US XM7 rifle to replace legendary M4 is unsuitable for modern combat - military

US Army infantry officer Captain Braden Trent has criticised the new XM7 assault rifle. The weapon was selected along with the XM250 light machine gun as the Army's next-generation main weapon (NGSW) to replace the M4 automatic rifle.

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Trent cited his own independent research in which he interviewed more than 150 soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team Bastogne, the first active duty unit to receive the XM7. According to him, the soldiers complained about running out of ammunition quickly due to the 20-round magazine, which is smaller than the M4's 30-round magazine. The rifle's weight and bulk were also described as too cumbersome, making it difficult to manoeuvre during long missions.

In his 52-page report, Trent described several technical issues, including premature barrel wear after just 2,000 rounds. He pointed to damage near the muzzle and gas block, critical areas that can affect accuracy and safety.

In addition, the officer criticised the rifle's charging handle, which requires a full pull back to engage, which he said could slow down soldiers in stressful situations.

"The XM7 is a tactically outdated service rifle that is better classified as a special purpose rifle. This rifle has a mechanically unreliable design that will not withstand prolonged combat in an equal-opportunity conflict," he said.

In response to Trent's report, a spokesperson for the US Army's programme executive office said the XM7 "provides unmatched lethality for our close combat forces".

Sig Sauer, the company that developed the XM7, also denied the criticism. A senior director of the company called most of the claims "blatantly false", saying that the rifle is reliable and meets the highest safety and quality standards.

Source: TDP