The XM-8 is an experimental assault rifle currently undergoing trials with the US Military. It was designed and built by the German weapons firm of Heckler & Koch to replace the aging M-16 assault rifle and M-4 carbine. Although there’s no great outcry from Soldiers in the field to replace their current weapon, there’s a push to get gear into the field faster. The data will be used to help refine the requirements document for the new weapons systems, or even decide if there’s a need.
The XM8 family has a 9-inch compact, 12.5-inch carbine and a 20-inch sharpshooter and automatic rifle. The 12.5-inch carbine is 6.4 pounds with an objective of 5.7 pounds and is 33 inches with its adjustable stock extended. The M-16 A2 is 39.63 inches long and 8.79 pounds with a 30-round magazine.
Internally, the XM8 uses a rotary locking bolt system that functions and fieldstrips like those used in the M-16 rifle and M-4 carbine, according to the XM8 manufacturer’s — Heckler & Koch — Website. The bolt is powered by a unique gas operating system with a user-removable gas piston and pusher rod to operate the mechanism. Unlike the current M-4 and M-16 direct gas system with gas tube, the XM8 gas system does not introduce propellant gases and carbon back into the weapon’s receiver during firing.
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Image Courtesy of the US Deptartment of Defense.
2006
Designation:Heckler & Koch HK XM8 Classification Type:Assault Rifle (Carbine and Sniper versions available) Manufacturer:Heckler & Koch GmbH - Germany Country of Origin: Germany
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