Greeting to the Gents of the forum,
have read briefly and wish to add my limited understanding, I would like to point out that i have used SLR, COLT AR 15,SA80 and M16, so I can say that I know a little about the above said. I will not go into the technical details.
we have to understand the reason and the requirement of a rifle.

for instance in modern day battle most targets are engaged at 300 m. thus most rifle must be able to take down a enemy at that range.
SLR does go further then 300m, 600 m is not a problem with it. so lets try to find out what purpose the govt had in mind in regards to the "crap rifle".

OK i have no idea.
the SLR has been used by the Brits from middle east to central America. Also in east Asia, during the bourno bashing.
the SLR is highly respected piece of kit, simple, strong and packs a wicked punch if you get hit by it either end, i know as i have be rifle butted few times. i have never came across any problems in the field, nor heard of any problems that may cause harm to the user. if the pipe is not pointed at oneself. if we look at the number of countries used or using the rifle SLR, should tell us something.
SA80 or rifle 5.56 Enfield, when it came out it was crap. i know i have used it, i had problems with it in sandy areas. cleaning it was nightmare as had many parts and small tiny areas to clean,i even heard of a story that the SAS guy who tested it took a digger and buried it. SA 80 is now the main battle weapon of the Brit forces.
The Yankee shooting stick well less said the better, but the newer ones tend to be little better.
As for the debate about the rifle on the forum, (INSAS) never used it, don't know who has, if it is meant for the urban area, and is auto, lets think about the civilian casualties? is it the best in the world? How can we say that if only one nation uses it? what track record is there? we can not say its the best as it only been out short while.
And lets take a look at the national pride and promotions if a good report is not given, does this happen here in India???
Parting shot.
Someone once said that the Israeli air force was the best in the world, then a sergeant asked the general, "who have the Israeli air force fought, apart from ragheads and bombing refuges camps?" no answer was given to that question.
nagarifle