POTD: XM7 6.8mm In The Air

Eric B
by Eric B

Did you know that the Next Generation Squad Weapon system is going to impact over 120,000 U.S. Army Soldiers? Photo Of The Day and we take yet another look at the XM7 rifle, and see some spent 6.8×51mm (blanks?) in the air.


The XM7 rifle, developed by SIG Sauer, is a 6.8mm weapon designed to succeed the M4 and the M249 SAW. It is supposed to provide enhanced firepower and extended range. Often used with the high-tech XM157 Fire Control System, the XM7 benefits from integrated optics and ballistic computing, with the intention of enabling soldiers to acquire targets with greater accuracy and efficiency.


That’s a lot of optics and lasers up and down.


Images and captions: Mr. Thomas Mort, Audio Visual Specialist, and Maj. Thomas Lorenson, Senior Test and Evaluation Officer, Maneuver Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command, from U.S. Army Article.

Eric B
Eric B

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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 3 comments
  • Patrick Patrick on Nov 01, 2024

    The case neck in the first picture looks impossibly long. Is this a blank?

    • Joh85128538 Joh85128538 on Nov 04, 2024


      Yes, that is a blank. Look up a photo of a 7.62x51 blank and you can see they have a similar profile. Jack has it exactly right. The big red device attached to the muzzle is a blank adapter. It not only discourages the use of live ammo but its blocking and sealing of the barrel allows enough pressure to develop inside the barrel, and therefore the gas system, to cycle the rifle.

  • Jack Jack on Nov 01, 2024

    Yes. Look at the muzzle of the rifle and you will see a BFA, blank firing adapter.

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