XM7 Rifle and XM250 Automatic Rifle

About

The XM7 Rifle and XM250 Automatic Rifle are part of the U.S. Army's Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program, designed to enhance soldier lethality and survivability in close combat. The XM7, developed by SIG Sauer, is a gas-operated, semi-automatic rifle chambered in the new 6.8 x 51 mm caliber, offering increased range and penetration compared to the 5.56 mm NATO round. It features a modular design, ambidextrous controls, and compatibility with advanced optics like the Vortex XM157 fire control, which includes a laser range finder and ballistic calculator. The XM250 Automatic Rifle is a lightweight belt-fed machine gun, also chambered in 6.8 mm, designed to replace the M249 SAW. Both weapons are optimized for use with suppressors and thermal sights, enhancing survivability. The transition to the 6.8 mm caliber improves accuracy and effectiveness against body armor and barriers. While the XM7 is heavier than its predecessor, it offers significant advantages in power and precision, making it a key component in modernizing U.S. infantry capabilities.