Knight’s Armament Company has introduced their Light Assault Machine Gun. Chambered in 5.56mm NATO, it offers a low cyclic rate of 575-625 rounds per minute, and constant-recoil/spring run-out operation, making it more controllable than other similar machine guns, weighing nearly twice as much. The optic mounting rail is integral to the receiver, rather than the feed-tray cover, which signicantly improves consistency in optic mounting. These features, combined with the LAMG’s size and weight help it live up to its name. It’s designed specifically for use in the assault, rather than in a fixed position, sustained fire role. However, it does incorprate common machine gun features such as a quick-change barrel (including integrally suppressed barrel) and compatibility with M27 links.
Over the years, I’ve fired various versions of the Stoner-inspired 5.56mm KAC Light Machine Gun, but during May’s SOF Select event in Tampa, I got to check out a very close variant, on static display, of the Light Assault Machine Gun detailed below.
Designed specifically for use in the assault role, it weighs 3.9 kg / 8.9 lbs. Here is a run down of the features:
1. 5.56mm 3-Prong Flash Eliminator: This improved design interferes with propellant gas combustion forward of the muzzle to significantly reduce flash signature. The flash hider’s unique 3-prong configuration does not ring when firing or struck. Integral Quick Detach Coupling mounting detents support KAC’s line of QDC sound suppressors for consistent and minimized point-of-impact shift.
2. Improved Handguard: Free-floats the barrel and gas system, ensuring improved accuracy and easy barrel replacement. Integrated MIL-STD-1913 mounting rails on the 12:00 and 6:00 for maximum strength, rigidity, and security for aiming devices or high-force accessories. Side M-Lok slots permit mounting of a wide array of accessories directly into the handguard, while reducing weight and increasing heat dissipation.
3. Barrel Release and Lock-Up Mechanism: Located at 12:00 on the receiver, it is protected from accidental activation. Unique retention design ensures accuracy and repeatability, but without compromising the ability to quickly replace a hot barrel.
4. Improved Receiver: Integral MIL-STD-1913 rail ensures aiming device precision. Made from weapon-grade aluminum, and milled to reduce unneeded material, the receiver is extremely lightweight, but with the strength needed to provide a lifetime of high-density fire.
5. Cocking Handle: Placed at the common position for light machine guns for ease of putting the weapon into the firing condition, or to clear a stoppage. Reversible to either side of the receiver to support either primary shoulder, provide the user with alternate manipulation options, and to reduce snag points based on carry position.
6. Ammunition Box Connection Point: Compatible with standard 5.56mm linked ammunition source connection hardware. Fully supports 200-round drums, 100-round reusable soft packs, and other alternate ammunition feed devices.
7. Trigger Pack: Machine gun-specific trigger components and safety bar. Improved hand position for trigger access without interference by safety button.
8. Modular Stock: The removable receiver end-plate allows the user to easily swap stocks. Any standard M4 stock can be used with the Mil-Std receiver extension. A fully collapsing solid stock allows the user to immediately pull the stock from a collapsed position, just longer than the receiver itself, to an extended position that supports accurate high-density fire. The folding stock option allows full manipulations and firing from a stowed position, and deploys to an adequate length of pull for comfortable traditional use. Below are a few Modular Stock options. As you can see by the stock designs, the LAMG will operate without a stock istalled but only a receiver end plate in place.
This is a close up of the Barrel Release.
The standard barrel is 15″ in length, hammer forged and chrome-lined, with a 1:7 twist. However, they also offer a lightweight, shortened barrel for use in confined spaces as well as a Dedicated Suppressed Barrel which integrates the suppressor to the barrel, allowing optimal operating pressure. This option is also shorter and lighter than adding a suppressor to a standard barrel due to the elimination of the flashhider and mounting components of the suppressor. Even in this configuration, the suppressor can be removed for routine maintenance.
KAC also offers their 5.56mm Machine Gun Suppressor for those who are looking for a modular option. It is a quck detach design with Inconel mount, which was designed specifically to work with the LAMG’s operating system.
Here’s a closer look at the handguard.
The LAMG will accept AR-style pistol grips, offering a certain degree of customization. You can also see the charging handle as well as the feedtray cover and the various techniques used to lighten the weapon such as the cutouts along the receiver and under the 1913 rail section.
Finally, KAC offers a 150-round Medium Capacity Drum. This hard-side drum can be used as support without the need to deploy a bipod. Raised belt feed control lips give greater protection to the belt to reduce snagging and ensure smooth feed of the belt from the drum to the feed-tray.
The KAC LAMG, coming soon, to a war zone near you.
www.knightarmco.com
