XM7 rifle

The XM7 Rifle, also known as the M7, is a 6.8mm rifle adopted by the United States Army as part of the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program. It is manufactured by Sig Sauer and is intended to replace the M4 carbine in close combat roles. The XM7, along with the XM250 automatic rifle, constitutes the first stage of the NGSW program, aiming to improve soldier lethality and performance on the modern battlefield. The rifle features a free-floating, modular design and is chambered in the 6.8x51mm SIG Fury cartridge. This cartridge offers increased velocity and flatter trajectory compared to the 5.56x45mm NATO round used in the M4, allowing for greater effective range and improved armor penetration. The XM7 is designed to accept the XM157 Fire Control optic, an advanced optic system providing enhanced targeting capabilities. Initial fielding of the XM7 is expected to equip close combat forces, with potential for wider adoption across the Army in the future. The selection of the XM7 and the 6.8x51mm cartridge marks a significant shift in U.S. military small arms doctrine, prioritizing increased lethality and range over weight and recoil management.