The new optic video would definitely put into perspective how effective the new rifles are. I would like you to react to it. I’m sure Mike won’t mind he is all about getting information out to new people.
Totally right, I came down here just to make sure someone said this. The rifles and MGs are one/two steps forward, and that depends on who you ask. The optic is five.
Really a testament to both designs that they've been used by so many NATO and non-NATO military forces for so long, with upgrades sure, but they're really done their job in their intended role excellently. We Brits call the FN Mag the L7, and the Minimi we used to have in service as the L110, though we've now withdrawn it from service a few years ago as well as the LMG variant of the SA80 in favour of bringing the L7 back into service at the section level and increasing the amount of marksman rifles we have in sections.
@@G1NZOU It is pretty cool that they're so universal. The other two guns mentioned in the video the mk46 and mk48 are modernized and lightened verisons of the m249 and m240. I've shot the mk48 a bit. Its basically a lighter Minimi in 7.62. The m240B is a proper crew served weapon. Only really able to be carried by a corn fed Oklahoman. I've seen the mk48 carried by one 5'6" Filipino.
The M249 SAW is in 5.56 NATO; it's a belt fed LMG at the fireteam/squad level for the US Army. The M240 is in 7.62 NATO and is the GPMG at the platoon level for the US Army/company level for the USMC in a weapons platoon. The M249 is a variation of the FN Minimi, while the M240 is the US designation for the FN MAG (what the UK calls the L7 GPMG). Approximate weight (mass) without ammo: M249: 17 lbs (7.5 kg) M250: 14.5 lbs (6.6 kg) M240: 27.6 lbs (12.5 kg)
@@xGoodOldSmurfehx Uhh... OriginalHuman spent a decent bit of the video talking about his experience with the M240. Having it for comparison is important, since it's what he's used to.
Don't feel bad about reacting to Garand Thumb's videos. We will of course watch him, and many of us enjoy watching your reaction. Please continue the reaction videos. The scope for the Spear systems (M7, etc....) is quite good, and I think it is worth your review. Also, the ice and mud videos are a lot of fun as well (trying to see which handguns and rifles work after mud immersion, ice immersion, etc....) that was why "St. John" made the joke. It has made Garand Thumb quite a celebrity among the professional and amateur firearm community.
Suppressors on weapons like this are mainly used to further reduce flash signature at night and it helps to make it harder for opposing forces to tell exactly what direction the fire is coming from as quickly.
It's also nice for communication during firefights. If everyone's suppressed you have less of EVERYONE HAVING TO SCREAM IN YOUR EAR POINT BLANK just to communicate something.
You absolutely need to do a video on the optic. It's as important, if not more, than the rifles to the NGSW contract. It's a huge leap in military optics and will allow all these rifles to do complex ballistic calculations in a split second. It will improve the average shooter to Marksman status.
You might’ve already gotten it recommended and haven’t got to it yet but Garand Thumb made a video on an actual fully functional Halo Battle Rifle designed by another TH-camr.
You seem to be confusing the M240 and the M249. The M240 is also known as the FN MAG or GPMG. The M249 is a completely different LMG also known as the SAW or the FN Minimi. The M249 and the M240 are not the same gun or serve the same purpose. The M249 (Minimi) is chambered in 5.56, the M240 (GPMG) is chambered in 7.62x51. This is the replacement for the 5.56 M249. This M250 is chambered in the same caliber as the Sig Spear (.277 Fury). Like how the M249 was chambered in the same caliber as the M4 carbine (5.56). This is NOT the replacement for the 7.62 caliber M240 (GPMG). The M240 (GPMG) will be replaced with a .338 Norma Magnum LMG like the "MG 338" from Sig or the "REPR" from Ohio Ordnance.
You're mistaken on one thing. The MG 338 isn't replacing the M240, it's replacing the M2. The Army is keeping the M240 and SIG is producing conversion kits for M240s to also be chambered in .277
@@CharlieFoxtrot128 indeed i believe not only is it still a competition with the SIG MG338* and the Ohio Ordnance REAPR, but also its might not completely replace the 50 in all roles if it is adopted. *(in fact True velocity is suing SIG over supposed intellectual property infringements with the MG338)
Luke, if you do make a video on it, make sure you watch the one from April 21st that says "RM338" ON the thumbnail and not the one he did prior with the M338 or do both.
The UK currently has 4 small arms replacement projects ongoing at the moment. Project HUNTER was to find an 'Alternative Infantry Weapon' to give special operations capable forces like the RM and Rangers their own AR platforms better suited to their niche roles instead of using clapped-out UKSF hand me downs like the L119A1s or the SA80. The Knights KS-1 was adopted as the L403A1 and procurement is ongoing. Project GREYBURN is next which is the SA80 replacement. Trials are being conducted this year, a rifle will be selected next year and contracts signed, production will go ahead throughout 2026-27 and its intended that all frontline battalions will be equipped by 2030. There are then 2 more as of yet unnamed projects in the works to first replace the GPMG, and then afterwards the L115A3/A4 sniper rifle. The RM are also slowly upgrading their L129A1 Sharpshooter rifles to the A2 standard with new furniture, optics, barrels, and rechambering them for 6.5 Creedmoor instead of 7.62 NATO so I imagine the Army will follow suit as soon as funds allow.
