Cart
0
Army Fields Next Generation Squad Weapons to Replace M4 and M249
Have you shot any of the Next Generation Squad Weapons?
In a significant development, the United States Army has officially deployed its highly anticipated Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) to its first unit, marking the culmination of a lengthy endeavor to replace its aging M4 and M249 firearms. Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, have accepted delivery of the XM7 Next Generation Rifle and XM250 Next Generation Automatic Rifle, heralding a new era in infantry firepower.
Gear Spotlight: Relevant to This Story
M18 Enamel Pin – For When It’s Time to Bounce
$9.99
$4.99
SICKNESS FOR THE THICCNESS TEE
$29.99
$14.99
Manufactured by renowned firearm maker Sig Sauer, the XM7 is poised to supplant the M4 carbine in close combat formations, while the XM250 will succeed the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW). These cutting-edge rifles are chambered in 6.8 mm, offering enhanced range and lethality against adversaries equipped with body armor. Additionally, the Next Generation Squad Weapon series incorporates the XM157 Fire Control smart scope, crafted by Vortex Optics, which integrates state-of-the-art features such as a laser range finder, ballistic calculator, and digital display overlay into a futuristic rifle optic.
Colonel Jason Bohannon, manager of soldier lethality for the Program Executive Office Soldier project, emphasized the extensive soldier-led design, testing, and feedback process that preceded the fielding of these advanced weapons. He stated, “The Army is delivering on its promise to provide soldiers with the highest-quality, most-capable small-caliber weapons and ammunition.”
Based on Sig Sauer’s MCX-Spear rifle, the XM7 boasts a 13-inch barrel, standard and left-side non-reciprocating charging handles, a collapsible buttstock, a free-floating reinforced M-LOK handguard, and ergonomic AR-style design. On the other hand, the XM250, derived from Sig’s LMG 6.8 mm machine gun, features quick-detach magazines and expanded M1913 rail space. Notably, both rifles are equipped with Sig Sauer suppressors designed to mitigate blowback from toxic fumes.
Soldiers should be aware that the XM7 is notably heavier than the M4 carbine and delivers increased recoil akin to a weapon chambered in 7.62 mm, according to Sig Sauer officials. Looking ahead, the Army’s fiscal 2025 budget request outlines plans to procure 111,428 XM7 rifles, 13,334 XM250 automatic rifles, and 124,749 XM157 Fire Control devices, extending into the 2030s.
This milestone in infantry modernization follows decades of efforts to identify a suitable replacement for the M4 and M16 family of rifles. The Army’s commitment to enhancing lethality and effectiveness in diverse operational environments underscores its dedication to equipping soldiers with the most advanced weaponry available.
