Atrius Development Group

Archive for the ‘weapons’ Category

US Army Awards $4.9 Million Contract for More FN M240L Medium Machine Guns

Tuesday, July 1st, 2025

(McLean, VA — July 1, 2025) FN America, LLC is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $4.9 million contract to supply the U.S. Army with additional FN® M240L medium machine guns. The M240L was originally adopted by the U.S. Army in 2010, after a joint development effort with FN to create a lighter, yet durable, medium machine gun.

The M240L has been the cutting-edge for lightweight medium machine guns with an overall weight reduction of five pounds from its predecessor, the FN M240B, without any impact to performance or longevity. The 18 percent weight reduction was achieved by incorporating titanium into the design, including the receiver, and introducing new manufacturing methods to adjust for the material properties.

“The M240L continues the collaborative effort between FN, the U.S. Army and the individual soldier to provide the most effective weapon systems for the warfighter,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America, LLC. “The development saw the introduction of new materials along with new manufacturing techniques that have paved the way for the future generation of military equipment. We are extremely proud of this product and look forward to working with the U.S. Army to deliver against this contract.”

The M240 general purpose machine gun (7.62x51mm NATO), derived from the FN® MAG 58, was adopted by the U.S. military in the late 1970s, and has been in continual service since being introduced. FN has created multiple variants of the M240, including the M240 coaxial, the M240B, M240L, M240D and M240H models.

Throughout its history, FN has been one of the largest suppliers of small arms to the U.S. military and continues to develop innovative, future technology. In addition to the M240 and its variants, the company currently holds contracts for the FN® M249 lightweight machine gun; the FN® MK 46, MK 48, MK 17 and MK 20 SSR for USSOCOM and various other contracts.

For more information about FN’s military product line or current U.S. military contracts, please visit www.FNAmerica.com.

SIG SAUER Introduces the P211-GTO

Monday, June 23rd, 2025

“Groundbreaking innovation meets the iconic, purpose-driven design at the heart of SIG SAUER’s legendary heritage.”

The P211. Speed, Mastered.

NEWINGTON, N.H., (June 23, 2025) – SIG SAUER, industry leading manufacturer of cutting-edge firearms, optics, and ammunition introduces the P211-GTO.  Building upon a distinguished lineage of hammer-fired pistols renowned for precision machining and reliability, the P211-GTO incorporates the timeless appeal and superior performance of double-stack 1911 pistols – symbols of enduring speed, accuracy and craftsmanship with a modern twist. 

At its core, the P211 embodies the spirit of enthusiasts who live for performance and precision—on the range and in the automotive world. Inspired by advanced manufacturing techniques, this premium pistol reflects a shared dedication to meticulous quality, exhilarating speed, and a lifestyle deeply rooted in excellence.

“Engineered for unmatched speed and flawless reliability, the SIG SAUER P211-GTO elevates the shooting experience, setting a new benchmark for shooters who demand nothing short of exceptional,” said Robby Johnson, Chief Marketing Officer. “The P211-GTO combines groundbreaking innovation with the iconic, purpose-driven design at the heart of SIG SAUER’s legendary heritage.”

The P211-GTO pairs a precision-crafted 4.4” bull barrel seamlessly with the cutting-edge MACH3D compensator. This revolutionary, 3D-manufactured compensator dramatically reduces muzzle rise and felt recoil, allowing for faster, more accurate follow-up shots—even during the most intense rapid-fire sessions.

A sleek, full-length dust cover adds essential balance and improves weight distribution while providing ample rail space for accessories. The pistol’s robust design ensures enhanced rigidity and a striking tactical aesthetic. The P211’s innovative straight-pull trigger provides a consistently smooth, clean pull—delivering comfort and pinpoint accuracy every time.

The comprehensive safety features of the P211, include a grip safety, ambidextrous thumb safeties, and a reliable firing pin safety. Each P211 comes equipped with durable, proven 23-round magazines fully compatible with the widely popular SIG P320 platform, ensuring dependable reliability with every round fired.

