SIG-Sauer M250 (XM250)

History

The XM250 is a light machine gun developed by SIG Sauer for the U.S. Army's Next Generation Squad Weapon Program. It is designed to replace the M249 light machine gun. The XM250 is a gas-operated, belt-fed firearm that uses the 6.8×51mm SIG Fury cartridge. It features a reinforced M-LOK handguard for attaching accessories directly to the gun.

In 2019, the U.S. military started the Next Generation Squad Weapon Program to find new weapons to replace the M4 carbine and M249 light machine gun. SIG Sauer submitted their designs, including the XM250 and XM7 rifle. These weapons were developed in response to concerns that existing ammunition would be less effective against improved body armor.

In April 2022, SIG Sauer was awarded a 10-year contract to produce the XM250 and XM7 for the U.S. Army. The XM250 will replace the M249, while the XM7 will replace the M4. The first batch of XM7 rifles and XM250 machine guns is planned for delivery in late 2023. The Army intends to acquire a total of 107,000 XM7s and 13,000 XM250s for close combat forces.

The XM250 weighs 13 lb (5.9 kg) without a suppressor and 14.5 lb (6.6 kg) with a suppressor. It can carry a basic combat load of 400 rounds in four 100-round pouches, weighing 27.1 lb (12.3 kg) in total. In comparison, the M249 weighs 19.2 lb (8.7 kg) without a suppressor and has a basic combat load of 600 rounds in three 200-round pouches, weighing 20.8 lb (9.4 kg) in total. The XM250 is lighter by about 4 lb (1.8 kg) and has a slightly higher load for the gunner but with 200 fewer rounds. The XM250's barrel is not quick-change, and the stock is collapsible but not folding.

The XM250, XM7, Vortex Optics XM157 Fire Control Optic, and the 6.8×51mm ammunition are expected to be delivered for operational testing by October 2023. However, operational testing does not guarantee widespread future use of the weapons.

Specification

Basics

Year of Service: 2025

Origins: United States

Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer, Incorporated - USA

Carrier: US (planned)

Caliber: .277 Fury (6.8×51mm Common)

Feed system: 30, 50, 100, or 200 rounds semi-rigid pouches.

Maximum efficiency: 2,500 feet (762 m | 833 m)

Rate of fire: 800

Mile speed: 3,000 ft/s (914 m/s)

Roles

Fire Support

Ability to suppress enemy elements at a distance using direct or indirect fire.

Special Forces

The qualities of this weapon have proven its worth to special forces who need a versatile, reliable solution for the rigors of special operations.

Mute

This weapon is either inherently silent/suppressed or can be made with special muzzle mounts, special subsonic ammo, or a combination of the two.

Notable Features

Portable

Despite its size/weight, the product can be transported on foot.

Target/area suppression

Inherent ability to provide suppress power to target/target area.

Mute function

Support for silence/suppression actions via silencers, silencers or subsonic ammunition for stealth operations.

Automatic fire

Internal action allows multiple rounds to be triggered in quick succession with a single trigger pull.

Repeated Shots

The system has built-in automatic or pseudo-automatic function, which can achieve repeated triggering.

Ability to use rifle scopes/visual aids

Support for mounting optics (scopes) to improve accuracy in long-range shooting.

Bipod assembly

Aiming can be aided by the use of a bipod support assembly, either as an integral part of the design or as an option.

Customizable

Design allows users to customize certain components for customization.

Adaptable

Design provides attachment points for external aftermarket hardware including laser sights, flashlights, scopes and grips.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length: 41.14 inches (1,045 mm)

Barrel length: 18. 31 inches (465mm)

Cured weight: 16.20 lbs (7.35 kg)

Attractions: Integrated FCS; different optics.

Action

Automatic

Bullets are automatically ejected from the breech, new bullets are removed from the chuck and inserted into the chamber, and the bullets will fire continuously as long as the trigger is pulled and ammunition is supplied.

Gas Power

Proposes a pneumatic system that typically consists of a cylinder and a rear drive piston that directs power to the bolt assembly.

Variant

M250 - Name of the base series (US Army).

XM250 - Development designation.