u/StrangerOutrageous68

I really like the placement of the controls, so I thought I'd ask.

A few different arrangements of ambi controls.

Images credit: HK, Soldiersystems,HKForums, Haenel, Soldat und Technik

Angriest little rangetoy that never was? Definitely a 2010s throwback.

Source: https://youtu.be/Ki4noa3jzfA

Or drone guns.

There were numerous amount of other similar drone guns booming from 2018 the two on the post picture are just examples. They can work against off the shelf drones but their effectiveness diminishes, especially given they'd have to be amied against the rapid moving hardened chipped drones found on the modern battlefield.

They'd have to be more powerful, operating at wider ranges of frequency, like ground based EW stations do. Then they could in theory fry the drones electronics.

But we are just not there yet... Not to mention emitting powerful enough microwave or laser beams at the drones. However drones would adapt to this by physically hardening the airframe itself not just by having EW hardened chips.

Also there's the man-portable net launcher concept which is another issue.....

Continuing with the question…. how many of those features a soldier really needs?

Are we going to see significant developments in Pistols in the near future? New or rediscovered fancy and on paper so much better mechanisms that are so much better than anything thats out today, get adopted en masse just to improve shooting characteristics?

Or, given the utility of a pistol in our context, theres ABSOLUTELY no need for any significant changes or innovations, new arrangements, mechanisms, fancy hot calibers, overkill modularity features, whatever. Other than the natural iterative improvement of ammo for existing standard calibers and of course optics tech. But who knows? Maybe in 50 years....When exoskeletons will be the norm and upping everything could be a requirement.

That connects up to the questions, should militaries be playing the "numbers game" for their needs, maybe even issue AP pistol rounds for everyone?

(Or any other question you might come up with and want to address!)

12.7x55mm STs130VPS (AP)

Projectile mass: 1,173 gr

Speed: 295 m/s (970 ft/s)

Maximum Effective Range: 600m

(If any one of you know about third-party tests that verify the performance, beside the marketing material, do let us know.)

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Besides the conventional approach there are other creative ways of achieving AP capability. Clever bullet designs, Sabot Rounds, Miniature APHEI-like bullets that can shatter ceramic plates and so on. But, achieving Subsonic AP is harder to do, even if you mastered the art of slicing through bodyarmor with excellent bullet designs.

Enter the two-piece bullet.
You still need mass, (a lot of it) and a special bullet design. I believe some of the 9x39 rounds and 9x18 and 9x19 AP rounds also feature similar technology.

But, afterall like all really fancy AP rounds, it is going to be expensive.

Photo credit: SWORD Defense

Service Rifles, DMRs perhaps even Belt-Feds.....

it is still not an AK

Although different in nomenclature, being Light Assault Machine Gun and Squad Automatic Weapon. Their weight is the same, only favoring the LAMG by less than 5 ounces as compared to the RPL with a 16 in. barrel. Weighing only 11.4 lbs. (5.1kg) in its current form. And most importantly the rifle-like form factor also makes them more alike. Their design might be fundamentally different, following different schools and having different compromises that I tried to emphasize in the compilation. (Sidenote, the RPL-20 on one-handed shooting video, featured a non-standard muzzle device.)

Nomenclature can be here or there...They are both modern and I should say very clever takes on the RPD's concept. That's both of their progenitor. And in the truest sense because they are not scaled up or have expanded featuresets. See: Minimi.

But let me know if you disagree.

If you want to read more about these and similar guns: https://www.reddit.com/r/ForgottenWeapons/comments/1ogr58u/chasing_lightness_modern_lmg_design_philosophy/

Videos: (KAC LAMG) https://youtu.be/6hsOrULshco

https://youtu.be/BgRh9RJ0VRc

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UvikMA93Cww?feature=share

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tbt9FBlRZMo?feature=share

(RPL-20)

https://www.reddit.com/r/ForgottenWeapons/comments/1kcn3u3/rpl20/

https://youtu.be/29_-ZOTiU9o

https://youtu.be/zoFHruzzJgA

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/vbjNds6GPVM?feature=share

We can see that, despite being a bullpup, the bubble formation upon firing is similar to a supressed APS. That is almost certainly due because of the completely sealed action and ejection port the ADS utilizes. Video to compare to: https://www.reddit.com/r/ForgottenWeapons/comments/1n509ly/aps_firing_underwater_and_target_shooting/

