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DoD Announces Next Generation Squad Weapon Award to SIG SAUER

Friday, April 22nd, 2022

The Department of Defense has posted this announcement:

Sig Sauer Inc., Newington, New Hampshire, was awarded a $4,500,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the manufacture and delivery of the XM5 Next Generation Squad Weapon Rifle, the XM250 NGSW Automatic Rifle and the 6.8 Common Cartridge Family of Ammunition, as well as accessories, spares and contractor support. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of April 18, 2032. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-22-D-0008). (Awarded April 19, 2022)

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U.S. Army Selects SIG SAUER Next Generation Squad Weapons System

Wednesday, April 20th, 2022

NEWINGTON, N.H., (April 20, 2022) – SIG SAUER is honored to be awarded the Next Generation Squad Weapons System (NGSW) Contract by the U.S. Army after a rigorous 27-month testing and evaluation process.

“The U.S. Army is taking a bold step toward command of the 21st century battlefield and SIG SAUER is immensely proud to be the selected provider for this historic revolution in infantry weapons. The fielding of the SIG SAUER Next Generation Squad Weapons System will forever change the dynamic of military engagement for America’s warfighters with American innovation and manufacturing,” began Ron Cohen, President and CEO SIG SAUER, Inc.

The SIG FURY Hybrid Ammunition (6.8 Common Cartridge), SIG-LMG (XM250), SIG MCX-SPEAR Rifle (XM5) and SIG SLX Suppressors meaningfully advance soldier weapons technology to meet the emerging requirements of the U.S. Army.

The SIG 6.8×51 FURY Hybrid Ammunition uses a patented lightweight metallic case designed to handle pressures higher than conventional ammunition, resulting in dramatically increased velocity and on-target energy in lighter weapons.

The SIG-LMG lightweight belt-fed machine gun and SIG MCX-SPEAR Rifle are purpose-built to harness the energy of the SIG FURY 6.8 Common Cartridge Ammunition enabling greater range and increased lethality while reducing the soldier’s load on the battlefield. Both the SIG-LMG and MCX-SPEAR deliver significant weapon and technology advancements to the soldier and provide a solution for battlefield overmatch in comparison to the current M249 and M4/M4A1.

The U.S. Army’s procurement of the NGSW System marks the beginning of an era where combat weapons are coupled with a suppressor as standard issue equipment. The SIG SLX Suppressors are designed to reduce harmful gas backflow, sound signature and flash. SIG SLX Suppressors feature a patented quick detach design for easy install and removal.

“We commend U.S. Army leadership for having the vision to undertake this historic procurement process to deliver a transformational weapon system to our warfighters. This award is the culmination of a successful collaboration between SIG SAUER and the U.S. Army, and we look forward to the continuing partnership,” concluded Cohen.

SIG SAUER is a company that is driven by innovation and we are proud to offer the advancements of the NGSW System in the SIG 277 FURY Hybrid Ammunition (the commercial variant of the SIG 6.8×51 FURY Ammunition round), SIG MCX-SPEAR Rifle, and the SIG SLX Series of Suppressors available to the consumer. For more information about these products visit sigsauer.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Ammo, Contracts, Press Release, weapons | 27 Comments »

US Army Selects SIG SAUER for Next Generation Squad Weapons Program

Tuesday, April 19th, 2022

The US Army has just announced that it has selected SIG SAUER under an Other Transaction Agreement to provide their SPEAR and Lightweight Machine Gun as the new XM5 Rifle and XM250 Automatic Rifle. Both fire a hybrid cased cartridge in 6.8 x 51mm which features a steel head and brass case firing a government provided projectile. This cartridge offers similar performance to .270 Win Short Mag. The 6.8 Common Cartridge Family of Ammunition will be manufactured by Winchester at Lake City Army Ammunition Plant.

The Army selected the SIG SPEAR which is a large frame version of the MCX Carbine used by US and foreign SOF and features selective fire and ambidextrous controls. The new beltfed machine gun is lighter than the currently issued SAW and has a lower recoil impulse than the M4 Carbine. It’s a joy to shoot. Additionally, the system includes suppressors for both weapons. Rumor has it the contract ceiling has room to buy over 500,000 rifles and almost 80,000 beltfed machine guns over a 10-year period.

