What is xm7?

The XM7, or SIG Sauer XM7, is a next-generation rifle selected by the United States Army as part of the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program. It is intended to replace the M4/M16 family of rifles within close-quarters combat units. The XM7 fires the 6.8mm Common Cartridge, a newly developed round designed to offer improved ballistic performance and greater effective range compared to the 5.56mm NATO round.

Key features of the XM7 include:

  • New Ammunition: The switch to the 6.8mm cartridge represents a significant change in U.S. military small arms doctrine, emphasizing increased lethality against near-peer adversaries potentially equipped with advanced body armor.

  • Suppressor Compatibility: The XM7 is designed to be used with a suppressor to reduce noise signature and muzzle flash.

  • Advanced Optics: The rifle is intended to be paired with the XM157 Fire Control optic, an advanced optic that includes a variable magnification sight, laser rangefinder, ballistic calculator, and environmental sensors.

  • SIG Sauer Design: The XM7 is manufactured by SIG Sauer and is based on their MCX platform.