If a new design for a heavy machine gun is needed, somebody needs to dig up John Moses Browning. Fortunately it appears as if one isn't really needed. A little updating and the old girl is still good to go. New builds rather than a bunch of weapons that have been through the arsenal to be rebuilt so many times they have more seniority than any of the employees might be nice though. The arsenal *claims* they are as good as new... but I saw the same "claim" 30+ years ago for J-57 turbojets. It was about as far from the truth as "The check is in the mail", or "We're from the BATFE and are here to help you." Same now goes for the J-57's replacement (in non fighter applications) the TF-33.
Just discovered they *are* buying new ones, and a bunch of new receivers and other parts. The new ones and recievers are from SACO Defense.:
July 27/07: A $26 million firm-fixed-price contract for M2 Machine Guns. Work will be performed in Saco, Maine, and is expected to be complete by Feb. 28, 2009. This was a sole source contract initiated on April 11, 2007 (W52H09-07-C-0125).
July 27/07: A $5.1 million modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for M2 Receiver Cartridges. Work will be performed in Saco, Maine, and is expected to be complete by Sept. 30, 2008. There were 2 bids solicited on March 23, 2006, and 2 bids were received (W52H09-06-C-0155).
Jan 18/07: GDATP announces a $6.9 million contract modification from U.S. Army TACOM in Rock Island, IL to produce M2HB Machine Guns. This option modifies a contract originally awarded in October 2006, bringing the total contract value to date to $27.5 million.