Quote:
Originally Posted by StainlessSteelCynic
I wouldn't place too much emphasis on countries such as Australia and New Zealand adopting the AUG to replace the SLR when it comes to why the FIDF chose the AUG. Australia originally chose the M16A2 as the successor rifle but like all our main rifles from the past, the intention was to make it under licence here in Australia. When Colt refused to agree to the licence deal, Australia dropped the M16 and took the AUG. (It's been said that Colt losing out to FN to manufacture the M16 for the US forces caused some embarrassment and even bitterness at Colt and they didn't want other companies manufacturing "their" product - hence, no licensed production in Australia.)
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I believe during the Aussie trials the Steyr lost out to the M16A2 in accuracy, reliability and ease of use. However the Irish Army put the Steyr through two years of extensive technical testing. The Steyr was tested against the Colt M16A2, the Enfield L85A1, the Beretta AR70/90, the FN FNC, the HK G41, the IMI Galil, FAMAS and the SIG SG550, with each rifle firing thousands of rounds while their accuracy and reliability were gauged and the Steyr won.
Why the M16A2 lost out in the Aussie trials is a mystery but maybe had something to do with either unique Australian army requirement or government misinformation, although some believe the build quality of Aussie built Steyr's is lower than Austrian built rifles. But certainly Colt refused a license to built the M16A2 in Australia due to it having some financial trouble at the time, basicaly it would have made a lot more money if it built the rifle itself in the US.