The forward ejection mechanism is speculated to be similar to the KORD 12.7 HMG's simple lever mechanism. Making it perhaps the simplest internal forward-ejecting rifle. It certainly is a very robust system.
Picture of A-91 (base rifle) disassembled: https://imgur.com/a/91-fsVlsfl

Credit: Lazarevtactical, Rosboronexport Youtube Channel

Obviously it requires less material from steel to get the same strength as it would be required with brass, and thus the cartridge case of a same caliber can be lighter and have larger case volume. And by the way it can be cheaper, but that depends on a lot of factors.

Of course there's a penality in the thermal characteristics of steel compared to brass. It would be harder on extractors especially in this context but it would fail less likely. Beefier bolt designs, allowing for larger extractors would be at advantage here and also using alloys and improved coatings for the case can help with extraction. Plus, as always: Maintanance.

7mm Backcountry, utilizing a steel alloy case.

https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/7mm-backcountry-what-is-peak-alloy-case-technology-44819272

Going with the hybrid option, as seen on IMAGE 2 with a brass body with a steel casehead as seen for example on the miltiary load of the 6.8x51mm. This, leads to added steps in manufacturing, which means more QC.

And as we learned the difficulties in manufacturing emerged. And also, the different thermal characteristics of the two metals can also cause issues but we shall see how that concept works out!

How about a different kind of hybrid and the other way around? This time attaching a stainless steel head onto a nickel alloy body?

Shell Shock .338 Lapua NAS3 hybrid steel case

https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/shell-shock-technologies-launches-338-lapua-nas3-cartridge-cases-44828398

A man portable Heavy Machine Gun can be in theory be carried and operated in the field by a single person. It works best in scenarios where rapid movement and lightness is key for success. Whether it's an extensive miles long trench system, in urban combat, even in the hills and mountains. With this concept a .50 caliber machine gun can be quickly and easily set up, especially with dedicated bipods and effectively used for defence, assault and ambush against infantry, fortifications, armored vehicles and other targets a .50 caliber bullet can tear apart, which is a lot.  

(Swipe the Post images)

This concept is definitely not new, at least it dates back to the 1930s when the US experimented with the concept on the M2 (IMAGE 2)

Read more https://www.forgottenweapons.com/browning-m2-anti-mechanization-weapon/

You will see elements like stocks, recoil absorbing mounts, bipods, monopods and pistol grips already appearing. But the M2 was not a good platform for this purpose.

Fast-forward to the developments in the 2000s where serious efforts were made to replace the M2 and create HMGs that could have been better suited for the role of our topic.
Namely two GE designs, the XM312 and the later XM806. Both of them were extremely light, in their very own weight category even. Both had an operating system that effectively reduced recoil plus their concept prioritized excruciatingly low actual fire rates for accuracy over volume of fire, especially with the use of advanced sighting devices.

XM312 (IMAGE 3)

• Gun Weight: 18 kg / 40 lbs , Tripod: 15 kg / 33 lbs                                                         
• Caliber: 12.7x99mm / 25 mm
• Barrel length: 36 in.
• Rate of fire: 260 RPM
• Operation: Recoil-operated/Gas-operated.

XM806 (IMAGE 4)

• Gun Weight: 16 kg / 35 lbs , Tripod: 24 kg / 53 lbs                                                         
• Caliber: 12.7x99mm
• Barrel length: 36 in.
• Rate of fire: 260 RPM
• Operation: Hybrid Recoil-operated/Gas-operated.

Videos from a time before 'Gun Tube' was a thing:

https://youtu.be/8f9FHKQdLzA (XM312)

https://youtu.be/pHveGeG_IXQ  (XM806)

But it was decided that upgrading and further producing the M2 to the A1 standard was a better solution with the M205 tripod that the XN 806 would've used.
And thus the M2 continues to serve the needs of US Forces to this day.

