Anyone else glad the Sten, INSAS, Bren , Insas LMG, FN Mag 50, SVDs, PKMS, and old AKs are being replaced?
The troops have been making due with old and substandard weapons for far too long. Thankfully the Modi government actually cares enough to do something about it.
There is no telling how glad I am that the small arms department, historically one of the most neglected parts of the IA arsenal, is receiving a much-needed upgrade.
Credit well and truly goes to the Govt. which took steps for signing two major contracts for rifles, and achieving significant momentum on several other categories of arms.
Is the Excalibur configured for full auto? Or is it limited to a three round burst like the INSAS?
Full auto capable.
* Having a shorter handguard
The Excalibur Mk-1 in question (the most successful variant of Excalibur) actually has the same handguard as the INSAS.
* Having a foldable butt-stock
Was initially a feature unique to the Excalibur, but now INSAS has folding stock variants too. The photo posted by Unknowncommando above clearly illustrates that.
* Having a Picatinny rail, a universal mount that allows for a range of weapon sights and other attachments like foregrip, laser designator, or flashlight.
It actually has no such thing. At least the MK-1 doesn't.
It has the same small, fixed sight post on the dust cover (which has two holes and you can attach a scope on it, but can't be adjusted for length because the post is very small), same as on INSAS. It may or may not be possible to attach a P-rail on TOP of this post, and then install a sight on that rail. I think its possible, but never seen such configuration in actual use.
The handguard on the production model (MK-1) does not have rails, as I said its the same handguard as on INSAS. So attachment of foregrips, lasers, etc. is not possible either.
This is Excalibur MK-1
