XM-8: New U.S. Service Rifle?

Modern Firearms and Ammunition website ^ | unknown | Unknown

[Long Cut]

Caliber: 5.56x45 mm NATO
Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt
Overall length: no data
Barrel length: no data
Weight: 2.67 kg empty
Rate of fire: no data
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds (STANAG)

The development of the XM8 Lightweight Assault Rifle was initiated by US Army in the 2002, when contract was issued to the Alliant Techsystems Co of USA to study possibilities of development of kinetic energy part of the XM29 OICW weapon into separate lightweight assault rifle, which could, in the case of success, replace the aging M16A2 rifles and M4A1 carbines in US military service. According to the present plans, the XM8 should enter full production circa 2005, if not earlier, several years before the XM-29 OICW. The XM8 (M8 after its official adoption) should become a standard next generation US forces assault rifle. It will fire all standard 5.56mm NATO ammunition, and, to further decrease the load on the future infantrymen, a new type of 5.56mm ammunition is now being developed. This new ammunition will have composite cases, with brass bases and polymer walls, which will reduce weight of the complete ammunition, while maintaining compatibility with all 5.56mm NATO weapons. Along with 20% weight reduction in the XM8 (compared to the current issue M4A1 carbine), this will be a welcome move for any infantryman, already overloaded by protective, communications and other battle equipment.

The XM8 will be quite similar to the "KE" (kinetic energy) part of the XM-29 OICW system, being different mostly in having a telescoped plastic buttstock of adjustable length, and a detachable carrying handle with the Picatinny rail.

Technical description. The XM8 is a derivative of the Heckler-Koch G36 assault rifle, and thus it is almost similar to that rifle in design and functioning. The key differences are the NATO-standard magazine housing that will accept M16-type magazines, the set of Picatinny rails on the forend, telescoped buttstock of adjustable length and a different scope, mounted on the Picatinny rail, built into the detachable carrying handle.

[Cloud William]

The jerk that designed the metal handguard (as on the RSA-built FALs) did not intend for the weapon to be fired more that once. Dumb.

Never did understand the thinking behind that one. My best guess was that someone only figured on fighting during the winter months!

With regard to the extractor and ejector breakage issues, do you know if those problems surfaced when the T-48s underwent testing?

[Cloud William]

Ah, you are correct, of course - the bipod is the reason for the steel handguards. Unlike Western Europe, the U.S. never put much emphasis on bipods beyond light machineguns - at least not until the SAW evolved.

[Travis McGee]

Guaranteed Boxer/Feinstein Kali heart attack.

It all seemed extremely well executed, but I wondered about the stability of optics mounted on that long thin bridging picaninny rail. And with a collapsing stock, cheek pieces must be of the snap-on variety. Those metal legs didn't feel good against my face, and I wasn't even shooting, just imagining. But they sure looked good, and felt good to heft! A big can of whoopasss in a compact package.

[B4Ranch]

Sam, where's the magazine? I would presume the man has made sure there's nothing in the chamber.

No, I wouldn't want to see Gore with a BB gun.

[Squantos]

River Rat....all the Troy Inc stuff in a zip file link...safe, I downloaded it.

http://troyind.com/sopmod.zip

OK Travis.....I'll peek and sneek one from the armory sources. Give it a try !

Ya'll Saty safe !

[archy]

Ah, you are correct, of course - the bipod is the reason for the steel handguards. Unlike Western Europe, the U.S. never put much emphasis on bipods beyond light machineguns - at least not until the SAW evolved.

Just so. Others, who've used their own idea of SAWs or autorifles, are more familiar with the idea.

[archy]

That's the older 2000 version, with one thumb nut. You spin it down a little to flip the pod forward for stowage out of the way. The new version has two thumb nuts, one locks up against the mounting body, the other locks down against the hand wheel to give it a little resistance when you're on the bullseye.

It looks very neatly executed. But the concept goes back quite a way, I expect....

[Cloud William]

I think if I go and jump on the 6,8mm bandwagon, it'll likely be in a Robinson Arms *Expeditionary Rifle* with interchangable barrels, likely a fairly short one in the *bren gun* configuration. With something else for a bipod.