The M250 is intended as a replacement for the M249 SAW (FN Minimi), although with the 6.8x51mm cartridge, it could also theoretically replaceme the M240 (FN MAG) as well.
In the USMC, the m249 SAW(squad automatic weapon) in 5.56x45mm is the same weapon as the Minimi. The M240G in 7.62x51mm is the same as the GPMG. They are both used at the same time, one is for light squad assault use, one is a heavier mg for vehicle or entrenched emplacement use.
With the "spoon" they were talking about, you don't even need to lift the cover. You just pull it through, run the charging handle, and you are ready to go. The opening is more so for easy clearing of a malfunction.
btw, one of the main reasons for suppressors being on all the new rifles is hearing damage, the enemy isnt going to always let you put your earpro on, hearing damage is permanent
Duuuuuuude its crazy how skinny TACP daddy was before his neck injury got healed up. You should totally do a reaction video of his Basics of Urban Combat Survival video. He's a former SERE instructor, so its packed full of useful education.
3:03 on Task&Purpose he said that reports from the soldiers was that the recoil shooting the M250 on full auto was like shooting an M4 on full auto. Btw it is the same caliber as the M7
LOVE that you’re doing Garand Thumb reactions, one of my favorite channels , he , Mikah & the other SO hilarious, EPIC theatrical openings that often are comedic or very realistic to the specific weapon reviewing & it’s SO awesome to have a gun channel that the host is actually Military Veteran but even better, a SOCOM Special Operations Veteran with US Air Force Special Warfare which is a very unique SF Branch & MOS where he’d attach to other Special Operations Forces /Teams from Tier 1-3 CAG/DELTA Force, SEAL Teams/DEVGRU, Green Berets, Ranger Units/Sqds & they work extensively with & even attach to allied SF Units regularly with UK SF Units & down the line of our partner nations so his experience & knowledge of most friend & foe weapon systems, munitions , aircraft, artillery & how our partners operate as wel as the enemy. Really is a perfect MOS for a guntube channel. Amazing that most of his knowledge is from memory from his service & extensive global weapon system schools. I enjoy Brandon Herrera & demo ranch but neither have military or law enforcement or even competition backgrounds. Many think Demo ranch is a Veteran becasue he says he’s a “Vet” but he’s actually a Veterinarian , no military service, a bit misleading. Great channels , funny & entertaining but watching a British Royal Marine commando Veteran react to gun videos I find your military experince & opinions much more interesting reacting to a US SF combat veteran. I feel like his experince & reacting to specific weapon systems , many of which he has military experince with & using a military mindset/combat as the backbone of his judging/reaction hits home better as these are weapons of war where an animal vet can’t relate to carrying different systems in full kit /load out in a combat environment & using it in life & death. I do still enjoy that fake Russian guys channel for gun comedy though. I am always amazed at the comments & even other TH-camrs that knock on Garand Thumb calling him a Larper /Airsofter wannabe that clearly have no idea that he’s not just a US Military Veteran but a Special Operations Veteran and combat Veteran in one of the smallest in number , most challenging, genius requiring MOS’s in the US Military/SOCOM. He doesn’t brag about his service & only mentions he’s a veteran & what he did occasionally when giving an expert reaction for context which says a lot about his character. He Lives on a massive piece of property in Idaho out in the middle of nowhere always shooting & mastering his skill set keeping it fresh. He goes to a lot of effort as well in his theatricals to dress in the typical uniform/kit relevant to the era /country & weapon he’s reacting to even to the extent of calling veteran contacts around the globe to get it right as well as their opinions about the weapon systems. Such a great channel & the comedy is truly top tier, your reaction to the SA-80 video he did is one of my favorite TH-cam videos & funniest videos I’ve seen. Hope you’ll react to more, he’s not someone to ever feel negatively about people reacting to his videos & you being a British Royal Marine Commando I am sure he loves it & is flattered. Next time you’re in the states you ought to contact him to do a collab, he’s had a lot of Veterans on from active IDF SF to active Ukrainian SF to US Foreign fighters fighting in Ukraine to US Combat Vets & active , guarantee he’d LOVE to get a Royal Marine Commando on the channel & in the theatrical, maybe get his hands on an SA-80-A3 , that would be an extremely interesting video from your perspective as your service rifle & his experince with the problematic V1. Just my absolute personal opinion. Also have you ever thought about doing participating in UK air soft doing some videos like that other Royal marine /turned airsofter? A bunch of US Special Operations Veterans AND Active both with channels & going on SF channels & participating in Air Soft events , extremely Interesting. Savage Actual (a Marine Raider & a Navy SWCC Operator ) have done some videos air softing & some acrive Green Berets & SEALs have been destroying events on air softers channels , great content. hope when youre back in the US visiting you call some of these channels & collab, not often we get UK/US veteran collabs. Gen Dit did a video with combat Arms (oh Nikko Ortiz is starting a gun tube channel also in Vegas , does collabs woth military veterans on his reaction channel & said hes looking for veterans to collab on his guntube channel as hes going to have a shoot house with movable walls to work on his CQB which hes prides himself in as do you, be cool to see a US/UK CQB experts do CQB. Fieldcraft Survival in Heber Utah does colabs too, hes a 16 year Green Beret legend & CIA GRS Vet. fimgers crossed to see you on any of these channels in the future. BTW LOVING your content , bingeworthy , every single videp is so great & thr amount you put out is impressive! keep up the great work!