The Army has also put out feelers to industry, seeking manufacturers for conversion kits for the existing 7.62 NATO M240 beltfed Machine Gun to 6.8mm.

The road to the selection of a NGSW system was started about five years ago with a short lived quest for an Interim Combat Service Rifle in 7.62 NATO which quickly morphed into the search for 6.8mm weapons to replace the 5.56 NATO M4 Carbine and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon in close combat formations which include Infantry, Cav Scout, and Engineer squads.

Both USSOCOM and US Marine Corps are monitoring the program. It will be interesting to see how this affects SOCOM’s 6.5 Creedmoor-based initiatives. As for the Marine Corps, word is that they would only transition away from their H&K produced 416 rifles, named the M27 if it were to a bullpup platform.

An OTA for a Fire Control System to enable NGSW was awarded to Vortex Optics in January.

The other system under consideration by the Army for NGSW was from True Velocity which proposed a polymer cased ammunition and bullpup Rifle and Automatic Rifles. This would have been a shoe-in for the Marines if those rumors I mentioned earlier are true.

Between the two options many in industry considered SIG a lower risk and the “Easy Button” as the ammunition technology is very straight forward and can be manufactured using existing machinery. Additionally, the weapons will seem quite familiar to service members who currently use the M4 and M249 due to similar controls and ergonomics. Finally, SIG has undertaken several successful military contracts for ammunition, optics, and weapons, including the Modular Handgun System.

The Army now faces the arduous task of putting this new ammunition and weapons through developmental and operational testing and determining how their increased range and lethality will affect employment of the close combat squad. Expect some teething pains, but also look forward to the opportunities that come with a new weapon and cartridge.

SIG also plans to offer their ammunition (.277 SIG FURY), Rifle and suppressor commercially.

To wrap things up, I’ll just say that this article from earlier today didn’t age well. A lot of people thought the Army would cancel this program. They didn’t, and they are moving ahead with it. If you’re one of them, its time to go through the stages of grief and make it to acceptance. This is happening.

Posted in Advertiser, Ammo, Army, Contracts, weapons | 48 Comments »

New 30 Super Carry Added to Line of HST Ammunition from Federal

Monday, April 18th, 2022

ANOKA, Minnesota – April 12, 2022 – Federal Ammunition proudly offers a 100-grain HST Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) load to one of the biggest new handgun cartridge introductions in decades: the 30 Super Carry. The new 30 Super Carry cartridge bridges the largest performance gap in handgun self-defense ammunition. Check with your local ammo store for availability.

Penetrating performance and magazine capacity are major considerations when choosing a firearm platform for self-defense. Traditionally, users have had to choose between a smaller platform with reduced bullet performance or a larger platform to carry more rounds, while carrying a larger overall firearm. The 30 Super Carry has better terminal performance than a 380 and as much muzzle energy as a 9mm, all with a .312-inch projectile. Users will see performance similar to 9mm Luger with slightly less recoil and additional magazine capacity.

“We are excited to add this new HST Personal Defense handgun load to our overall lineup. A big advantage of the 30 Super Carry is that users get more performance from this offering without having to step up to a larger firearm,” said Jesse Whiteside, Federal’s Senior Director of Product Management. “The 30 Super Carry can hold 12 to 13 rounds in a magazine similar to the size of a 10-round 9mm Luger. Combine these performance features with Federals’ proven HST bullet, and this creates an excellent self-defense option.”

The Federal HST bullet design is matched with the 30 Super Carry for maximum performance. The specially engineered hollow point is designed for deep penetration and larger expansion. To fight against corrosion, the 30 Super Carry uses a nickel-plated case. This makes the HST Super Carry an ideal choice for personal defense scenarios.

Part No. / Description / MSRP

P30HST1S / 30 Super Carry, 100-grain HST JHP, 20-count / $36.99

For more information on all products from Federal or to shop online, visit www.federalpremium.com.

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CCI Blazer Named as the Most Frequently Purchased Handgun Ammunition Brand for 2021

Friday, April 15th, 2022

LEWISTON, Idaho – CCI’s sub-brand Blazer was recently named the most frequently purchased handgun ammunition brand in Southwick Associates 2021 “Hunting & Shooting Participation and Equipment Purchases Consumer Tracking Study”. Southwick’s yearly survey compiled the feedback of over 11,000 hunters and recreational shooters.

