{"id":213371,"date":"2025-03-30T17:09:08","date_gmt":"2025-03-30T22:09:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=213371"},"modified":"2025-10-22T06:33:13","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T11:33:13","slug":"the-future-of-military-firearms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/the-future-of-military-firearms\/","title":{"rendered":"The Future Of Military Firearms &#8211; Farther, Faster, Deadlier"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-estimated-reading-time yoast-reading-time__wrapper\"><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-icon=\"clock\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" style=\"display:inline-block;vertical-align:-0.1em\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M12 8v4l3 3m6-3a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__spacer\" style=\"display:inline-block;width:1em\"><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__descriptive-text\">Estimated reading time: <\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__reading-time\">19<\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__time-unit\"> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s tough to say we are in a peacetime America when we still have troops in Iraq, Syria, and lord knows where else. However, we don\u2019t have battalions of Marines and soldiers deploying overseas every month. The military seems to be taking this time to prepare for the next war. This includes everything from submarines to bombers. Somewhere between the two, we have a focus on military firearms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The current flux state of military firearms seems focused on making the average infantryman deadlier. That shouldn\u2019t be a surprise. The last 100 yards of any battlefield belong to the infantry. Throughout the GWOT, firearms steadily became smaller and lighter for use in and out of vehicles and in urban areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-the-next-generation-squad-weapon\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"the-future-of-military-firearms\" title=\"The Future Of Military Firearms - Farther, Faster, Deadlier\" data-level=\"2\">The Next Generation Squad Weapon<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-lightweight-medium-machine-gun\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"the-future-of-military-firearms\" title=\"The Future Of Military Firearms - Farther, Faster, Deadlier\" data-level=\"2\">The Lightweight Medium Machine Gun<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-capable-military-firearms\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"the-future-of-military-firearms\" title=\"The Future Of Military Firearms - Farther, Faster, Deadlier\" data-level=\"2\">Capable Military Firearms<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-mk22-mod-0-advanced-sniper-rifle\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"the-future-of-military-firearms\" title=\"The Future Of Military Firearms - Farther, Faster, Deadlier\" data-level=\"2\">Mk22 Mod 0 Advanced Sniper Rifle<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-precision-grenadier-system\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"the-future-of-military-firearms\" title=\"The Future Of Military Firearms - Farther, Faster, Deadlier\" data-level=\"2\">Precision Grenadier System<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-new-optics\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"the-future-of-military-firearms\" title=\"The Future Of Military Firearms - Farther, Faster, Deadlier\" data-level=\"2\">New Optics<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-vortex-xm157\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"the-future-of-military-firearms\" title=\"The Future Of Military Firearms - Farther, Faster, Deadlier\" data-level=\"2\">Vortex XM157<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-vcog-1-8x\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"the-future-of-military-firearms\" title=\"The Future Of Military Firearms - Farther, Faster, Deadlier\" data-level=\"2\">VCOG 1-8X<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-further-faster-deadlier-and-quieter\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"the-future-of-military-firearms\" title=\"The Future Of Military Firearms - Farther, Faster, Deadlier\" data-level=\"2\">Further, Faster, Deadlier, and Quieter?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-s-next-with-military-firearms\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"the-future-of-military-firearms\" title=\"The Future Of Military Firearms - Farther, Faster, Deadlier\" data-level=\"2\">What\u2019s Next With Military Firearms?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2025, the focus will be less on size, weight, and maneuverability and more on making weapons that shoot further, with bullets that travel faster and hit harder. Today, we\u2019ll examine the projects, the projectiles, and the weapons that are bound to be the future of military firearms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-next-generation-squad-weapon\">The Next Generation Squad Weapon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The most well-known of these future military firearms programs is the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW). The U.S. Army launched the NGSW program in 2017. In 2022, the Army announced that <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/brand\/sig-sauer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"the-future-of-military-firearms\" title=\"The Future Of Military Firearms - Farther, Faster, Deadlier\">SIG Sauer<\/a> won the contest, and the MCX SPEAR and SIG LMG 6.8 would become the XM7 and XM250, respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The intent is to replace the M4 and <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/search?keyword=m249\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"the-future-of-military-firearms\" title=\"The Future Of Military Firearms - Farther, Faster, Deadlier\">M249<\/a> in the infantry and combat arms. The idea behind this system was to provide a rifle weapon system that fired a 6.8mm round extremely fast with a projectile design capable of piercing level 4 body armor and to increase the effective range of the infantry squad.