have been gradually rolled out since, being introduced as military personnel trained with the new weapon during which time issues with the firing pin emerged.

Then other issues cropped up with about 130 rifles showing cracks around the mechanism which houses the bolt allowing the weapon to be fire.

NZDF confirmed: "Identified issues were the firing pins, trigger mechanisms and cracked bolt carriers.

"During introduction into service training a number of firing pins suffered breakages and to ensure all rifles are now at the highest standard, LMT has replaced all firing pins under warranty."

The replaced firing pins were now at a standard "higher than that of the US Military Standard". As it was done under warranty, there was no cost to the taxpayer.

The $59m deal with Lewis Machine and Tools included the rifles, sights, support weapons and training equipment.

The NZDF order was the largest ever to be filled by Lewis Machine and Tools and came after it bought specialist marksman rifles from the weapons manufacturer.

The firing pin breakages appeared linked to variations in strength across the entire shipment of rifles.

The NZDF statement said: "Root cause testing found some variations in the hardness of the metal firing pins and a new inspection procedure was developed and tested which gave the NZDF a higher assurance that the pins were heat treated evenly."

The firing pin issue, and a number of other issues identified as the rifle was introduced, have not cooled enthusiasm for the weapon.

Commanders and soldiers have offered rave reviews in a recent copy of Army News.

These views were endorsed by Defence minister Ron Mark, who told the Herald the Mars-L was a "vast improvement" on the Steyr.

"I've taken a close look at the Mars-L and also spoken to soldiers who are impressed with the new weapon, which to me is the best sign the project team got it right.

"The previous Government made the right call buying it, so credit where credit is due.

He said "minor issues" with its introduction were covered by warranty and the manufacturer had been "incredibly responsive and proactive in fixing the issues".

Private sector gun expert, Gun City owner David Tipple, said firing pin issues were not uncommon but a variation in the pin across the batch due to manufacturer was "not good".

He praised the rifle and the willingness of NZDF to buy it for their troops when other militaries had settled for the same style but lower quality.

"That rifle New Zealand Army bought was the Rolls Royce. I am so pleased that we made such an intelligent decision."

He said Lewis Machine and Tools was known as a quality manufacturer.

"They're a good company and its a beautiful rifle."

NZDF recently devoted two pages of Army News to highlight the new rifle.

Great to see the Army are happy with their new toys. So often we seem to have ended up with lemons. I'm genuinely pleased for them.

Seems odd to me in this world of technology and daily advancement that we now have some flash new version of an AR-15... a design that dates back about 50 years. On the plus side, if the Army ever runs out of bits they'll be able to buy plenty of replacements on TradeMe. It would be cheaper to buy their parts on eBay of course, but we all know NZ Post won't ship gun parts from 'merica.

Just curious - What's so good about these AR's over say, the array of generic versions we enjoy here?

The LMT is a sweet looking rifle and I'm sure it will serve us well. Why would they not just get Colt's which would perform the same but far cheaper and more reliable? Theres a great thread on AR15.com regarding high round count AR's. Guess what seems to perform the longest before failure? I'd still love an LMT!

Originally Posted by planenutz

Great to see the Army are happy with their new toys. So often we seem to have ended up with lemons. I'm genuinely pleased for them.

Seems odd to me in this world of technology and daily advancement that we now have some flash new version of an AR-15... a design that dates back about 50 years. On the plus side, if the Army ever runs out of bits they'll be able to buy plenty of replacements on TradeMe. It would be cheaper to buy their parts on eBay of course, but we all know NZ Post won't ship gun parts from 'merica.

Just curious - What's so good about these AR's over say, the array of generic versions we enjoy here?

The only thing I can think of offhand is auto fire.

Guess they went with a high quality supplier who actually could supply?? Wonder who else they asked to submit a sample.

they are cool, I've got one!

Originally Posted by grunzter

they are cool, I've got one!
Attachment 95391

How are your firing pin and BCG looking?

Guess time will tell with the receivers, and if these are the dearer "Rolls-Royce," compared with what other Nations purchased, lets hope "The Enemy" bought the others. Still no match for the old SLR

Umm rolls Royce has some engine issues around the world at moment (air nz for one with their 787)

Originally Posted by omegaspeedy

Guess they went with a high quality supplier who actually could supply?? Wonder who else they asked to submit a sample.

A Request for Tender for the provision of contemporary individual weapons, necessary training, and associated support to the NZDF closed on 12 November 2014. Following the evaluation of the tender responses, the companies listed below were selected for the trials programme phase of the evaluation, which was undertaken between 2 March and 1 June 2015.

The following companies were selected for the Individual Weapon trials phase:

Beretta New Zealand Limited
Česká zbrojovka a.s.
Colt Canada Corporation
FN HERSTAL
STEYR MANNLICHER GmbH
XTEK Limited (Sig Sauer)
Heckler & Kock GmbH
Lewis Machine & Tools Co Inc

Following the trials programme phase of the evaluation of tenders, the Ministry has selected Lewis Machine & Tool Co Inc of the USA as preferred Tenderer. Subject to the Ministry undertaking a Due Dilligence activity and negotiation of a contract package, New Zealand Government approval will be sought to proceed to award of a contract.

Originally Posted by Max Headroom

How are your firing pin and BCG looking?

Its 'only' the semi auto version. So the round count is way less.

They get some pretty nasty abuse and heated up way hotter on auto than would be common with MSR versions.

How is the effective range doubled over that of the Steyr? They’re both 5.56x45, are these new M4’s twice as accurate?

Originally Posted by tanqueray

How is the effective range doubled over that of the Steyr? They’re both 5.56x45, are these new M4’s twice as accurate?

Greater inherent accuracy and much better optics, as well as new ammo.

Gone from 1.5x optic to 4x acog

Originally Posted by Danger Mouse

Greater inherent accuracy and much better optics, as well as new ammo.

Gone from 1.5x optic to 4x acog

You wont see much of the new ammo.

The 77gr M262 was too expensive, so they've gone back to using 55gr M193 ammo.

Which makes the special ballistic reticle in the sight a bit redundant.