New FN MK48 machine gun could address SOCOM’s desire for 6.5 mm round and assault machine gun

FN America says its new version of the MK48 may address SOCOM’s desire for an assault machine gun and new caliber round.

The military small arms manufacturer on Tuesday unveiled a new prototype of its MK48 machine gun, which is now chambered for the 6.5 mm Creedmoor round, at the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference in Tampa, Florida.

SOCOM has been interested in the 6.5 mm round for several years. Experts say has the potential to lighten loads, increase accuracy, reduce recoil and increase range.

Research has shown that the 6.5 mm round will “stay supersonic longer, have less wind drift and better terminal performance than 7.62 mm ammunition,” SOCOM officials previously told Army Times.

The 7.62 version of MK48 has been a program of record for SOCOM since 2003, and is fielded by Army Rangers and Navy SEALS.

The new MK48 MOD 2 version of the FN manufactured machine gun is scaled down from the 7.62 mm to the 6.5 Creedmoor round.

The 6.5 Creedmoor version of the MK48 will have a softer recoil and “better more predictable trajectory,” Lynn Ashley, assistant vice president of individual weapons military operations for FN America, told Military Times.

“It’s like shooting a 5.56,” Ashley said.

The new MK48 also comes with new enhancements like a new saddle for mounting lasers and lights, a new grip, lock charging handle, adjustable stock, improved bi-pod and better feed tray, according to Aloysius Donovan, the director of individual weapons military operations for FN America.

Ashley says the new MK48 could save taxpayers money.

Though, changing the barrels wouldn’t provide the special operators with all the bells and whistles that come with the full MOD 2 upgrade, Lynn added.

“You want a program or a platform that allows you to evolve,” Lynn said.

In April 2017, Army Times reported that SOCOM was interested in a polymer version of 6.5 mm round to reduce the weight carried by special operations forces.

In 2018, SOCOM decided to replace their 7.62 sniper rifles with 6.5 Creedmoor round, in an effort to increase range and accuracy of its special operations snipers.

Army Times reported that special operations snipers would see modifications and barrel changes to support the new 6.5 Creedmoor round in 2019.

Ground combat reporter Todd South contributed to this report.

In Other News

January 6 convict asks for light sentence in order to remain in Navy

An active-duty service member convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack urged a judge for a light sentence in order to remain in the Navy.

Agreement helps military spouses keep federal jobs in overseas moves

Here's how an agreement between the Pentagon and State Department will help federally employed military spouses move their jobs overseas in a PCS.

Navy ship underway for Gaza pier mission suffers fire, returns to US

The cargo ship 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo suffered a fire in its engine room Thursday, forcing it to return to Florida, the Navy said.

VA to largely end animal testing on dogs, cats within two years

The Department of Veterans Affairs is slated to largely end testing on dogs, cats and nonhuman primates within the next two years.

Biden says uncle’s remains never found during WWII due to cannibals

While the claim contradicts the DPAA report about his uncle's fate, Biden's comments on cannibalism in the region during WWII are not far off.

Load More