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/soldier-shooting-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"us army military firearms\" class=\"wp-image-213379\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/soldier-shooting-1-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/soldier-shooting-1-400x267.webp 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/soldier-shooting-1-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/soldier-shooting-1-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/soldier-shooting-1-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/soldier-shooting-1.webp 1999w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Army&#8217;s NGSW system promises to punch through threat armor with ease<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>This 6.8x51mm cartridge has a maximum pressure of 80,000 PSI and a speed of 3,000 feet per second with a 135-grain cartridge. The cartridge case is a hybrid design with three distinct pieces. We have a steel case head connected to a brass body via an aluminum locking washer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The XM&amp; and XM250 have an effective range of 600 meters. The XM7 weighs 8.4 pounds, which makes it heavier than the M4. The XM250 weighs 13 pounds, making it lighter than the M249 SAW.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/XM250_2-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"soldier shooting MMG\" class=\"wp-image-213380\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/XM250_2-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/XM250_2-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/XM250_2-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/XM250_2-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/XM250_2-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/XM250_2.jpg 1320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The XM250 is lighter and more powerful than the M249 (Photo by Sebastian Saarloos)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The new weapon system promised to be one of the Army\u2019s most advanced. The Marine Corps hasn\u2019t officially adopted the platform but likely will if the U.S. Army deems it fit for service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There have been plenty of naysayers in the military firearms world. The XM7, in particular, is seen as a step back. The heavier, higher-recoiling rifle feels like a return to the battle rifle rather than an evolution of the assault rifle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-lightweight-medium-machine-gun\">The Lightweight Medium Machine Gun<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Read more about the SIG LMG at <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/XM250\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"the-future-of-military-firearms\" title=\"The Future Of Military Firearms - Farther, Faster, Deadlier\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wikipedia<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Marine Corps and SOCOM have been looking for a weapon capable of providing the range of the M2 without the weight of the <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/meet-the-wristwrecker-5000-a-50-bmg-1911-pistol-build\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"the-future-of-military-firearms\" title=\"The Future Of Military Firearms - Farther, Faster, Deadlier\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"805\">.50 BMG<\/a> platform. The ultimate goal is a machine that sits between the M2 and the M240. This created the Lightweight Medium Machine Gun program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The program uses the .338 Norma Magnum cartridge. It was announced in 2017, and by October 1st, 2024, there was supposed to be a winner, but as of this writing, this has not been established. Three <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/search?keyword=machine%20gun\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"the-future-of-military-firearms\" title=\"The Future Of Military Firearms - Farther, Faster, Deadlier\">machine gun<\/a> candidates have undergone testing with SOCOM.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"624\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/True-Velocity-RM-338-1200x731-1-1024x624.jpg\" alt=\"military firearms true velocity mmmg\" class=\"wp-image-213381\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/True-Velocity-RM-338-1200x731-1-1024x624.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/True-Velocity-RM-338-1200x731-1-400x244.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/True-Velocity-RM-338-1200x731-1-150x91.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/True-Velocity-RM-338-1200x731-1-768x468.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/True-Velocity-RM-338-1200x731-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The True Velocity RM 338, features a simple, stable, snap-open bipod that stows under the forend and deploys with the pull of a lever under the barrel nut. (True Velocity)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-capable-military-firearms\">Capable Military Firearms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This includes the SIG MG 338, the True Velocity Recoil Mitigation 338, and the Ohio Ordnance Works Recoil Enhanced Automatic Precision Rifle. The SIG is the lightest at 24.1 pounds, making it lighter than the M240 by slightly more than three pounds. All entrants are lighter than the M240 and feature recoil-reducing technology.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"579\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ohio-ordnance-reapr-03-1024x579.jpg\" alt=\"The REAPR Military weapons\" class=\"wp-image-213375\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ohio-ordnance-reapr-03-1024x579.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ohio-ordnance-reapr-03-400x226.