The U.S. Army is facing internal criticism over the new M7 (XM7) assault rifle chambered in 6.8×51mm, which began field trials with frontline units in late 2023.
Captain Braden Trent of the U.S. Army visited the 1st Brigade Combat Team “Bastogne” of the 101st Airborne Division, where he surveyed over 150 soldiers and examined 23 XM7 rifles. According to him, the results show that the XM7 underperforms compared to the current M4A1.
Testing with subject matter experts, ballistic studies, and soldier feedback all point to the XM7 being unsuitable as a modern battle rifle.
Trent stated at the Modern Day Marine exhibition.
Key findings from Trent’s 52-page report include:
- Limited magazine capacity: The XM7 uses 20-round magazines, unlike the M4A1’s 30-rounders. Troops carry 140 rounds (7 mags) versus 210 rounds with the M4 a significant reduction during combat drills.
- Barrel wear: Visible pitting and scratching appear after just 2,000 rounds, potentially reducing accuracy and reliability.
- Weight and bulk: The XM7 weighs 8.38 lbs without suppressor and 9.84 lbs with suppressor, compared to 6.34 lbs for the M4, which affects maneuverability, especially during long missions.
- Tactical irrelevance: Trent argues that most engagements occur within 300 meters, where the extended range advantage of the 6.8×51mm round is negligible. He sees the XM7 as better suited to a designated marksman role, not as a general infantry rifle.
- Reliability issues: Some soldiers reported ejection problems even with proper cleaning and gas setting adjustments, suppressor failures, and difficulty using blank firing adapters.
Ora, ora, mas quem diria que esse 6.8 mm seria detestado. Os caras tinham o altamente difundido e barato 6.5 Creedmoor ou os bem testados 6.8 SPC, 6.5 mm Grendel e até mesmo o 6 ARC, preferiu um novo calibre de aço com 75k PSI de pressão interna, maior que o 7.62 mm, até que o .300 WIN.
Bizarro, dobraram o peso, triplicaram o recuo, diminuiram a quantidade de cartuchos por soldado - talvez a maior burrice, de longe - e ainda aumentaram o custo superior a calibres como .416 Barret ou .408CT.
Esse caso é muito pior que o a P320, pior é que os Europeus tavam indo na onda testando o mesmo calibre, mas em munição convencional, com a Thales querendo empurrar isso.
![[003]](./images/smilies/003.gif "Gargalhada"){kind=small}