Product Details:

  • 4.4” Bull Barrel paired with a precision-mounted Mach3D compensator
  • Steel frame with 3-slot accessory rail and full-length dust cover
  • Compatible with picatinny rail mounted accessories
  • Straight-pull trigger for a clean and consistent pull
  • Precision-engineered alloy grip module
  • Grip Safety, Ambidextrous Thumb Safeties and Firing Pin Safety mechanism
  • Equipped with (1) 23-round and (2) 21-round P320-compatible steel magazines

The P211-GTO was previewed at SIG NEXT 2025, a one-of-a-kind innovation showcase and immersive product and brand experience that can only come from SIG SAUER, the defense contractor of the future.

To learn more about the P211-GTO and all of SIG SAUER’s innovate and battle-tested products, visit sigsauer.com.

SIG NEXT 25 – P365-FLUX

Monday, June 23rd, 2025

The P365-FLUX is another collaboration between Flux Defense and SIG SAUER. Together they have created a polymer version of the aluminum Flux 365 Raider. The result is a slightly lighter version which will come as a complete gun. However, Flux Defense plans on offering the Raider for sale as a chassis.

The Raider is a chassis which transforms the SIG P320 of P365 FCU, barrel, and Slide into a PDW. It can serve as pistol or incorporate a stabilizing brace or fitted with a stock and converted to an SBR. The brace and stock fold to the right side of the pistol and can be configured to automatically deploy when the PDW is drawn from the holster. It’s important to note, the P320 and P365 require different Raider chassis.

The P365-FLUX comes with a 6″ barrel which is the longest P365 barrel but is only intended for use with the FLUX variant. It is also outfitted with a polymer barrel shroud, front Picatinny rail beneath the barrel, and X-RAY3 day / night sights.

SIG is going to offer a couple of versions. The full-on Sentry model will introduce the 25-round P365 magazine to the market and will come fitted with a 21 round and 25 round mag. Additionally, the PDW comes with a concealable (yes, this thing can be worn inside the waistbelt) holster.

We are still unsure when precisely the P365-FLUX will be available. Right now it looks like late Summer.

SIG NEXT 25 – Royal Marines L143A2

Friday, June 20th, 2025

This is a little bit of an unexpected treat. I was able to fire the Royal Marines L143A2 rifle which were purchased a couple of years for the Future Commando Force operational concept under Project HAY, but not announced until March of this year.

It’s a SIG MCX carbine features 5.56 NATO 12.5″ barrel, but there’s also a 300 BLK variant also in service.

As you can see in the photo released by the Royal Marines, this is how it is equipped for maritime operations, with optic and magnifier and suppressor.

SIG NEXT 25 – HYP Rifle

Friday, June 20th, 2025

Coming Winter 2025 is what SIG describes as the most durable AR10 platform on the market, the HYP rifle. The name stems from the rifle’s ability to handle the high pressures (HYP) from SIG’s composite case ammunition.

Like with the 516 G3 Mohawk, SIG took lessons learned from the MCX rifle and applied them to a gas impingement AR pattern gun. It features a steel cam path insert and steel feed ramp along with a chrome lined hammer forged barrel. In fact, the barrel has a QD muzzle device which accepts the MG68QD suppressor used on the Army’s Next Gen M250 machine gun. It’s also fully ambidextrous, mirroring the controls on the 516 G3 Mohawk.

I had expected the HYP to also incorporate the side charging handle found on the 516 G3 Mohawk, but they left it off of the HYP in order to keep cost down. Turns out, the HYP is $2000 less than the MCX-SPEAR, making it a great choice for those who want to take advantage of .277 FURY. As you can see above, it also uses the steel 20 round magazines for the M7 Next Gen rifle.

I increased the contrast on the photo of this gel block to give you an idea of the performance of .277 FURY. This commercial ammo features 150gr NOSLER Accubond bonded core bullets.

