some thoughts:

A FIREARMS expert has described as "pathetic" attempts to blame British troops for problems with the Army’s controversial SA80-A2 rifle.
"The SA80 has been beset with problems since its introduction and it’s clear even with the modifications that it is a less than perfect weapon," he said. "The fact that our special forces don’t use it says everything." Mr Yardley accepted that the SA80-A2 was extremely accurate but questioned its design, weight and balance which affected its handling ability.

Terry J Gander, editor of Jane’s Infantry Weapons, wrote on the group’s website that the "old problems" persist.

"It would appear that the only certain way to rectify the ... unreliability situation is to start again," he said.