XM7 Rifle: Inside the Army’s Shift to a New Era of Weapons

[rangerrebew]

XM7 Rifle: Inside the Army’s Shift to a New Era of Weapons
Story by Grace Campbell•
2w

©Image Source: Bing Image. License: All Creative Commons
The American Army is welcoming a new era of infantry firepower with the arrival of the XM7 rifle, a weapon that brings an end to decades under the grip of the M16 and M4. Designed under the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program, the XM7 is not just another rifle—it is the Army's response to the conditions of modern warfare and its determination to stay ahead of near-peer rivals.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/opinion/xm7-rifle-inside-the-army-s-shift-to-a-new-era-of-weapons/ss-AA1LWWAA?ocid=widgetonlockscreen&cvid=fd6a3dd6d2664ca5fb4e489d09365e9c&ei=33

[Smokin Joe]

It's nice to have an accurate, hard hitting, and reliable rifle.

But without the suppressive fire to help acquire those targets, it becomes a whack-a-mole contest.
Heavier ammo, smaller capacity (20 rd) magazines, and the sheer weight of the average soldier's battle rattle will limit the utility of the rifle in suppressive fire situations. It's a step back to the M-14 in that regard, and that led to the development of the M-16 and M4...
The 5.56 round still has a place in that suppressive fire role. (M-249 SAW, for instance).
Make 'em duck, take 'em when they pop up.

Full disclosure: I have never served in the armed forces nor carried a rifle in battle. My understanding of small unit tactics comes from talking with vets and a lot of reading.