Gotta love the military going from black to desert earth ish colour, it looks soo much cooler ngl, black is hard to blend in to the environment, ur basically carrying a black glow stick with it lol
Yeah I agree, it wasn't too bad when the US Army and British Army were using M81 Woodland and Woodland DPM respectively, as they were primarily dark coloured and had black in the pattern, but it started to show when the US Army changed to UCP, suddenly you had a very dark weapon silhouette against light grey, and you could pick them out easier. FDE really does fit the best of both where it blends in with desert and woodland terrain fairly well and doesn't look too light or dark. UK is doing the same with their A3 variant of the L85, and their new rifles for the Royal Marines and Ranger Regiment.
Just from the intro video montage alone of shooting the M250 on full auto was amazing. You could see that there was pretty much no recoil at all and even firing from the hip was pretty impressive.
I will say, if you wanted to end it on something the Vortex video might be a good one. Really, the Sig Spear (NGSW) and the Vortex optic are a package deal. The extra performance out of the round is nice to have, but the optic makes it damn near aim-bot for real life. It makes the whole package make more sense.
M-250 is 6.8x51mm same as the new M-7 rifle. Since the barrel can be changed out to other calibers, that gives some flexibility in issuing the gun to units who may not have received the new rifle. The basic concept though is that the two new sigs will use the same ammo once the changeover is done.
The FN MAG is in US service as the M240, British service as the L7. Both cases it's a 7.62x54mm General Purpose/Medium Machine Gun. Not sure how the Brits do it, but in the US Army and Marine Corps, it's not a standard Squad level weapon, more like specialty Platoon/Company support gun in dedicated Machine Gun Teams (Army and Marines are slightly different in how they organise) and commonly mounted on HMMWVs and other trucks as a crew served weapon The M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) Light Machine Gun being replaced by the M250 is a dedicated, integral to the Rifle Squad weapon, carried by a single Soldier (i.e. not a 2-3 Soldier Gun Team with an AG or whatever, the SAW is supposed to be self contained). It fires the same 5.56x45mm ammo as the M16/M4, and while it is a primarily belt fed weapon, it can accept Standard issue M4/M16 magazines in a pinch (not a great situation, as it tends to jam after a short burst...) So the M240 will stick around in it's current crew served GPMG support role while the M250 serves as the Squad Automatic Weapon alongside the M7, firing the same new 6.8x51 (.277 Fury) as the new rifle, much like the M4 and M249 did (and yes, SIG is building both the M7 and M250, the M249 is/was made by FN who also makes the MAG/L7/M240)
They have another video about the bigger brother to this lmg chambered in .338. Definitely understand not wanting to sorta use his content too much. Although I don't think most people would view it that way. If anything, you're actually giving him more exposure from your viewerbase
The US adopted the M240 (their version of the GPMG) in the '70s as mostly a coaxial weapon, and then it gradually became a vehicle pintle mount weapon supplementing and eventually replacing the M60, the M249 (the Minimi) they adopted in the '80s while the M16 was being adopted to give more firepower to squads that the regular rifles couldn't provide with magazines and regular barrels. We Brits pretty much did the same for similar reasons, supplementing and replacing our old Bren guns with the GPMG and when the LSW L86 didn't work out as well as it was supposed to we got some Minimis to fill the gap, Afghanistan ranges brought the GPMG back into service for the greater range, and eventually the Minimis were withdrawn from service again. Apparently the US Army is also considering conversion kits for their M240s so they can use the new calibre.
At 19:15 when you are talking about using the optic to close the feed tray, if I learned anything from carrying an M249 in both Iraq and Afghanistan, its that my optic is giving me a rough starting point and after that I am just following splash.
