True Velocity’s Multi-Caliber Belt-Fed Machine Gun - The RM834

The Texas-based company has developed the RM834, which they describe as “a next-generation assault machine gun”, which they have specifically developed to challenge the FN-manufactured MK48 7.62x51mm machine gun. The RM834 is a multi caliber weapon, with a .473 bolt face, capable of chambering 7.62 NATO, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.8TVC and other calibers - in theory even the US Army’s M1186 6.8mm round. True Velocity says: “this flexibility allows warfighters to tailor the weapon performance to the mission needs. With reduced recoil, improved accuracy, and lethal adaptability, this weapon delivers rifle-like mobility with belt-fed firepower.”

Specs for the RM834:

Caliber - Multi

Barrel Length - 13.0 / 16.0"

Operation - Gas and recoil operated, open & closed bolt, impulse averaging

Weight - 12.4-15.6 Lbs

Overall Length - 13” barrel stock folded: 28.1", 16” barrel stocked collapsed: 39.2"

Cyclic Rate of Fire - 525-575 Rounds per Minute

Several iterations of the RM834 can be seen on True Velocity’s site, one variant has a forward raised rail handgaurd, while the other - likely earlier, variant does not. The weapon’s other features include a side-folding stock with a cheek riser, integral bipod, M192 or M122 machine gun tripod mounting points and a 13 inch barrel. In all of the photos it is seen tipped with a Delta P suppressor, True Velocity originally partnered with Delta P for their NGSW submission and subsequently acquired the company in 2023.

Last week Garrett Pellerzi, Program Manager at True Velocity, shared a brief clip of the RM834 at the range during the Marine Corps Gunner Symposium Industry Day, you can check that out here. He described it as the company’s “ latest game-changer”

From photos we can also see that it has a top opening, railed-feed tray and a push-button, magazine release-style, retention catch for a belt bag/pouch. Weighing in at between 12.4 to 15.6lbs (5.6 to 7kg) which puts it in the same space as the FN Evolys and SIG M250. Unlike the Evolys the RM384 has a quick change barrel with a fixed headspace. Interestingly, True Velocity’s website suggests the weapon can fire from an open and closed bolt, potentially suggesting the weapon could fire from a closed bolt for semi-auto and from an open bolt for full-auto. The RM384 also can be charged while on safe and features a non-reciprocating charging handle which can be swapped left or right.

True Velocity describe the weapon’s patented integral recoil averaging (SRIA) system:

“The RM834 features True Velocity’s patented short recoil impulse averaging (SRIA) technology. This method of operation significantly reduces recoil by distributing the cartridge impulse over the full operating cycle. This innovation results in minimal felt recoil, making automatic fire more accurate and controllable.”

The weapon’s belt feeds from the left side, with spent cases ejecting from the bottom of the receiver and links ejecting to the right. There are railed lengths on the receiver, the feed-tray cover and forward on the handguard which also features MLOK slots.

The RM834 combined with True Velocity’s composite case ammunition places the company as a contender in several key emerging markets, firstly the lightweight assault machine gun sector and secondly the new generation of squad support weapons, like the SIG M250, which chamber more powerful ammunition.