XM-8: New U.S. Service Rifle?

Modern Firearms and Ammunition website ^ | unknown | Unknown

[Long Cut]

Caliber: 5.56x45 mm NATO
Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt
Overall length: no data
Barrel length: no data
Weight: 2.67 kg empty
Rate of fire: no data
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds (STANAG)

The development of the XM8 Lightweight Assault Rifle was initiated by US Army in the 2002, when contract was issued to the Alliant Techsystems Co of USA to study possibilities of development of kinetic energy part of the XM29 OICW weapon into separate lightweight assault rifle, which could, in the case of success, replace the aging M16A2 rifles and M4A1 carbines in US military service. According to the present plans, the XM8 should enter full production circa 2005, if not earlier, several years before the XM-29 OICW. The XM8 (M8 after its official adoption) should become a standard next generation US forces assault rifle. It will fire all standard 5.56mm NATO ammunition, and, to further decrease the load on the future infantrymen, a new type of 5.56mm ammunition is now being developed. This new ammunition will have composite cases, with brass bases and polymer walls, which will reduce weight of the complete ammunition, while maintaining compatibility with all 5.56mm NATO weapons. Along with 20% weight reduction in the XM8 (compared to the current issue M4A1 carbine), this will be a welcome move for any infantryman, already overloaded by protective, communications and other battle equipment.

The XM8 will be quite similar to the "KE" (kinetic energy) part of the XM-29 OICW system, being different mostly in having a telescoped plastic buttstock of adjustable length, and a detachable carrying handle with the Picatinny rail.

Technical description. The XM8 is a derivative of the Heckler-Koch G36 assault rifle, and thus it is almost similar to that rifle in design and functioning. The key differences are the NATO-standard magazine housing that will accept M16-type magazines, the set of Picatinny rails on the forend, telescoped buttstock of adjustable length and a different scope, mounted on the Picatinny rail, built into the detachable carrying handle.

[Squantos]

I'll assume its a "new standard" HK type. My MP5SD , 91 the HK 21 I carried/used has left side only.....possibly reversable but I never saw one . Is this a "new G series" feature ?

Stay Safe !

[.cnI redruM]

ahhh...not exactly. They are arguing over what type of round it will fire. The PM of course wants an easier hurdle to clear, the soldier rep wants something out of a sci-fi movie. It might go to test in 18 months....maybe.

[Woahhs]

there's nothing quite like a .45 ACP subgun...

A stack of nickels flying at 750 fps is quite an attention getter. Being a Florida boy, I don't even go to the potty without mine!

[Long Cut]

Re=#39: I must be the only guy left who does NOT wish to take part in the current "vertical-forearm handle" fad. I think that they are ugly as sin, and make the rifle awkward and prone to catch on things.

Of course, I also feel that way about scopes, lights, and any OTHER thing that requires a battery.

Just give me a rifle with good iron sights and I'm fine.

[budanski]

Why are we depending on the Germans for our arms?

[jonalvy44]

nice...looks British

[AAABEST]

Yeah, but it might be with .308.

Exactly. I would tend to think that something so small and light would not be suited for a .308 round at all.

[kallisti]

much obliged. the arsenal is the only picatinny reference i knew (born in newton), but i'm not an expert in weapons. my father is, he was a proof technician there in the 60s, 70s and 80s. which means he tested everything from 16s to 155s. thanks again, this place sure is informative.

[Ancesthntr]

I believe the perfect battle rifle cartridge was developen around 1894, the 6.5X55, which was chambered in the Norwegian Krag and Swedish Mausers.

I'd love to see the accurate flat-shooting, heavier 6.5mm round in our next infantry weapon. It would allow our people to reach out further, and to more effective at closer ranges. I'm not holding my breath - first of all, there's the NIH syndrome. Second, we have a large stock of ammo and guns that use only .223. As was demonstrated when we moved to the Garand, the expenditure of a relatively few dollars for something that would arguably be better for our forces won't be made. We'd need a shooter at the level of the Joint Chiefs or above to force that decision, which we don't have.

[Long Cut]

Thanks for the inside iggy! That DOES suggest that it's more than a pipe dream.

Please, tell us more, within your ability to do so.

[WestPacSailor]

Why are we depending on the Germans for our arms?

Heck, if it's the best rifle for the job let's use 'em. I couldn't care less if it was designed by Martians. Just make sure we build 'em here in the USA.

[Long Cut]

Because the AW ban, plus the Machine Gun ban of 1986, has essentially killed most American combat rifle innovation. There were hundreds of designs on the boards a decade and a half ago.

[45Auto]

Knight's Armament Corporation; I understand they are not currently offering this gun for sale.

[The KG9 Kid]

Fires same old 5.56mm NATO, and uses the lousy M16 magazine.

Same as it ever was.... Same as it ever was....

[.cnI redruM]

that's about the extent of my ability

[45Auto]

I don't like the verticle forearm handle, either; I assume it can be removed.

[Squantos]

Agree...... I feel a lighter "base" weapon that with the normal addition of a weapons sight and a couple of magazines carried not unlike the Redi-Mag or a rase stock and a grenade launcher would bring the weight up to 7 pounds "loaded". I suggested the titanium/scadnium reciever above for such. Stainless in all the other stressed parts would nice also. Also mentioned above was .243 caliber which I agree with.

I think a standard weapon/caliber will never fill all the needs. CQB, long range, logistics of different ammo, lightweight for those that still have to hump a ruck to the objective ect ect.....As a civie now I carry an M1A built up from TRW parts, brookfield mount and a leaupold ultra 10X and my NFA tax burdened MPSDA3........Mouse guns get to see daylight for leg matches only these days.....:o)

Just thoughts !..........Stay safe !

[Woahhs]

Why are we depending on the Germans for our arms?

My father the engineer always said: "good equipment forgives alot of sins."

Believe it.

That's why I wouldn't buy and American car on a dare!

[jjm2111]

Is that a southpaw model or is the select fire switch ambi? That, IMHO, would be a good thing as the M16 selector switch is a PITA when firing left-handed.

Also, thank God they didn't pick a bullpup.

[OXENinFLA]

MMMMmmmmm