US Marine Corp started out with a couple of battalions testing out suppressors. They found a significant increase in capability from more easily hearing commands, to harder to spot by the enemy, to reducing the amount of crap kicked up by firing. Both the Army and Marines are starting to make them general issue due to how much of an increase in capability it is.
I carried a M60 for years and jumped with it a good bit. The M249 saw was the new light weight kid on the block. I would usually carry 5 100rnd belts as my normal kit load out. 7.62. Things have come a long way since then..lol
The M240 and M249 are both used in concurrency, the 249 is a 5.56 LMG with SAW standing for Squad Assault Weapon; its the custom US version of the FN Minimi. The M240 is the US Custom version of the 7.62 FN MAG, same as the GPMG/L1A1 or whatever its called. And that 2 tube stock for the Minimi is the "Para" stock aka lightweight for Paratroopers or anyone else wanting a lighter SAW. Also "Nutsack" is the term troops adopted for the smaller 50-75rd canvas ammo pouches due to their... "distinctive" appearance. The bigger boi near the end is in .338 Norma Magnum, which is a 9mm sniper round and borderline 50.BMG in some cases with a similar range.
@@ryanhamstra49 he got shot in basic by a 249 in the arm lol. I believe*** him and someone else were taking it apart and the other guy didnt clear it and there was a single round in it, and he sent the bolt home.. lol
The M240B and the M249 are SAW's. The M-60 was a GPMG, meant to be fired from an emplacement or bipod, but could be used mobile if necessary. The M240 is also used on a lot of vehicles and as a door gun, replacing the M-60. The M-240 and the optic is the best thing to come out of the program.
It was tested by 101st Airborne Division and 75th Ranger Regiment in September 2023, and then in March 2024 the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne officially started fielding it. It's a 10 year contract though, gonna definitely take a while to finish re-equipping the entire Army. SIG is absolutely making bank on Army contracts right now, first the new M17 and M18 pistols, then the XM7, now the XM250.
I highly highly recommend you watch the video just put out by the 75th Ranger Regiment on TH-cam. It's about Ranger Assessment & Selection and it's extremely well made. It's only about 7 mins long too. I'm sure many people would love to see you react to it. Came out like yesterday.
Most suppressed rifles are still very loud to the point that they are not hearing safe. One of the largest benefits of a suppressor especially on a machine gun is that it makes the sound omnidirectional. It is relatively easy for the human ears to triangulate the position of a crew served fire position. A suppressor makes it nearly impossible to triangulate the origin of the shots and drastically improves the survivability of your gun crews.
Guy, these reaction videos are awesome. You’re just giving him more exposure. You need to watch his becoming deadly videos. The suppressor is to hide the flash signature.
The XM250 is the U.S. military designation for the SIG LMG 6.8, a 6.8×51mm (. 277 in), gas-operated, belt-fed light machine gun designed by SIG Sauer for the U.S. Army's Next Generation Squad Weapon Program in 2022 to replace the M249 light machine gun.
As sweet as this one is, the one you REALLY need to see is the RM338 vid. It's the new 50 cal machine gun replacement. His gel tests in that vid are incredible
You should definitely finish it off with the new scope. It's a shorter video, and you'll love it. For something to watch on your own, there is a video on the US Army's new sniper rifle (MK22 ASR). It's with a former SO guy who was part of the selection group for the rifle. Some interesting information around the process as well as the capabilities.
A suppressor acts a baffle to slow down escaping gases from muzzle blast. This also contains the muzzle blast and tames it. The concussion from a suppressed .50 cal is way tamer than that from a standard muzzle brake.
@@joshmorrison5142 Even at closer rangers where .308 is more powerful, .227 still has an edge because it has less recoil, this is pretty much the sweet spot they wanted, where they still want more controllable fire and less weight for rounds, but want something with greater lethal range than 5.56
@@WalrusWinking Well, some tests claim the 277 doesn't overtake until about 400-500yrds. Kinda like the 6.5 Creedmoor. However, you can get better BC 308 bullets and better loads for 308. The 277 is the rifle equivalent to the 10mm and then got cut down to the 40sw.
@@G1NZOU If you're telling me .5lb difference of recoil is going to bother you, you need to stick to the AR15/M4. If you're recoil sensitive, you shouldn't be using these weapon systems. Hence why these will likely turn into the next Scar 17 and be shit canned for everyone outside of tier 1 and tier 2 units.
If you’re going to watch the videos about the new weapons for the US, you definitely need to watch the video about the Vortex XM-157 scope that’s going to be put on both these weapons. It’s pretty incredible tech.
Remember the .277 fury rifle you reacted? It uses the same bullet. Also there was that search result “SAW vs GPMG” Saw meant squad automatic weapon = m249
I still definitely recommend checking out the video he has on the x-157 optic that's meant to be issued with this and the spear. Definitely worth a cheeky peek to see the full capabilities this new system will have.
