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AUSA 24 – MG Technologies LMG-A-GP

Thursday, October 24th, 2024

I ran across the belt-fed machine gun mentioned in a recent NDIA poster in the RD USA booth.

Designed under a Cooperative Research And Development Agreement (CRADA) with United States Special Operations Command as a demonstrator to improve the capabilities of the current Mk48 Machine Gun, the LMG-A-GP from MG Technologies has dropped the weight to about 15 lbs. The weight is dependent on selected barrel length with quick change barrels available in 12.5″ to 18″.

Like the Mk48 it is chambered in 7.62 NATO, but convertible to 6.5 Creedmoor and 300 BLK. The operating system relies on continuous recoil with no rearward bolt carrier impact on the receiver.

While it wasn’t designed specifically for SOCOM’s current Lightweight Machine Gun – Assault program, it certainly could be a contender.

For more info, contact info@mgtech-usa.com.

Posted in AUSA, SOF, weapons | 10 Comments »

Nevada Department of Public Safety Selects SIONICS Weapon Systems

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024

The Nevada Highway Patrol has selected SIONICS Weapon Systems to provide Rifles for their Law Enforcement Agency. This selection was determined after a rigorous and thorough process. These new Rifles will replace weapons that are currently in use with the LE Agency.

SIONICS Weapon Systems manufactures weapons for over 400+ Law Enforcement Agencies across the United States and is proud to be working with the State of Nevada.

Posted in Contracts, LE, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Nevada Department of Public Safety Selects SIONICS Weapon Systems

USSOCOM to Hold Industry Day for Lightweight Machine Gun – Assault

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024

United States Special Operations Command’s Lightweight Machine Gun-Assault (LMG-A) requirement has been on the books for years but kept getting pushed to the right.

Last week, they announced an industry day to be held 19-20 November 2024, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST at the SOFWERX Facility in Tampa, Florida.

We have shared a photo of the Knights Armament Co Lightweight Assault Machine Gun chambered in 5.56 NATO because it has been procured in limited numbers by USSOCOM and is similar in size to what they are seeking.

To be clear, this is still NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. Instead, they want gather market information to assist the Government in forming future acquisition strategy or methods.

Specifically, they are seeking input from industry to further refine the Government requirements documentation, Performance Specification (P-Spec), as well as identify the marketplace for interested vendors for the Lightweight Machine Gun-Assault (LMG-A) under NAICS Code 332994, Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing. USSOCOM is only seeking input from manufacturers, not distributors.

The LMG-A is intended to replace the legacy MK48 for a lightweight assault machine gun.

The LMG-A shall be a lightweight belt fed, multi-caliber system which will include a primary barrel, spare barrel, with required bolts, barrels, and operating groups for each caliber, buttstock, receiver, sound/signature suppressor, operator manual, cleaning kit, operator tool kit, maintainer tool kit, spare parts kit, training munition kit, bipod, backup iron sights, sling, and a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved locking hard carrying case capable of storing a fully accessorized weapon.

The LMG-A will extend the range of suppressive fire capability out to 1500m. The LMG-A shall be accurate to 6.0 MOA (T) / 3.0 MOA (O) at 100 yards firing 7.62mm NATO ammunition and USSOCOM TDP 6.5CM ammunition. USSOCOM is also interested the capability of the LMG-A to adopt other calibers such as 6.8x51mm high pressure ammunition (U.S. Army TDP) and the .264 Lightweight Intermediate Caliber Cartridge (.264 LICC) via caliber conversion kits.

SOCOM has been interacting with industry for years discussing a 6.5 CM gun. During SHOT Show, 7.62 NATO entered the picture. I asked someone in industry why and was told that the answer is that there’s loads of 7.62 ammo available. (Naturally, I immediately said, “.276 Pederson.”) Word is that the 6.5CM ammo programs aren’t progressing very quickly, so like with 300 BLK on RASR, they’re moving forward with an ammo supply they can rely on.

They are shooting for a gun which weighs, at its heaviest, 17 lbs. At that weight, it’s just a pound lighter than the Mk48 it’s replacing. The new gun has to handle 6.5CM which isn’t an issue but those other calibers could be tough for some guns, especially as you get down to the objective weight of 12.75 lbs which is around what the developmental model of the KAC LAMG in 6.5CM weighs.