“Once again, CCI is very proud of the continued popularity of Blazer Brass centerfire handgun ammunition,” said Handgun Ammunition Product Director, Mike Holm. “We continue to push to provide consumers with a quality product that performs as well as consumers expect it to. We are also incredibly pleased to see that combined, CCI and Blazer make up more than 14% of handgun ammunition boxes purchased. This shows the large market share that these two storied brands have in our industry.”

In the handgun ammunition purchase survey, CCI and all its other affiliate brands proved to have a strong hold on the overall handgun ammunition market. All brands combined accounted for more than 32% of boxes purchased. Across this wide range of brands and product choices, any shooter is sure to find the perfect handgun ammunition option for practice, hunting, target shooting and self-defense.

Not only is CCI’s Blazer a popular brand for handgun shooters, CCI rimfire ammunition also ranked high in the rifle ammunition category in Southwick’s 2021 survey, accounting for almost 6% of boxes purchased. When it comes to target shooting or hunting with rimfire cartridges, CCI continues to be a top-tier, go-to option for all types of shooters.

Southwick’s in-depth resources illustrate shopping behaviors, such as where consumers buy, brand preferences, and amount spent. To learn more about the 2021 report, visit www.southwickassociates.com.

Since 1951, CCI has shaped the industry and served generations of shooters with the most advanced offerings for hunters and shooters. For more information on CCI and Blazer Ammunition, go to www.cci-ammunition.com.

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NSSF – Firearm and Ammunition Industry Economic Impact Report 2022

Thursday, April 14th, 2022

Each year the National Shooting Sports Foundation publishes a report on the economic impact of the firearm and ammunition industry on the US economy.

Considering that the industry has seen a 269% increase from $19.1 billion in 2008 to $70.52 billion in 2021, it’s a significant contribution to this nation’s bottom line. What’s more, it creates jobs. The total number of full-time equivalent positions increased 126% from 2008-2024 from approximately 166,000 to over 375,819. On average these jobs average $56,900 in wages and benefits.

In just the last year, the US added 5.4 million new gun owners. No other industry is seeing this type of new growth.

The report also notes the significant impact the firearm and ammunition industry has on wildlife conservation funding in America through its growing Pittman-Robertson excise tax contributions to the Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund which exceeded $1.1 billion in 2021.

www.nssf.org/government-relations/impact

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Major Order from Hungary: Rheinmetall to Supply a Comprehensive Array of Ammunition Worth Several Hundred Million Euros

Wednesday, March 30th, 2022

A reliable supply of modern ammunition is a mainstay of national and alliance defence. The Hungarian Ministry of Defence has contracted with Rheinmetall to supply an extensive package of ammunition worth several hundred million euros. The order encompasses ammunition for infantry fighting vehicles, main battle tanks, artillery, and decoy systems. Delivery is starting in 2023 and is to be complete by 2031. Most of the ammunition will be manufactured in Hungary.

The package includes three variants of 30mm x 173 ammunition; 120mm tank ammunition; and 155mm artillery shells including propelling charges and fuzes. On order also are 40mm and 76mm decoy cartridges for the Rosy and Maske smoke/obscurant systems, plus 12.7mm and 7.62mm ammunition.

The procurement of this extensive array of ammunition constitutes a further important step by Hungary – a member nation of both NATO and the EU – in the modernization of its armed forces. The new ammunition will also boost interoperability with the armed forces of Hungary’s partner nations.

“We are extremely honoured that Hungary has once again entrusted us with the task of modernizing its military”, declares Rheinmetall chief executive Armin Papperger. “We’re delighted to be cooperating with our Hungarian friends in another key military capability.”

The order just issued makes Rheinmetall one of the Hungarian military’s top suppliers of ammunition. The Düsseldorf-based Group will be supplying ammunition for Hungary’s three main ground combat systems: the Leopard 2A7+ main battle tank, the PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer and the new Lynx IFV. Hungary set the process of modernizing its army into motion in 2020 when it ordered 218 Lynx infantry fighting vehicles from Rheinmetall. These state-of-the-art tracked vehicles will replace the country’s aging fleet of Soviet-era systems.