Additional calibers will assuredly follow .277 FURY, including the ability to fire HYP versions of .7.62 and others.

Coming Winter 2025.

SIG NEXT 25 – 516 G3 MOHAWK

Friday, June 20th, 2025

SIG was actually considering retiring the 516 but when they did a design review, the decision was made to incorporate lessons learned and best features from their other rifle offerings on a third generation of the rifle. The result is the new 516 G3 MOHAWK.

For instance, this new version of the popular 516 incorporates a steel cam pathway reinforcement insert into the upper receiver along with steel feed ramps, both found on the MCX.

The carbine also uses the MCX bolt with its tapered lugs and firing pin latch which helps prevent slam fire. Additionally, like with the MCX, the forward assist can be removed and a plug out in place.

Another feature which found its way over from the MCX line is the left-side non-reciprocating side charging handle. The side charger is removable and they’ll offer an insert to fill the slot. Likewise, you can remove the t-handle charger and replace it with a clamp to seal the rear of the receiver, eliminating gas in the face.

They’ve retained the 516 G2’s short stroke piston system, but production models will have a new valve lever with three wings in order to make it easier to manipulate between the three gas positions.

The carbine’s 16” chrome lined hammer forged barrel has a 1:7 twist and features a muzzle device which eliminates flash as well as climb and is compatible with SIG’s suppressors. Expect an 11.5” option as well.

To improve ergonomics they have incorporated a set of fully ambidextrous controls as well as installing a right side, side lock/release. Meanwhile, it has a SIG Matchlite DUO curved trigger.

Another major improvement is the new free-float handguard. Gone is the old “cheese grater” full length Picatinny rails which have been replaced with M-LOK slots.

With all of these improvements, the 516 G3 might be a good candidate for the UK’s upcoming Project Graeburn, the SA80 replacement.

The gun was very flat shooting, even on full-auto, and has soft recoil making it very controllable and easy to quickly transition targets. If I was going to buy another AR, it would be this one.

Look for the SIG 516 G3 MOHAWK winter 2025.

www.sigsauer.com/516g3-mohawk

SIG NEXT 25 – 10” NGSW M7

Thursday, June 19th, 2025

Although it wasn’t part of the formal new product reveals of SIG NEXT, the defense team showed me a 10″ upper for the US Army’s M7 Next Gen Rifle.

Seen to the right is the standard 13″ barrel length version which is currently under contract.

While the model I fired was equipped with the folding stock knuckle, they told me they have demonstrated a carbine version of the M7 which has a standard AR-style collapsible stock, eliminating the folding mechanism. Combined with a 10″ barrel, the weight is 7.3 lbs (without suppressor). By contrast, the M27 weighs 7.9 lbs and the standard M7 weighs 8.38 lbs.

With the shorter barrel length is a slight drop in velocity, to 2850 fps from ~3000 fps for the current M7.

SIG NEXT 25 – P211 – GTO RXSL

Thursday, June 19th, 2025

SIG has dipped their toe in the double stack pistol market with the new P211.

First and foremost, it uses P320 magazines so finding mags won’t be an issue.

The slide comes ROMEOX PRO SIGLOC Equipped and features aggressive slide serrations.

The 4.4” Bull Barrel is fitted with the MACH3D Compensator.

It’s got a SIGLOC PRO Optic Ready Slide with Aggressive Slide Serrations and Ambidextrous Slide Release.

The Steel Frame and Alloy Grip module incorporate G10 Grip Panels and a Removable Steel Magwell and a Skeletonized Flat Blade Trigger.

Ships with (1) 23rd and (2) 21rd P320-Compatible Steel Magazines.

I got to shoot it a little bit and it remains stable through the shooting sequence and easy to keep on target. Part of that is that it is 9mm and part because it weighs in, in excess of 46 oz. It was a joy to shoot.

In stock and should be shipping VERY soon.

www.sigsauer.com/p211-gto