POTD: Army Shrinks the NGSW - Meet the XM8 Carbine
For today’s Photo Of The Day, we have pictures of the new XM8 Carbine used by the members of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit. The XM8 is designed to improve maneuverability, especially in confined environments, while retaining the same 6.8×51mm ammunition and core operating system as the M7.
The compact carbine represents the latest evolution within the Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program. Compared to the M7, the XM8 has been reduced in overall length to just over 32 inches, down from 37 inches. The barrel length has been shortened from 13 inches to 11 inches, while the suppressor has been trimmed from 7 inches to 6 inches.
Weight has also been reduced. The XM8 comes in at approximately 7.33 pounds without a suppressor, compared to 8.36 pounds for the M7 (shown below). The suppressor itself is lighter as well, decreasing from 1.46 pounds to about 1.31 pounds. I’m guessing no ordinary soldier will complain about carrying less.
This is just one of TFB’s Photo Of The Day, where we admire new and wonderful images from the world of firearms. If you want more details, check: Army Testing Shorter, Lighter XM8 Carbine
I wonder what’s next in the NGSW program? The M7 Pistol and PDW?
Photo by Lt. Col. Michelle Lunato, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit.
Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.
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Yay, a stupid gun adopted under stupid pretenses, but now shorter!!!
“It’s Cold!”
Is the weight for the Carbine with or without a magazine?