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Kord 12.7 (IMAGE 1, 5, 6)

After the Fall of the Soviet Union Russia found itself without a 12.7 Heavy Machine Gun factory as it was now located in Kazakhstan where the NSVs are still being manufactured.
They wanted to manufacture an HMG locally and thus the Degtyarov plant and its design bureau "KORD" were tasked to design and manufacture a new HMG. Taking the NSV as a base and improving on it greatly. With the designation Kord Heavy Machine Gun it was adopted in 1997. 

The Kord, like the NSV is a very modular MG and can be set up for different roles. It features dual feeding and forward ejection. It is the most sealed gun on the list, featuring self-return dust covers on all openings of the gun, except the ejection tube but I suggest watching Ian McCollum's video on Forgotten Weapons on it, how exactly that works.

There's a tripod available for it, but to this topic a peciluar folding mount with a bipod that has a spring loaded recoil absorbing stock is more relevant. This mount recoils against the stock, instead of a gun recoiling against the stock. And of course there's a giant muzzle break on the gun itself that helps tame the recoil plus a heavy buffer spring at the back. A traditional approach, instead of using a mechanism that is inherently lighter recoiling.

I think the Kord has the best overall balance of charactersitics, a very general purpose design.

• Gun Weight: 25 kg / 55 lbs  Tripod: 16 kg/ 35 lbs , Recoil absorbing mount+bipod: 7kg/ 15 lbs
• Caliber: 12.7x108mm
• Barrel length: 42 in. / 1 METER
• Rate of fire: 600-700 RPM
• Operation: Long Stroke Gas piston operated, Multi-lug rotating bolt.

Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYk_a9WAuW4 (Forgotten Weapons disassembly)         https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZHZFCnYlJU (mounted firing for reference)
https://youtu.be/62Va_iUKc3s (bipod recoil on snow) https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5gzAp39rqkQ (in an urban environment)

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QJZ-171 (Image 7, 8 )

The QJZ-171 is the lightest HMG, ever. But a very special one at that fitting a very niche purpose. It is intended for Special Forces use. The lightness is especially important in the many mountainous regions of China and thus a .50 HMG can now be carried there more easily.

The gun is a modified DShK, but with a hybrid gas system also found on the XM312 and XM806 to lessen recoil. Interestingly enough the QJZ-171 uses a short, light profile barrel combined with a multi-chamber break and a compact receiver with carbon fiber and plastic elements. Plastic links and light alloy 12x108mm cases can also play a part in reducing the load on a soldier who has to climb a mountain with an HMG.

• Gun weight: 12 kg / 26lbs, Tripod weight 6kg/ 13lbs, Unknown Bipod Weight
• Caliber: 12.7x108mm
• Barrel length: 31 in.
• Rate of fire: 600 RPM
• Operation: Hybrid Recoil-operated/Gas-operated. Flapper locked.

Of course there's a price to pay for this, it won't be as durable as something made from metal and the recoil characteristics are not great. However, the QJZ-171's weight make it the most man-portable on the list.

Video of a tripod shooting: https://www.reddit.com/r/ForgottenWeapons/comments/192ghzp/qjz_171_lightweight_50_cal_machinegun_china/

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Field Modification of the DShK. (Image 9, 10, 11)

There is a field modification of the DShK that emerged in 2015 from Ukraine. While it is the heaviest on the list, and doesn't quite qualify for a true man-portable HMG, it can be pushed to be a more portable support weapon role. In my opinion especially with the barrel chopped, as it is sometimes done to make it lighter, more transportable.

The modified gun features a scope mount, a fixed stock with an adjustable cheek riser and  built-in monopod, a wire-connected firing handle serving as a trigger connecting up to the original mechanism, which is left on the gun along with the spade grips, a bipod and of course, a giant muzzle break! The Ukranians essentially made an old design work for this role by using its inherent weight advantage plus the modifications seen on earlier designs.

