Sig squad LMG final phases?

Why does the top M4 replacement look like it is both side charging and has an AR rear charging handle?

That platform is going to be more muzzle heavy with the minimalist folding stock at the back. Say what you will about the buffer tube setup on DI AR’s they had some pluses, namely no high reciprocating mass and putting some of the weight of the platform in the shooters shoulder pocket to help with balance.

Be interesting if this ever gets off the ground (that’s a lot of money to replace the M4’s and M249’s in service) how the reception will be.

WestKentucky said:

I would like to have an AR setup like the thing intended to replace the m4 as well.

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Replacing the M4 is not necessarily a given at this point.
Especially not with a change to the new SAW 6.8 round.
So, it's all vaporware at this point.
If very pretty vaporware.

Pertinent here is that the new SAW is intended as a Squad weapon, it's meant to be effective beyond typical rifle ranges (remember a Squad is full of rifles, M4 in present configuration). So, out to 1.5x rifle range is where the SAW is expected to perform. Beyond that, the Squad radios to Platoon, where they can get 7.62nato MG or mortar support.

I hope they test these more thoroughly than the P320/M17.

ECVMatt said:

I hope they test these more thoroughly than the P320/M17.

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Or the Cross rifle...

Not much heard about the other two, Textron and Gendye.

ECVMatt said:

I hope they test these more thoroughly than the P320/M17.

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The M17 was pretty well tested. What issues are you hearing about?

C-grunt said:

The M17 was pretty well tested. What issues are you hearing about?

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https://www.psmagazine.army.mil/News/Article/2229115/m17m18-mhs-is-your-pistol-acting-sluggish/

https://www.psmagazine.army.mil/News/Article/2218171/m17m18-mhs-new-slide-function-check/

There is an issue in Canada right now and a few more I can post in a bit.

EDIT: I will add this here not to throw the whole thread off topic...

From the Special Operations Aviation Training Battalion (TF-160's feeder selection and training unit):

M17/M18 Product Quality Deficiency Report

Background —
• SOATB is having a new issue with our SIG M18's
• The Safety Lock as pictured is shearing and disabling the Drop Safety.
• Weapon will still fire and function normally but can be unsafe if dropped.
• If not correct weapon could accidentally discharge.

Ongoing Actions —
• Inspected and repaired as required.
• PQDR submission to TACOM
• The affected part can only be replaced as an entire assy: Striker Assy (1005-01-665-3082).
• Request that armorers keep Striker Assemblies on hand as Shop Stock.
• 3 x of the 115 on hand were found broken during inspection.
• Round count on the affected pistols was approx. 5-6000 rounds.

Recommendations —
• Adjacent Unit Armorers one time inspect all weapons of the affected area on the underside of the slide
• Reinspect every time the weapon is issued.
• Implement the Safety of Use Message or MAM once distro

ECVMatt said:

https://www.psmagazine.army.mil/News/Article/2229115/m17m18-mhs-is-your-pistol-acting-sluggish/

https://www.psmagazine.army.mil/News/Article/2218171/m17m18-mhs-new-slide-function-check/

There is an issue in Canada right now and a few more I can post in a bit.

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I hadn't heard about those issues. The Canada issue seems to be more of a holster issue that let foreign objects inside when holstering. The Canadian news article failed to mention that the holster used was for a P226 that had been heat molded and dremelled to fit the 320.

As an old machine gunner, see pic on left, I am interested in these developments. I am a big fan of the M-60 as the best gun is the one in your hands. I also realize that it is based on a WW2 German design. The new SAW does look good to me.

BreechFace said:

Why does the top M4 replacement look like it is both side charging and has an AR rear charging handle?

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Because it does have both a side charging handle and a AR charging handle. I don't know why they decided to do this but it's been something they they've had on the unreleased MCX MR for years.