Viewing Hungary as a domestic market, Rheinmetall plans to rely on in-country industrial capacity. In Zalaegerszeg in western Hungary, one of Europe’s most advanced military vehicle plants is now under construction, where the first Hungarian-built Lynx is due to roll off the assembly line in 2023.

The new order underscores Rheinmetall’s role as one of Europe’s foremost makers of ammunition for NATO and other European armed forces. The Group’s portfolio ranges from infantry and medium-calibre ammunition to tank cartridges and mortar and artillery shells, including propelling charges and decoy cartridges.

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Faxon Firearms Building 8.6 BLK Barrels

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022

BLUF: Faxon Firearms has collaborated with Q to build the highest quality 8.6 BLK barrels for Remington 700 and AR10 platforms. Read up.

(CINCINNATI, OH) Faxon Firearms

It should come as no surprise that Faxon Firearms is developing barrels compatible with the new 8.6 Blackout ammunition. After all, the Ohio-based manufacturer has always been at the forefront of barrel development.

Now they’ve combined Faxon Firearms barrel expertise with the science and innovation of Q to come up with an extraordinary and formidable package.

Here is everything you need to know about the new 8.6 Blackout round, how it compares to 300 Blackout, and the radical new barrel design by Faxon Firearms.

What is 8.6 Blackout?

The 8.6 BLK round was imagined and developed by Q. Like the 300 Blackout, the 8.6 Blackout was designed primarily for suppressed shooting, but there are supersonic loads in development as well.

The easiest thing to do might be to imagine 8.6 BLK as the 300 BLK’s big brother – but as far more than just a simple upgrade.

8.6 BLK Features

• Fits AR-10 Sized Rifles

• 338 Subsonic Load Based around the 300 grain Sierra Match King

• Similar to 338 Federal; however, the case was shortened to work reliably with gas guns without modification to mags.

• Uses Standard 308 Mags

• Low-Pressure Cartridge

• Utilizes a shortened 6.5 Creedmoor case for the use of subsonic and high BC projectiles

• Current Ammo Companies in Development: Gorilla, Hornady, Black Hills, and Discreet Ballistics

• Designed Around a 12? barrel

Faxon Firearms has previously shown several 8.6 Blackout loads with a 300-grain bullet and a 210 grain Barnes TTSX bullet. These loads are still in development but should become commercially available in the foreseeable future.

How is Faxon Firearms Involved?

Faxon Firearms has been privileged to work with Q on developing the best possible barrels to support this revolutionary new round. The team at Faxon Firearms is in the development of their own 8.6 BLK barrels for both the AR-10 and Remington model 700 platforms.

Faxon Barrels for the 8.6 BLK

Faxon Firearms will be offering 1:3 twist barrels chambered in 8.6 Blackout for Remington 700 platforms and AR-10 pattern rifles. The barrels for both platforms will be available in 8?, 12?, and 16? length options.

Faxon Firearms 8.6 BLK barrel Details

• 1:3 twist rate

• Better stabilization on long and heavy subsonic rounds

• Better expansion of the projectiles

• Re-allocates the energy from the sound and flash to the rotation of the bullet

• .875 gas block journal for AR10

• DPMS Gen 1 Pattern

Remage style barrels from Faxon will use a Remage style nut with a standard AR-15 armorers castle nut wrench. The nut is included.

Why is the 1:3 Twist Rate Important?

Faxon Firearms is manufacturing the barrels for these 8.6 Blackout loads. These barrels are not by any means your standard rifle barrel. Designing and manufacturing them can be challenging, but Faxon Firearms has confidently stepped up to the plate. To properly stabilize the long and heavy 300-grain subsonic projectiles, the 8.6 blackout barrels must have a 1:3 twist rate. That means the round is making one full rotation every three inches of barrel length.

This helps the 8.6 caliber cartridge re-imagine energy on target.

Faxon Firearms’ Barrels are slated to launch around late June or early July of 2022. The ammunition will also launch right around the same time. For more information on the 8.6 blackout project and to be notified about the availability of Faxon barrels, proceed to the Faxon Firearms 8.6 BLK page. It is dedicated to the Q collaboration.

Connect with Faxon on social:

www.facebook.com/FaxonFirearms

www.instagram.com/FaxonFirearms

twitter.com/faxon_firearms

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