• Base DShK weight: 34 kg / 74lbs
• Caliber: 12.7x108mm and .50 BMG
• Barrel length: 42 in. / 1 METER
• Rate of fire: 600 RPM
• Operation: Long Stroke Gas piston operated, Flapper locked.

Videos:
https://youtu.be/CMN5MV0K-Rs (mounted firing for reference)
https://youtu.be/lwUFPE_5kXQ (training footage)
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GRQsmIfSvio (field use)
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1HOUw0JVX5o (in an urban environment)

By the way, the DShK and its variants were modified inifnitely. They were seen mounted on well, everything: Motorcycles, Hand-carts, Shopping carts. It is perhaps the most versitale HMG from all time, from the Field Modification perspective.

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Closing thoughts
All in all, this concept of a man-portable let me be more clear about this .50 caliber HMG has a niche if it aligns with the doctrine of its adopting army. It definitely adds flexibility and that can be a deciding factor in some scenarios. Perhaps that flexibility by nature is less than the emerging .338 Magnum caliber MGs but when you have to shoot through something more substantial.....Well there's no contest between the two. But I wanted to address this given some of the previous inputs I've seen on this topic.

On the Magnum Caliber MG concept: https://www.reddit.com/r/ForgottenWeapons/comments/1sstpfq/magnum_caliber_mgs_overkill_or_the_next_big_thing

Addressing mythical beliefs on .338 Magnums vs .50 Anti-Material calibers.

Some people continue to erroneously believe that the 338 Magnum calibers are comparable to the much more powerful .50 BMG/12.7x108, some even believe they outrange 50s simply because of higher BC bullets....At least BOTHER looking at, preferably third party ballistics charts. But in this case, that matters little. So do it, it is free.

You are in for a surprise of your life.

Images sources: Forgotten Weapons, Zbroya. info, Reddit, Wikipedia, guns.fandom. com

Crane has put out a solicitation for the HICAR (Hypervelocity Improved Capability Assault Rifle) project. To fulfill USSOCOM's needs for a carbine utilizing the 5.56x45mm cartridge, and existing M4 lowers that provides twice the effective range of an M4.

Achieved by utilizing much higher pressure loads eg. M855A1+ at 82000 PSI and potentially even higher pressure loads in the future. All that while retaining functionality with lower pressure ammunitions such as the M855A1 and Mk262.

(The table from Eric B's article about the HICAR, where many of you, including myself have probably first heard about the proposed requirements.): https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/ussocom-s-hicar-program-wants-to-double-the-m4-s-effective-range-44828497 )

Requirement	Threshold	Objective
Barrel Length	11-12 inches	11-12 inches
Weight (unloaded, no suppressor)	8 lbs	6.5 lbs
Overall Length	31 inches	28 inches
Accuracy (avg mean radius)	1 MOA	0.5 MOA
MRBS*	800 rounds	1,600 rounds
MRBF*	5,000 rounds	10,000 rounds
Barrel Life	8,000 rounds	20,000 rounds
Trigger Pull	Under 5 lbs	Under 3 lbs
Chamber Pressure Rating	82kpsi (M855A1+)	Future HV loads
Submersion Resistance	3 ft / 2 hr, fire in 30 sec	Fire in 10 sec

(MRBS* = Mean Rounds Between Stoppage)
(MRBF * = Mean Rounds Between Failure)

My personal thoughts:

I don't think there's a need for this but if this project continues and progresses to a competition, some of the initially proposed requirements would be changed. But right now, as it stands I don't think that the AR-15 platform is the most viable candidate for the task the requirements call for. Not because of it is a bad platform, but it not designed to handle the type of abuse as compared to for example a SCAR.

Even with an enhanced in all respects and reinforced and strengthened BCG built with cutting edge materials, the upper receiver limits how much you can overbuild the BCG.

So we might see submissions that are completely different uppers, since the solicitation calls for M4 lower receiver utilization. Interestingly enough, breaking out the SCAR could be an option, for this use case, as it is overbuilt and already has a gas-key.

All in all I'm very curious to see the submissions and how the project itself turns out! What do you think?

(image sources: Windham Armory, FN America, midwestgunworks. com, Guns&Ammo)