The command has publicly released these additional requirements:

Operation and Performance characteristics

a) The LMG-A shall be capable of firing in fully automatic and semi-automatic firing modes.

b) The LMG-A shall have an ambidextrous safety selector that prevents the weapon from being fired when the trigger is depressed and the weapon is on SAFE (T), capable of charging the weapon when the weapon is on SAFE (O).

c) The LMG-A shall be capable of firing 7.62x51mm NATO family of belted ammunition to include training munitions, and USSOCOM TDP 6.5 Creedmoor belted ammunition via left-hand feed.

d) The LMG-A shall have AMR not to exceed 6.0 MOA (T), 3.0 MOA (O) at 100 meters (109 yards) when firing 7.62 NATO ammunition.

e) The LMG-A shall be equipped with quick-change barrels in assault and standard configurations.

f) The LMG-A shall be capable of being suppressed, while reducing the signature of the weapon in flash, ground disturbance, sound, and gas blowback. The suppressor shall not modify the rate of fire by more than 10% (T) or 2% (O).

g) The LMG-A suppressor shall be of a quick-detach, lockable design, and minimize Point of Aim/Point of Impact shift when mounted or dismounted.

h) The LMG-A shall have a two-position, non-reciprocating charging handle that is operable and moveable to both the left and right-hand side of the weapon.

i) The LMG-A shall have a user-adjustable bipod that is rapidly deployable/stowable and provides tension and lockup upon loading.

j) The LMG-A buttstock shall have an adjustable for length (T), collapsable (T) side folding (O), and adjustable cheek riser (O) that does not interfere with the function of the weapon.

k) The LMG-A shall have a maximum overall length with bipod attached, buttstock, and barrel (with suppressor) of 49.0 inches (T) less than or equal to 44.0 inches (O). Sights and other accessories will not be included in the weight requirement.

l) The LMG-A shall weigh no more than 17.0lbs (T), 12.75lbs (O).

m) The LMG-A shall have Mil-STD-1913 rails, with numbered slots at the 12 o’clock position with a minimum of 8.50 inches aft of the feed tray cover for optical sights.

n) LMG-A shall have M-LOK attachment points at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions on the forward handguard to support the attachment of accessories and enablers.

o) The LMG-A shall have a rate of fire between 500-750 rounds per minute (T=O).

p) The LMG-A shall minimize felt recoil across all firing modes.

q) The LMG-A shall have a single mounting point for DoD-common weapons mounts.

r) the LMG-A shall have a mounting point for common ammunition carrying boxes or soft pouches.

Posted in SOF, weapons | 14 Comments »

AUSA 24 – SIG SAUER XM250 with Quick Change Barrel

Monday, October 21st, 2024

This is an XM250 in 6.8x51mm. Essentially, it’s the same Automatic Rifle the Army adopted under the Next Generation Squad Weapons program with one exception, it has a quick change barrel. That feature, makes it quite suitable to fulfill the role as a sustained fire, belt-fed machine gun.

This isn’t a new characteristic. It was part of the original design, but the Army didn’t want a quick change barrel as part of NGSW. So, in order to save weight, it was left off. This version of the SIG light machine gun is referred to as the “World” configuration as it is how the gun is marketed to everyone else, except the US Army.

What Makes It Different

As you can see, it is configured here with no top cover over the barrel to facilitate quick barrel changes. However, SIG tells me there is a hinged cover available, as seen on the MG338.

The barrel is locked in place via two buttons. It can’t be removed or secured in place without simultaneously depressing the rocker and secondary locks. Additionally, the plunger must be depressed to fully engage the handle lock.

Here you can see the lugs on the barrel which lock the barrel into the receiver.

Why It Matters Now

The Squad Arms and Ammunition Configuration study led to the development of the 6.8 cartridge and Next Generation Squad Weapons. Afterwards, a study was conducted for the Platoon called, aptly enough, the PAAC study. Although it was completed well over a year ago, Army leaders continue to evaluate the study’s findings to decide on a path forward.

One of the key decisions is how to proceed regarding a machine gun for the platoon. Options under discussion include adopting the 6.8 common cartridge architecture for the role, as well as seeking out an additional cartridge such as the 338 Norma Mag option currently under adoption by USSOCOM.

Regardless of the caliber choice, fielding of the initial XM250 Automatic Rifles to the first units is already highlighting the disparity between the new 6.8 round and its 7.62 predecessor. The current M240s are heavier, offer reduced range and lower delivered energy on target than NGSW.

