USA special ops just purchased Sig sauers new machine gun

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https: //americanmilitarynews.com/2020/01/video-us-special-operations-just-purchased-sig-sauers-new-machine-gun-heres-what-it-can-do/

Excellent.

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The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has completed its safety certifications of Sig Sauer’s latest machine gun offering, the MG 338, and has begun purchasing the weapons systems.

In a press release, the firearms company confirmed it had passed the certifications and delivered the first of its machine guns to the U.S. military’s elite military command on Wednesday. The new machine gun is touted as a lightweight new weapon that can bridge the gap between the U.S. military’s current M240 (7.62x51cal) medium machine guns and its Browning M2 (.50cal) heavy machine guns.



The MG 338 was approved along with Sig Sauer’s new .338 Norma Mag Ammunition and a new suppressor system. According to Sig Sauer, the certifications represent the first time in decades that the U.S. military has approved a new machine gun, ammunition and suppressor at the same time.



“For the first time in decades the U.S. military certified a new machine gun, ammunition, and suppressor at the same time, bringing new innovation, portability, and increased lethality to our ground forces, with all components coming from one company,” said Sig Sauer President and CEO Ron Cohen.



Among its features, the MG 338 also touts a significant weight reduction to the M240, coming in at only 20 pounds. On top of its M240 predecessor, Sig Sauer claims the MG 338 has increased range the .338 ammunition can deliver greater lethality. The MG 338 touts an effective range of 2,000 meters, a distance of over 1.2 miles.

The weapon’s proprietary recoil mitigation system, and free-floating barrel are meant to further assist the accuracy of the weapon, while reducing the fatigue a user may experience from heavy and repeated weapon recoil.

The new machine gun is also designed with ambidextrous controls, allowing both right-handed and left-handed users to easily operate the weapons system. Further, the machine gun has a quick change barrel, allowing operators to easily remove a damaged or overheated barrel.

The machine gun also has a built-in folding stock.


The new suppressor system, described by Sig Sauer as the Next Generation Suppressor, “drastically reduces the impact of harmful toxic fumes and signature, making the operator less vulnerable.”
 
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338 Norma Mag

and from what I've been reading it looks like they are looking at replacing their 300WM sniper rifles with new ones chambered in 338NM

I think I need to buy a 338 NM or convert the 338WM I have to 338NM :)
 
It is very interesting to see what the USMC has in mind with the MMG. Are they planning to replace the M240 as a platoon weapon, or it is going to be a company weapon and dismounted 50 cal HMG will be completely a thing of the past?

The gun is lighter, but bigger and the conventional ammo is heavier than M240. Is SIG going to offer a hybrid cased 338 Norma down the road? And if NSGW becomes reality, is the 6.8 a better platoon MG, and where will a conventional 338 MMG go?

Or is this going to be a special weapon for special forces formations only? For mounting on certain boats and vehicles only?
 
Smart move going to the Norma cases, lots of kick-ass in there.

Would be nice to see them replace the antiquated .300WM and .338LM with the Norma cases in their sniper rifles.
 
What are the ballistic advantages of that cartridge over the 338 LM?
In ballistics there are no free lunches.

Shorter OAL with same velocity. Less body taper on 338NM. 338LM needs to be over factory length to get the same velocity with the 300gr bullets. To me, seems similar to 375H&H vs 375Ruger comparison.
 
The .338 Norma allows seating the 300gr bullet at its optimal depth but still allows the cartridge to fit the 338 Lapua mag length. The sacrifice is slightly less velocity. It is a fabulous cartridge, the Creedmoor of the .338 world, very accurate and efficient.
 
How many rounds they claim barrel can handle before it's overheated and quick change should happen? Will suppressor be able to keep up with same rate of fire? Can't find anything.
 
How many rounds they claim barrel can handle before it's overheated and quick change should happen? Will suppressor be able to keep up with same rate of fire? Can't find anything.

Not that much info out on it yet, video states 600rds per min.the quick change is for different length barrels. I can only assume that all components were tested to military spec.
 
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