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ohio-ordnance-reapr-03-150x85.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ohio-ordnance-reapr-03-768x434.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ohio-ordnance-reapr-03.jpg 1199w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Do you fear the REAPR? The enemies of democracy soon might. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The new .338 Norma Magnum LMMG will have a range of up to 2,000 meters. This combined lightweight design and long-range provides a man-portable medium machine gun that will extend troops&#8217; maximum contact distance and deliver deadly, accurate fire. The .338 Norma Magnum has proven effective at long ranges and has excellent barrier penetration.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1054\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/sig-mmg-338-3a.jpg\" alt=\"SIG machinguns lined up\" class=\"wp-image-213387\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/sig-mmg-338-3a.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/sig-mmg-338-3a-400x211.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/sig-mmg-338-3a-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/sig-mmg-338-3a-150x79.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/sig-mmg-338-3a-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/sig-mmg-338-3a-1536x809.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">SIG&#8217;s own machine gun has already been used by SOCOM (SIG Sauer)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The systems vary substantially. SIG offers a closed-to-open bolt design to maximize reliability and cooling. SIG and Ohio Ordancne offer ambidextrous controls and the ability to swap the feeding mechanism from right to left. The True Velocity option appears to be a beefed-up M240, which most soldiers will be familiar with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mk22-mod-0-advanced-sniper-rifle\">Mk22 Mod 0 Advanced Sniper Rifle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Marine Corps and SOCOM like the .338 Norma Magnum cartridge. It&#8217;s powerful, accurate, and capable. It\u2019s no surprise it was the winner of the Advanced Sniper Rifle contest alongside the Barrett MRAD. The pair combine to make the Mk22 Mod 0 Sniper Rifle. This platform will have the same range as the Barrett .50 BMG but not the weight associated with the massive round.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/mk-22-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"military firearms mk22 sniper rifle\" class=\"wp-image-213374\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/mk-22-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/mk-22-400x267.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/mk-22-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/mk-22-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/mk-22-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/mk-22-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The MK22 provides 50 cal range without 50 cal weight and size (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Cristian Bestul)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The Mk 22 Mod 0 has an effective range of 1,500 meters, right on the precipice of a mile. The MRAD platform is also inherently modular and easy to swap between barrels and calibers. Its massive monolithic scope rail system can accommodate a variety of modern optics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The platform maintains bolt-action precision with excellent power. The Marine Corps adopted these military firearms just in time to see snipers eliminated as a whole\u2014a sad day for the Corps, to be sure. SOCOM will still be fielding this modular sniper rifle system, so it won&#8217;t disappear anytime soon. The Mk22 Mod 0 Advanced Sniper Rifle brings a .50 caliber range without the .50 caliber weight and recoil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-precision-grenadier-system\">Precision Grenadier System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Historically, grenade launchers have been weapons designed to be primarily fired in an arc. This includes rifle grenades and 40mm launchers like the M203 and M320. They\u2019ve had limited range, and the arcing motion of the grenade being fired has long created issues with accuracy and effective range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Army launched the Precision Grenadier System to overcome these problems with the traditional grenade launcher and to add some strengths to the Grenadier system. The Army is testing systems from  Barrett and FN, which have serious XM25 vibes. These 30 mm systems offer a direct-fire design and integrate programmable airburst grenades.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Barrett-PGS.jpg\" alt=\"military firearms grendaier system\" class=\"wp-image-213388\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Barrett-PGS.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Barrett-PGS-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Barrett-PGS-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Barrett-PGS-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Barrett Precision Grenadier System promises awesome direct firepower for squad-level engagements<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>These military firearms aim to be the ultimate counter defilade tool and will turn cover into concealment. While exact details on the system&#8217;s methods are scant, the optic will program the grenade when to explode. Imagine a grenade sailing right over cover and exploding, killing the enemy behind it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both Barrett and FN\u2019s systems look and handle a lot like assault rifles. They have a rifle-like layout, are automatic, and feed from magazines. They have an M4 look but are much busier, with weight being kept under 15 pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Precision Grenadier system seems to be one of the more advanced weapons that could arm military forces. This system could be an infantry game changer if it functions as advertised. Barrett has shown