As of right now, NGSW is only intended for the close combat force consisting of Infantry, Cav Scouts, Combat Engineers, SOF, and select enablers. That means there are just over 13,000 XM250s being fielded to replace M249 SAWs in those formations. This leaves tens of thousands of SAWs across the Army. Chances are good, those will be replaced with XM250s over the coming years. However, the issue is even larger for the M240. No matter the desired course of action for caliber of choice post-PAAC study decision, the Army has to decide what to do with the ~120,000 M240s in inventory.

Many have suggested that they simply reconfigure them to fire the new composite case 6.8X51mm. The thought process is that the Army already owns them and they are serial numbers on the books; no need to buy new guns.

Considering the number of guns involved, it will easily take five years or more to develop a barrel and operating system capable of reliable, long-term firing of the high pressure 6.8 cartridge and to actually reconfigure the guns. It is likely that up to 20% of the guns currently in service ought to be coded out and replaced. They are old and have seen a lot of service over the past 30 years. If the Army does, in fact need all 120,000 guns, that means they’ll have to purchase more M240s to replace the worn-out examples of an almost 70-year-old design. Detractors of this plan ask why the Army would want to buy more old guns that they’ve already decided to replace.

Adoption of a new gun for the sustained fire role is likely a more cost effective solution in the long-term. If the Army desires to transition to 338 NM that has to happen because there’s no gun currently in the inventory to do it. If they don’t, one option is to pure fleet the XM250, with quick change barrels, replacing both M249 SAWs and M240 MGs. In many ways, it’s an easy button. This moves all belt-fed guns to one caliber and one platform across the formation, simplifying doctrine, employment, training and logistics. It also makes the entire force more lethal, and reliable, with new guns which will last longer than modified legacy guns. It’s also a faster option than starting a new program.

No matter the near-term path forward, a version of the XM250 with quick change barrel will inevitably enter Army service.

Posted in Advertiser, Army, AUSA, weapons | 15 Comments »

PWS Announces Support for the Hornady 338 ARC Rifle Cartridge

Thursday, October 17th, 2024

Primary Weapons Systems announces their collaboration with Hornady on the new 338 ARC rifle cartridge. PWS will support the collaboration with their adjustable long-stroke piston driven rifles and uppers, the UXR Multi-cal rifle and a 338 ARC compatible BDE suppressor.

“We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Hornady on this exciting new caliber. The combination of BDE suppressors and the Long Stroke Piston System used in our rifles, creates an optimal scenario for shooting 338 ARC, given that it’s geared toward hard hitting subsonic performance. Together with Hornady, we’re not just launching a product; we’re setting new standards and redefining what’s possible in our industry.”

– Ben Fleming, President of Primary Weapons Systems

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Wake County Sheriff’s Office Selects FN 509 Fullsize MRD-LE as New Duty Pistol

Wednesday, October 16th, 2024

(McLean, VA — October 15, 2024) FN America, LLC is pleased to announce that the Wake County (Raleigh, NC) Sheriff’s Office has selected the FN 509® Fullsize MRD-LE as their new duty pistol. The Sheriff’s Office reached this decision after a year of testing multiple manufacturers’ pistols.

Purchasing over 500 pistols, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office is the first agency to deploy the new FN 509 Fullsize MRD-LE. This model is based on the FN 509 MRD-LE that was adopted by the Los Angeles Police Department in 2021. With nearly 1,000 employees, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office serves the largest county in North Carolina, with over 1.1 million residents across 12 municipalities.

“The Wake County Sheriff’s Office is the largest sheriff’s office in the state, and we are thrilled that they are switching to the FN 509 Fullsize MRD-LE as their duty pistol of choice,” said Doug Grier, Law Enforcement Business Development Director for FN America, LLC. “As Wake County began their selection process over a year ago, they wanted a pistol that was safe, reliable, accurate and optics-ready, plus a brand partner they could trust to stand behind their products. FN met those needs with our commitment to service along with a duty pistol designed for law enforcement, by law enforcement.”

The FN 509 Fullsize MRD-LE, which launched earlier this year, is the law enforcement version of the commercially available FN 509 Fullsize MRD. While the bulk of the agency’s purchase is the FN 509 Fullsize MRD-LE customized with the Wake County Sheriff’s Office badge, they also selected the FN 509 Compact MRD-LE for their detectives and department staff, plus customized FN 509s for their SWAT officers.

