When do small arms stop being small arms

[mudgunner49]

When you hit the gym enough...



blake

 

[Benny]

When Chuck Norris uses them.     ;D

Dammit! Beat me to it!!!

 

[Greymatters]

Here is the 25mm
http://www.defense-update.com/products/x/xm307.htm

Our definitions of armour and bore-size have changed quite a bit over the years.  Like when LAWS used to be considered good for anti-armour firepower, then got redefined as only useful against soft-skin or reinforced walls.  Maybe we're reaching that point where 25mm is going to slip into the 'small arms' definition.

 

[George Wallace]

.......  Maybe we're reaching that point where 25mm is going to slip into the 'small arms' definition.

OK.  You make the call.  Can you carry a 25 mm M245 Cannon all by yourself and fire it?

 

[George Wallace]

......or even this XM307 (EXperimental) ?

 

[Greymatters]

"The XM307 weighs about 92 lbs including the gun, two ammunition cans of 37 rounds each, fire control and tripod. Maximum rate of fire is 250 rounds per minute. However, the weapons accuracy enables gunners to achieve the desired effect with fewer rounds. The XM312 version will weigh about 43.7 lbs, [/b] (compared to the current 128 lbs of the M2HB). "

I wouldnt! (But Im sure there's some guys here who would say 'no problem' to 92 pounds.) 
Now, the XM312 is more like it.  Get into that range and you are definately talking more portability.

For comparison, compare the AGS-17, its heavy, its 40mm, but is often classified with 'small arms' due to its 'portability' despite weighing 30 kg (over 60 pounds), or its even lighter version the AG-17.

Consider that the same weapon made 30 years ago would have been even heavier.  In another 10 years technology will cause this weapon weight to be reduced even further.