The firepower of the 7.62 M240 at a similar weight as the 5.56 M249. M240B was my favorite weapon when I served but this looks like an improvement in every way.
100% Watch the scope video. Most guntubers don’t care if people watch their stuff, react channels are a good way to get new subs and TH-cam doesn’t like to spread their videos. The scope video is amazing, I want one but I can’t spare a kidney…. I would also start going through his “science” playlist. He does some very entertaining and interesting testing. My favorites are the black powder musket one as well as the mud/ice testing ones. The legend of .22. Man is also a classic
The 240 is old yes but those are coaxial versions. The coaxial versions (found on tanks and helos) have been in service since the 70s. However the man portable version of the 240, the 240 Bravo (which is the same as your L7 GPMG) has been in service since the mid 90s. The 249 (basically the same gun as your Minimi) on the other hand has been in service since the mid 80s. There are also different variants of the 249 and 240. The Mk.46 is basically a super shorty boi version of the 249 meant for special forces. The Mk.48 is a 7.62 version of the 249 (in some countries, its referred to as the Maximi). The only other large scale man portable used 240 variant is the 240 Lima, which is lighter than the 240 Bravo, though the Bravo is a bit more common. Any other man portable variants made by companies like Barrett and Ohio Ordinance are either proof of concepts or prototype only. Both the 240 and 249 are currently in service but the US wants to replace both using one weapon system due to the 240 being stupidly heavy, and the 249's 5.56 nature being somewhat called into question (and also because its a heavy 5.56 LMG).
338 norma mag is a seriously hot round. That should be cool in the big boy. Its crazy how much more firepower the base level guys are going to have with this new generation of guns. Its not a slight step forward. Its a massive amount more firepower out of these new rounds. Dont get tied up thinking that its less then a 7.62x51. It may only be a .277 but it is better in almost every measurable metric then a 7.62.
Add the fan film, Jurassic World: Exodus to your watch list. Garand Thumb, Travis Haley, and some other veterans and influencers are in this production.
Speaking of replacements, you should watch his video on the M338, its being looked at as a replacement to the current 50 cal the US has, and his video on it is funny too lol
The US doesn't use the same machine gun classification as the UK. We have the Light Machine gun LMG (M249/M250) Medium machine gun MMG (M240 aka FN MAG) Heavy machine gun HMG (M2 .50 cal)
@OriginalHuman, Sig's .338 beltfed is set to replace the FNMAG/M-240 and M-2 .50 cal. The Army is looking to up-caliber all its Infantry weapons based on experience in Afghanistan and Iraq while lightening the ammo weight, that'swhy they'renot using 7.62NATO but all these 6.8x51 weapons can easily swap barrels to 7.62 NATO if they need to for logistics. Only the .50 is looking for a smaller caliber.
The M240 and M249 are both used in different classifications. One is a light machine gun firing 5.56, the other is a medium MG firing 7.62. Hell, i think our heavy MG is still the M2 firing 50 cal. But one of sigs new machine guns is bridging the gap with the .338 Norma round
Yeah,that muzzle flash will let insurgents know where to mark their mortar rounds to your position and that's not a good thing. LOL. Hopefully our military won't have to use their new weapons in combat against China.Hopefully.
Talking about swapping out barrels, my grandfather was a BAR gunner in The Korean War. His job was to stand there and fire into Chinese human waves (1 in 20 had a rifle or grenade or ammunition for the rifle). He only ever spoke about it once because someone asked him THE stupid question. He had a baker's mitt and seven barrels on his hip. According to him, he would fire until the barrel was white hot and then swapped it out. He did talk about some unit losing their battle flag and a Chinese General taunting the Americans to come and get it and saying where he was. So he and about 40 others went and got it. The Chinese only ever said one thing about their dead General, "He asked for it." This was after a ceasefire was agreed upon. My grandfather had nightmares for 40 years before doctors in The US killed him.
This is going to replace the M249 which is our version of the Minimi, and the new XM338 chambered in .338 Norma Magnum, which can replace the M240/GPMG, and the M2 .50 cal.
So the US military will be getting two LMGs from sig that have been adopted by the US and its the one in 6.8x51 and the one chambered in .338 Lapua (Norma same caliber just a different name) and the one in .338 will replace the 240 that was chambered in .308 however just as a note the one in .338 weighs unloaded is 22lbs unloaded and 25lbs fully loaded, the 240 weighed 27lbs unloaded so if you see the .338 lmg size yes its bulky but its about 7-10lbs lighter than the 240, fucking insane for a heavy LMG weight wise
The USMC did as well about a year and a half before the M5 trials. It was basically an ar15 with a heavy barrel to allow higher fire rate across the whole fire team instead of having 1 SAW among M4s.
As a prior fish breeder, I can tell you that environment does matter. You don't have to be a hippie to understand the marginal parameters of life within said environment. If the environment falls outside the required parameters for something like microbes, everything else follows because life requires a food chain. Forever chemicals are a real and permeant threat that everyone should take seriously (if they want humans to remain comfortable.)
