The U.S. Army is looking at acquiring a new machine gun chambered to fire the .338 Norma Magnum cartridge, but that can also be converted to use the same 6.8x51mm ammunition as its next-generation M7 rifles and M250 light machine guns.
A machine gun in .338 Norma Magnum would give Army units much greater reach than they can get now with their 7.62x51mm M240-series types. The service is eyeing conversion kits that would allow its existing M240Bs and M240Ls to fire the 6.8x51mm rounds, as well.
The Army’s Contracting Command-New Jersey at Picatinny Arsenal recently issued two separate contracting notices seeking information about potential options for a dual-caliber .338 Norma Magnum/6.8x51mm machine gun and M240B/L 6.8x51mm conversion kits.
“The dual caliber machine gun should include all hardware and instructions needed to operate as a .338 Norma Machine Gun and the conversion kit to fire the 6.8x51mm XM1186 general purpose cartridge,” the notice regarding that weapon states.
“Presently, the M240B and M240L machine guns are 7.62[x51]mm weapons. The durability, reliability, and function of the M240 weapon platform cannot be significantly compromised with a change in ammunition,” the conversion kit notice states. “The conversion kit should include all hardware and instructions needed to modify a standard M240B and M240L to fire the 6.8mm XM1186 general purpose cartridge. This will include a new barrel assembly and may include changes to the weapon powering through updates to the gas regulator, drive spring, or other means. The barrel assembly must be the standard barrel length (M240B) and short barrel length (M240L).”
M240s are the Army’s current general purpose machine guns. The B model, with its roughly 24-inch long barrel and 27.6 pound unloaded weight, is the baseline type in the service’s inventory today. The lighter weight L version, with its shorter barrel (just under 22 inches), collapsible stock, and titanium receiver, tips the scales at 21.8 pounds. The Army also has a M240H variant with spade grips instead of a buttstock for use as a helicopter door gun.
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A machine gun in .338 Norma Magnum would give Army units much greater reach than they can get now with their 7.62x51mm M240-series types. The service is eyeing conversion kits that would allow its existing M240Bs and M240Ls to fire the 6.8x51mm rounds, as well.
The Army’s Contracting Command-New Jersey at Picatinny Arsenal recently issued two separate contracting notices seeking information about potential options for a dual-caliber .338 Norma Magnum/6.8x51mm machine gun and M240B/L 6.8x51mm conversion kits.
“The dual caliber machine gun should include all hardware and instructions needed to operate as a .338 Norma Machine Gun and the conversion kit to fire the 6.8x51mm XM1186 general purpose cartridge,” the notice regarding that weapon states.
“Presently, the M240B and M240L machine guns are 7.62[x51]mm weapons. The durability, reliability, and function of the M240 weapon platform cannot be significantly compromised with a change in ammunition,” the conversion kit notice states. “The conversion kit should include all hardware and instructions needed to modify a standard M240B and M240L to fire the 6.8mm XM1186 general purpose cartridge. This will include a new barrel assembly and may include changes to the weapon powering through updates to the gas regulator, drive spring, or other means. The barrel assembly must be the standard barrel length (M240B) and short barrel length (M240L).”
M240s are the Army’s current general purpose machine guns. The B model, with its roughly 24-inch long barrel and 27.6 pound unloaded weight, is the baseline type in the service’s inventory today. The lighter weight L version, with its shorter barrel (just under 22 inches), collapsible stock, and titanium receiver, tips the scales at 21.8 pounds. The Army also has a M240H variant with spade grips instead of a buttstock for use as a helicopter door gun.
Machine Gun With Longer Reach Sought By U.S. Army
A machine gun in .338 Norma Magnum caliber would offer Army units significantly greater range over their existing 7.62x51mm M240s.
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