The modular nature of the Robarms rifle certainly makes the 6.8 less of a gamble, at least initially. If it were to turn out to be a flash in the pan, there's always the 5.56 barrel to keep the rifle functional. I really don't think the 6.8 will be a flop, though. Quite the contrary; there are many people who will be eager to upgrade. It's going to be wildly popular.

Once the cartridge has its legs under it, a new Armalite AR-180B in that caliber would be sweet.

[river rat]

Good Lord!
Just looking at the photos of different versions -- there is no way that is Kali legal...

Maybe Georgia?

Thanks for the zip files, Squantos.

Semper Fi

[Travis McGee]

I found this great series of photos. It looks like for 5.56, "speed kills." Cut that barrel down to 10-14 inches, and you just about ruin the round's potential. But send it out of a 20+" tube, and watch out! Just look:

[archy]

I found this great series of photos. It looks like for 5.56, "speed kills." Cut that barrel down to 10-14 inches, and you just about ruin the round's potential. But send it out of a 20+" tube, and watch out!

Even better: from a 26-inch barrelled boltgun, and with a telescopic sight that allows very precise placement. But it was also possible to shoot a corrugated cardboard box up close, leaving a neat little .22 hole in front. And in back, it looked like a .410 shotgun pattern had hit....

[river rat]

"...it's an Infantryman's weapon."
True...and I was a grunt.

"..I have, with both M16A1 and M14"
Those boys must have been high on something, to take a 7.62 in the chest and still be active!

"..I've twice been hit by the short assault rifle versions of the 7,62,
You're a twice lucky man.... You should stay out of those places now!


"...The roller on the bolt, which sometimes cracks or splits, particularly on full-auto, unless heavily lubricated. Sling swivels that rattle and fall off. A fragile front sight."

Rarely fired in full auto. In full auto - the M14 muzzle would climb too much...
Twine/tape wrapped loose hardware, helped. More noise created by the long barrel striking shit as you looked and turned...
The flash suppressor also subject to getting knocked skew wiff - and deflected rounds..


What can you say? She was an overweight, ugly, and troublesome lady --- but I loved her..

Semper Fi

[SAMWolf]

I always get a kick out of that picture. He has to be wearing every piece of equipment and clothing he was issued.

[CasearianDaoist]

Also, it has a built in obsolesence in its optics. This thing is way too cumbersome. They need to rethink it. I heard that it will most likely get canned.

[PoorMuttly]

WOW !

What a GREAT way to start the day !

You guys are amazing...and it is wonderful to have this stuff presented here...rather than having to dig for it (Muttly rather dig for the joy of it...or to bother the neighbors!).

[risk]

Great thread, L.C. and thanks for the SHOT reports, Matt.

[Long Cut]

Thanks for the props, but I only posted what I thought was an interesting article with a lot of implications. All the pros here, like Archy and Travis and Squantos, provided the lion's share of the useful info and opinions.

I am pleased as punch that this thread has turned out this way. Good, solid information from true professionals has flowed like water here, and has washed the misinformation away with it. I have learned a great deal here, and hope to learn much more about the subject at hand. While I'm a military member, my job does not require the carrying of personal weapons (unfortunately...there's been times I wished it DID, being unarmed in a war is disquieting), but I've long been highly interested in them, from swords all the way to toys like the XM-8. Their function, abilities, and their tactical employment fascinate me no end, and this thread has become a valuable resource in that regard.

I plan to keep it going as long as possible, and to update its central topic as information becomes available. it is my fond hope that those knowledgeable professionals who have made it so informative will continue to do so.

[Squantos]

Hey I'm just here to learn......... maybe make a few duckets on the side bets ! etc etc.....:o)

Stay Safe LC ! Great Thread.

[Long Cut]

" maybe make a few duckets on the side bets ! etc etc.....:o)"

What's the current over/under on the XM-8 being adopted, and with what caliber? I've got some live fish in my squadron interested in this, too.

Oh, and they ALL want a semiauto-only civvie version, ESPECIALLY if it's in 6.8mm.

The hunters figure it'll be great for deer up in Maine.

[LibKill]

Aw, shucks! I learned a lot more from this thread than I put into it.