grenades, anti-armor, and anti-drone cartridges. FN\u2019s been a bit more secretive with their platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-new-optics\">New Optics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s tough to shoot further on these platforms without being able to see your target. The U.S. Army and US Marine Corps have leaned into more capable optic systems for the average grunt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-vortex-xm157\">Vortex XM157<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Vortex XM157 isn\u2019t just a scope; it\u2019s a Fire Control system. It\u2019s a blend of optics and computers to create a high-tech LPVO with a 1-8X magnification at the system&#8217;s core. The XM157 uses a built-in laser range finder, a ballistic solver, environmental sensors, aiming lasers, a digital compass, and a wireless communication potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/XM250_with_XM157-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"XM250\" class=\"wp-image-213382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/XM250_with_XM157-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/XM250_with_XM157-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/XM250_with_XM157-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/XM250_with_XM157-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/XM250_with_XM157.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Army&#8217;s new optic combines a 1-8X LPVO with a fire computer system. (US Army)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It will solve ballistic problems for you. It calculates drop and windage to provide an aiming point to make the average grunt as accurate as a computer. The Barrett PGS also uses the XM157. The XM157 preliminary reports show a real lack of confidence in the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-vcog-1-8x\">VCOG 1-8X<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The USMC has finally said goodbye to the ACOG. In its place, they\u2019ve adopted the Trijicon VCOG. The VCOG is a 1-8X LPVO built like a brick house. It\u2019s huge, heavy, and tough enough to deal with 18-year-old Marines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/marines-m27.jpg\" alt=\"military firearms marine with rifle\" class=\"wp-image-213384\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/marines-m27.jpg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/marines-m27-400x266.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/marines-m27-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Marines are rocking a 1-8X VCOG (USMC)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>These systems are spreading across the Marine Corps to provide Marines with a tool for effective fire at longer ranges and for better-establishing identification of the enemy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-further-faster-deadlier-and-quieter\">Further, Faster, Deadlier, and Quieter?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Suppressors have quickly moved from being the tools of special operators to becoming extremely useful for the average grunt. The USMC experimented with a battalion of Marines that utilized suppressed weapons. They found that it increased command and control significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The U.S. Army is fielding the XM7 with a SIG-made suppressor. It\u2019s seemingly necessary with the weapon\u2019s short barrel and high-pressure cartridge. The suppressor will cut volume but also cut muzzle flash, which will likely be extremely present with the high-powered cartridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The USMC is stacking its M27 rifles with LPVOs and now suppressors, specifically Knight\u2019s Armament NT4. The NT4 might not be the quietest, but it&#8217;s known for its durability, which is critical with 18-year-old infantrymen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>READ MORE: <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/meet-the-sig-mgo-and-warp-system-shot-show-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"the-future-of-military-firearms\" title=\"The Future Of Military Firearms - Farther, Faster, Deadlier\">Meet the SIG MGO and WARP System \u2014 SHOT Show 2025<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The lightweight medium machine gun program is also requesting a suppressed barrel to accommodate each of the entrants. This isn\u2019t surprising, as machine guns are very visible targets, and a suppressor would help hide them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-s-next-with-military-firearms\">What\u2019s Next With Military Firearms? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s always the big question. What\u2019s next for military firearms? Will the M7 series succeed? Or will the M4 prove it&#8217;s still king of the hill? Are accessories the future? It will be an interesting and exciting time to see military firearm development. What are your thoughts? Share below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><em>*** <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"the-future-of-military-firearms\" title=\"The Future Of Military Firearms - Farther, Faster, Deadlier\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica!<\/a> ***<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In 2025, the focus will be less on size, weight, and maneuverability and more on making weapons that shoot further, with bullets that travel faster and hit harder<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":135,"featured_media":213386,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[694,243],"tags":[102,335,58,509],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-213371","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-gun-reviews","8":"category-military","9":"tag-feature-articles","10":"tag-military","11":"tag-sig-sauer","12":"tag-vortex"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Future Of Military Firearms<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn about the latest advancements in military firearms. 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