![F.HERO Ft. JSPKK x ลำไย ไหทองคำ x M-PEE - ไม่สนิทบิดหมด (Thai Riders Anthem) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kPJZ0UihBfk/mqdefault.jpg)
The new optic they’re putting on the new rifles are insane. You really should watch it. Even if it’s on your own time.
And it involves AI so it's right up his alley
The new optic video would definitely put into perspective how effective the new rifles are. I would like you to react to it. I’m sure Mike won’t mind he is all about getting information out to new people.
Totally right, I came down here just to make sure someone said this. The rifles and MGs are one/two steps forward, and that depends on who you ask. The optic is five.
It's called the XM-157. It's crazy
Definitely watch the xm 157 to finish this up! The ngw program with that scope is insane!
your fn mag is our m240. the minimi is the m249. same guns
exactly this
Really a testament to both designs that they've been used by so many NATO and non-NATO military forces for so long, with upgrades sure, but they're really done their job in their intended role excellently.
We Brits call the FN Mag the L7, and the Minimi we used to have in service as the L110, though we've now withdrawn it from service a few years ago as well as the LMG variant of the SA80 in favour of bringing the L7 back into service at the section level and increasing the amount of marksman rifles we have in sections.
@@G1NZOU It is pretty cool that they're so universal. The other two guns mentioned in the video the mk46 and mk48 are modernized and lightened verisons of the m249 and m240. I've shot the mk48 a bit. Its basically a lighter Minimi in 7.62. The m240B is a proper crew served weapon. Only really able to be carried by a corn fed Oklahoman. I've seen the mk48 carried by one 5'6" Filipino.
The M249 SAW is in 5.56 NATO; it's a belt fed LMG at the fireteam/squad level for the US Army. The M240 is in 7.62 NATO and is the GPMG at the platoon level for the US Army/company level for the USMC in a weapons platoon.
The M249 is a variation of the FN Minimi, while the M240 is the US designation for the FN MAG (what the UK calls the L7 GPMG).
Approximate weight (mass) without ammo:
M249: 17 lbs (7.5 kg)
M250: 14.5 lbs (6.6 kg)
M240: 27.6 lbs (12.5 kg)
The M240 is getting its own replacement tho so its kind of irrelevant to mention the weapon in this case
@@xGoodOldSmurfehx Uhh... OriginalHuman spent a decent bit of the video talking about his experience with the M240. Having it for comparison is important, since it's what he's used to.
Don't feel bad about reacting to Garand Thumb's videos. We will of course watch him, and many of us enjoy watching your reaction. Please continue the reaction videos. The scope for the Spear systems (M7, etc....) is quite good, and I think it is worth your review. Also, the ice and mud videos are a lot of fun as well (trying to see which handguns and rifles work after mud immersion, ice immersion, etc....) that was why "St. John" made the joke. It has made Garand Thumb quite a celebrity among the professional and amateur firearm community.
Suppressors on weapons like this are mainly used to further reduce flash signature at night and it helps to make it harder for opposing forces to tell exactly what direction the fire is coming from as quickly.
It's also nice for communication during firefights. If everyone's suppressed you have less of EVERYONE HAVING TO SCREAM IN YOUR EAR POINT BLANK just to communicate something.
Exactly right the British army's new AR has a suppressor but it's mainly for reducing heat signature and flash at the muzzle.
You absolutely need to do a video on the optic. It's as important, if not more, than the rifles to the NGSW contract. It's a huge leap in military optics and will allow all these rifles to do complex ballistic calculations in a split second. It will improve the average shooter to Marksman status.
You might’ve already gotten it recommended and haven’t got to it yet but Garand Thumb made a video on an actual fully functional Halo Battle Rifle designed by another TH-camr.
You seem to be confusing the M240 and the M249. The M240 is also known as the FN MAG or GPMG. The M249 is a completely different LMG also known as the SAW or the FN Minimi. The M249 and the M240 are not the same gun or serve the same purpose. The M249 (Minimi) is chambered in 5.56, the M240 (GPMG) is chambered in 7.62x51. This is the replacement for the 5.56 M249. This M250 is chambered in the same caliber as the Sig Spear (.277 Fury). Like how the M249 was chambered in the same caliber as the M4 carbine (5.56). This is NOT the replacement for the 7.62 caliber M240 (GPMG). The M240 (GPMG) will be replaced with a .338 Norma Magnum LMG like the "MG 338" from Sig or the "REPR" from Ohio Ordnance.
You're mistaken on one thing. The MG 338 isn't replacing the M240, it's replacing the M2. The Army is keeping the M240 and SIG is producing conversion kits for M240s to also be chambered in .277
we called the 100round drums for the m249 nutsacks.