“The decision to upgrade the Sheriff’s Office’s weapons was not taken lightly,” said Wake County Sheriff Willie Rowe. “We understand the importance of equipping our deputies with the best tools possible to ensure their safety and effectiveness in the field. The aging hammer-fired handguns were nearing the end of their life expectancy, and it was crucial to find a suitable replacement that would meet the Sheriff’s Office’s needs for years to come.”

The decision to upgrade was followed by a year-long quest to find the optimal pistol for the Wake County Sherriff Office’s needs.

“The test and evaluation processes were a vital step in choosing the new duty weapon,” said Sherriff Rowe. “Our team collected feedback from deputies who tested different brand name weapons in various configurations. They also gathered pertinent data on each weapon’s performance, reliability and ease of use. After carefully reviewing all the information, I concluded that the FN 509 was the best choice for the Wake County Sheriff’s Office.”

The agency purchased optics-ready pistols and holsters, and, as part of the partnership, FN conducted classes on the duty use of red dot optics and provided armorer training. Since completing qualification and issuing FN pistols to their officers, Wake has seen dramatic improvement in their officer marksmanship scores.

“The FN 509 was selected for its user-friendly design, striker fire mechanism and overall performance. Deputies found it easy to handle and shoot accurately, which is essential in high-pressure situations. The weapon’s reliability and durability were also key factors in the decision-making process,” added Sheriff Rowe. “I am confident that the FN 509 will provide our deputies with the capability to effectively carry out their duties and protect the community.”

About the FN 509F MRD-LE

The new FN 509 Fullsize MRD-LE delivers more precision and versatility than any other duty-rated handgun. Building on the proven FN 509 lineup, the exclusive upgrades for law enforcement place every advantage in an officer’s hands.

The FN 509 MRD-LE is the only choice for agencies that require complete reliability. With unmatched longevity in the most demanding trials, the FN 509 platform has been tested beyond one million rounds. With a polished feed ramp and chamber, consistent feeding and extraction exceed every standard, plus the platform is compatible with a wide variety of training and duty ammunition.

Pinpoint accuracy is made possible for all officers with a precision, hammer-forged barrel with recessed target crown, high-performance, conical striker and flat-faced, duty-rated trigger. With a positive wall at 90° before a clean break, officers maintain their sights on target through the full trigger pull. The FN Low-Profile Optics-Mounting System™, adapted from the original development for the U.S. Army’s handgun trials, gives officers more precision and sighting versatility than all other handguns — vital when every shot must be accounted for.

To inquire about the family of FN 509 MRD-LE pistols for agency or individual office purchase, please contact the FN Law Enforcement Sales team at LE@fnamerica.com. More information about the family of FN 509 MRD-LE or FN’s other law enforcement products can be found here.

Posted in Contracts, LE, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Wake County Sheriff’s Office Selects FN 509 Fullsize MRD-LE as New Duty Pistol

Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. Unveils Squad Support Rifle System (SSRS) at AUSA Annual Meeting

Tuesday, October 15th, 2024

MURFREESBORO, TENNESSEE — Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. has unveiled the Squad Support Rifle System (SSRS), its entrant into the U.S. Army’s Precision Grenadier System (PGS) Program, at this year’s Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.

As a part of Barrett’s continued commitment to delivering innovative, battle-proven solutions for U.S. and allied soldiers, the SSRS is designed to meet the evolving needs of modern combat.

Barrett has teamed with MARS Inc., an innovative tech start-up and finalist in the U.S. Army’s xTechSoldier Lethality competition. This strategic collaboration brings together two innovators in soldier lethality systems to develop a next-generation 30mm support rifle.

“We are excited to be working with Barrett, the world’s premier soldier weapons manufacturer, to mature our 30mm Support Rifle System for the U.S. Army’s PGS Program,” Michael Merino, President of MARS Inc, said. “Together, we’re developing a solution that will greatly enhance the soldier’s ability to engage a wide range of battlefield threats.”

The SSRS will offer soldiers an advanced counter-defilade capability and the ability to defeat Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and dismounted soldier targets. Designed for the U.S. Army’s upcoming PGS solicitation expected in FY2026, Barrett will head a team of industry-leading partners to develop a cutting-edge system optimized for lethality and soldier safety.

