PC: UK adopts the SAR-87

[L4a1]

My weapon of choice in the mid 80s is to jump in with the Canadians and licence build the C7 and C7A1

Maybe the Aussies and Kiwi's could jump in as well instead of the F88

The timing is about right

My understanding was that the Australian decision to go with the AUG was based on the licensing deal which was either better than for the M16a2 one or licensed production was not available to the Australians for the M16a2.
New Zealand selected the M16a2 to replace the SLR, M16a1,and Sterling SMG, but due to the changing relationship* between NZ and USA were told that they could no longer get them through FMS and would have to pay full price so New Zealand changed it's mind and ordered AUGs from Australia**.

* New Zealand's Anti-Nuclear policy of the recently elected Labour Government.
** Although some New Zealand AUG Carbines (actually Para variant) were made in Austria.

 

[SealTheRealDeal]

Though, to be fair French also considered a Croatian VHS-2 rifle as an replacement for the venerable FAMAS, before finally deciding upon the HK416 as the new assault rifle.

The French special forces had already been using the HK416 even before the competition, as a result France already had the beginnings of a logistical support network for the rifle. So its adoption was a bit of a no brainer.

Perhaps more tellingly is that the VHS-2 wasn't one of the finalists (those being the 416 and the SCAR-L).

 

[riggerrob]

"

True enough... but most by recklessness, not intention.

"

Ah!
Hanlon's Razor: never attribute cruelty to any act that could be blamed on stupidity.