You should watch his video on the RM338 (recoil mitigated .338) That's the LMG to replace the .50BMG
It’s the MMG that MIGHT replace the .50
@@CharlieFoxtrot128 Not according to Mike Jones. It was only like 10-12ish videos ago
@@CharlieFoxtrot128 indeed i believe not only is it still a competition with the SIG MG338* and the Ohio Ordnance REAPR, but also its might not completely replace the 50 in all roles if it is adopted.
*(in fact True velocity is suing SIG over supposed intellectual property infringements with the MG338)
Luke, if you do make a video on it, make sure you watch the one from April 21st that says "RM338" ON the thumbnail and not the one he did prior with the M338 or do both.
@@ActuallyJamie it’s not been adopted. So it’s not replacing anything
The UK currently has 4 small arms replacement projects ongoing at the moment.
Project HUNTER was to find an 'Alternative Infantry Weapon' to give special operations capable forces like the RM and Rangers their own AR platforms better suited to their niche roles instead of using clapped-out UKSF hand me downs like the L119A1s or the SA80. The Knights KS-1 was adopted as the L403A1 and procurement is ongoing.
Project GREYBURN is next which is the SA80 replacement. Trials are being conducted this year, a rifle will be selected next year and contracts signed, production will go ahead throughout 2026-27 and its intended that all frontline battalions will be equipped by 2030.
There are then 2 more as of yet unnamed projects in the works to first replace the GPMG, and then afterwards the L115A3/A4 sniper rifle. The RM are also slowly upgrading their L129A1 Sharpshooter rifles to the A2 standard with new furniture, optics, barrels, and rechambering them for 6.5 Creedmoor instead of 7.62 NATO so I imagine the Army will follow suit as soon as funds allow.
As a former SAW gunner I was very happy to hear him still call it a nutsack!!!
That new Vortex optics is alien technology.
The M250 is intended as a replacement for the M249 SAW (FN Minimi), although with the 6.8x51mm cartridge, it could also theoretically replaceme the M240 (FN MAG) as well.
In the USMC, the m249 SAW(squad automatic weapon) in 5.56x45mm is the same weapon as the Minimi. The M240G in 7.62x51mm is the same as the GPMG. They are both used at the same time, one is for light squad assault use, one is a heavier mg for vehicle or entrenched emplacement use.
With the "spoon" they were talking about, you don't even need to lift the cover. You just pull it through, run the charging handle, and you are ready to go. The opening is more so for easy clearing of a malfunction.
i love how you were genuinely upset that he didnt have a flannel haha🤣❤️
btw, one of the main reasons for suppressors being on all the new rifles is hearing damage, the enemy isnt going to always let you put your earpro on, hearing damage is permanent
Also better squad communication in a firefight, you can hear your sergeant shouting for you from further away even when everyone is firing.
lets go this was what I suggested last week I think, so glad you reviewed this one.
Suppressors help a lot with flash mitigation, and they also make it harder to determine where the shot is coming from.
Duuuuuuude its crazy how skinny TACP daddy was before his neck injury got healed up. You should totally do a reaction video of his Basics of Urban Combat Survival video. He's a former SERE instructor, so its packed full of useful education.
3:03 on Task&Purpose he said that reports from the soldiers was that the recoil shooting the M250 on full auto was like shooting an M4 on full auto. Btw it is the same caliber as the M7
ive been obsessed with your vids for the past abt 6 months, you just seem real you know. hope your enjoying your time away!
The GPMG/ M240 was in 7.62 nato. The m249/minimi was in 5.56.