“Barrett will bring together a team of innovative partners to deliver a PGS solution that incorporates unique technologies optimizing lethality and soldier safety,” Bryan James, CEO of Barrett, said. “The SSRS is a key part of our expanded product line, offering new capabilities that enhance the effectiveness of allied forces on the battlefield.”

The U.S. Army announced the launch of the PGS program during an industry day event at Picatinny Arsenal in August. As a part of this initiative, Barrett’s SSRS is positioned to play a critical role in shaping the future of soldier weapons systems.

Attendees of the AUSA Annual Meeting are invited to visit the Barrett booth #3615 to view a model of the MARS xTech demonstration system and learn more about Barrett’s vision for the future of soldier lethality.

Posted in Advertiser, AUSA, Press Release, weapons | 7 Comments »

FN SCAR 15P in .300 Blackout Latest Addition to SCAR Series

Thursday, October 10th, 2024

(McLean, VA — October 10, 2024) Building on the heritage of the FN SCAR® family, FN America, LLC is excited to announce the release of the FN SCAR® 15P chambered in .300 Blackout. An ideal choice for home and personal defense applications or for everyday range use, the FN SCAR 15P is the semiautomatic pistol modeled after the FN SCAR-SC personal defense weapon originally designed for military and law enforcement.

The initial version of the FN SCAR 15P was launched in late 2022, chambered in 5.56x45mm. The new .300 Blackout pistol has been optimized in every way possible for the caliber, including gas regulator settings for subsonic and supersonic ammunition, a .30 caliber flash hider and a dedicated magazine, giving customers the best possible experience and performance.

“The SCAR family is renowned for its uncompromising reliability, durability and accuracy – the hallmark of FN’s quality. We are proud to say that the FN SCAR 15P in .300 Blackout continues to expand the platform while delivering a shooting experience worthy of the name,” said Benjamin Voss, Sr. Product Manager, Long Guns, FN America, LLC. “With the addition of separately available cold hammer-forged and chrome-lined barrel assemblies chambered in .300 Blackout and 5.56x45mm, the FN SCAR 15P continues to increase the configuration choices the SCAR family is known for.”

The FN SCAR 15P .300BLK offers the multi-caliber modularity that is the hallmark of the SCAR platform. The caliber, originally designed by Advanced Armament Corp, was optimized to perform in short-barreled configurations. Specifically developed with flexibility and mobility in mind, the pistol is extremely lightweight and compact, weighing just 5.65 pounds unloaded and measuring under 20 inches in length with its 7.5-inch barrel.

Packaged in a premium, soft-sided carry case, the FN SCAR 15P .300BLK also ships with a dedicated .300 Blackout 30-round magazine from Magpul, along with a standard .30-caliber flash hider optimized for the projectile. The pistol is available in black or flat dark earth (FDE). With its overall compact size, non-reciprocating charging handle, lightweight configuration and reliable FN SCAR operating system, the FN SCAR 15P .300BLK is the perfect choice for home or personal defense and an ideal addition to any FN SCAR collection.

FN SCAR 15P Barrel Assemblies

Barrel assemblies chambered in .300 Blackout and 5.56x45mm will be available through the FN eStore and other authorized FN retailers, allowing owners to swap calibers. The barrel assemblies are cold hammer forged and chrome lined, and include the bottom Picatinny rail, gas block, piston, regulator and muzzle device. The SCAR 15P .300BLK assembly also includes the SCAR scraper tool. Shop these barrel assemblies and other accessories at authorized FN retailers or the FN eStore.

FN SCAR Family

The FN SCAR family is the industry standard in piston-driven, gas-operated, semi-automatic, modular ri?es and pistols. Proven reliability comes from its short-stroke, piston-driven system, with long-term accuracy and durability provided by its fully free-?oated, cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel. The monolithic aluminum receiver and polymer trigger module also provide signi?cant weight savings in comparison to other rifles in its class.

In total, the FN SCAR family consists of four available consumer versions, from pistol to long-range precision rifle. With over two dozen base product options in multiple calibers (5.56x45mm, 7.62x51mm, 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 Blackout), plus available barrel assemblies, rear stock options and magazines, the various SCAR configurations are almost endless.

To learn more about the FN SCAR 15P pistol options, including the new .300 Blackout, please visit fnamerica.com/products/pistols/fn-scar-15p, and visit fnamerica.com to find an FN dealer near you at fnamerica.com/find-a-dealer.

Posted in Press Release, weapons | 4 Comments »