LOVE that you’re doing Garand Thumb reactions, one of my favorite channels , he , Mikah & the other SO hilarious, EPIC theatrical openings that often are comedic or very realistic to the specific weapon reviewing & it’s SO awesome to have a gun channel that the host is actually Military Veteran but even better, a SOCOM Special Operations Veteran with US Air Force Special Warfare which is a very unique SF Branch & MOS where he’d attach to other Special Operations Forces /Teams from Tier 1-3 CAG/DELTA Force, SEAL Teams/DEVGRU, Green Berets, Ranger Units/Sqds & they work extensively with & even attach to allied SF Units regularly with UK SF Units & down the line of our partner nations so his experience & knowledge of most friend & foe weapon systems, munitions , aircraft, artillery & how our partners operate as wel as the enemy. Really is a perfect MOS for a guntube channel. Amazing that most of his knowledge is from memory from his service & extensive global weapon system schools. I enjoy Brandon Herrera & demo ranch but neither have military or law enforcement or even competition backgrounds. Many think Demo ranch is a Veteran becasue he says he’s a “Vet” but he’s actually a Veterinarian , no military service, a bit misleading. Great channels , funny & entertaining but watching a British Royal Marine commando Veteran react to gun videos I find your military experince & opinions much more interesting reacting to a US SF combat veteran. I feel like his experince & reacting to specific weapon systems , many of which he has military experince with & using a military mindset/combat as the backbone of his judging/reaction hits home better as these are weapons of war where an animal vet can’t relate to carrying different systems in full kit /load out in a combat environment & using it in life & death. I do still enjoy that fake Russian guys channel for gun comedy though. I am always amazed at the comments & even other TH-camrs that knock on Garand Thumb calling him a Larper /Airsofter wannabe that clearly have no idea that he’s not just a US Military Veteran but a Special Operations Veteran and combat Veteran in one of the smallest in number , most challenging, genius requiring MOS’s in the US Military/SOCOM. He doesn’t brag about his service & only mentions he’s a veteran & what he did occasionally when giving an expert reaction for context which says a lot about his character. He Lives on a massive piece of property in Idaho out in the middle of nowhere always shooting & mastering his skill set keeping it fresh. He goes to a lot of effort as well in his theatricals to dress in the typical uniform/kit relevant to the era /country & weapon he’s reacting to even to the extent of calling veteran contacts around the globe to get it right as well as their opinions about the weapon systems. Such a great channel & the comedy is truly top tier, your reaction to the SA-80 video he did is one of my favorite TH-cam videos & funniest videos I’ve seen. Hope you’ll react to more, he’s not someone to ever feel negatively about people reacting to his videos & you being a British Royal Marine Commando I am sure he loves it & is flattered. Next time you’re in the states you ought to contact him to do a collab, he’s had a lot of Veterans on from active IDF SF to active Ukrainian SF to US Foreign fighters fighting in Ukraine to US Combat Vets & active , guarantee he’d LOVE to get a Royal Marine Commando on the channel & in the theatrical, maybe get his hands on an SA-80-A3 , that would be an extremely interesting video from your perspective as your service rifle & his experince with the problematic V1. Just my absolute personal opinion.
Also have you ever thought about doing participating in UK air soft doing some videos like that other Royal marine /turned airsofter? A bunch of US Special Operations Veterans AND Active both with channels & going on SF channels & participating in Air Soft events , extremely Interesting. Savage Actual (a Marine Raider & a Navy SWCC Operator ) have done some videos air softing & some acrive Green Berets & SEALs have been destroying events on air softers channels , great content. hope when youre back in the US visiting you call some of these channels & collab, not often we get UK/US veteran collabs. Gen Dit did a video with combat Arms (oh Nikko Ortiz is starting a gun tube channel also in Vegas , does collabs woth military veterans on his reaction channel & said hes looking for veterans to collab on his guntube channel as hes going to have a shoot house with movable walls to work on his CQB which hes prides himself in as do you, be cool to see a US/UK CQB experts do CQB. Fieldcraft Survival in Heber Utah does colabs too, hes a 16 year Green Beret legend & CIA GRS Vet. fimgers crossed to see you on any of these channels in the future. BTW LOVING your content , bingeworthy , every single videp is so great & thr amount you put out is impressive! keep up the great work!
we dont use the mini anymore mate because they brought the sharpshooter you trained on in so all we have now is sa80, gpmg and sharpshooter rifle
The optic seems like the centerpiece to this next generation of weapons. Most revolutionary sounding
You've got to watch the video where they show the new Sig .338 Norma magnum machine gun and they have a machine gunner shooting while walking.
Gotta love the military going from black to desert earth ish colour, it looks soo much cooler ngl, black is hard to blend in to the environment, ur basically carrying a black glow stick with it lol
Yeah I agree, it wasn't too bad when the US Army and British Army were using M81 Woodland and Woodland DPM respectively, as they were primarily dark coloured and had black in the pattern, but it started to show when the US Army changed to UCP, suddenly you had a very dark weapon silhouette against light grey, and you could pick them out easier. FDE really does fit the best of both where it blends in with desert and woodland terrain fairly well and doesn't look too light or dark.
UK is doing the same with their A3 variant of the L85, and their new rifles for the Royal Marines and Ranger Regiment.
I would highly recommend the optic video. It rounds out what these systems can do nicely and adds a lot of capability to the gun/soldiers.
Just from the intro video montage alone of shooting the M250 on full auto was amazing. You could see that there was pretty much no recoil at all and even firing from the hip was pretty impressive.
You gotta check out the new optic. It's mind blowing.
The scope video is a must watch personally because goddamn that thing is wild!
I will say, if you wanted to end it on something the Vortex video might be a good one. Really, the Sig Spear (NGSW) and the Vortex optic are a package deal. The extra performance out of the round is nice to have, but the optic makes it damn near aim-bot for real life. It makes the whole package make more sense.
M-250 is 6.8x51mm same as the new M-7 rifle. Since the barrel can be changed out to other calibers, that gives some flexibility in issuing the gun to units who may not have received the new rifle. The basic concept though is that the two new sigs will use the same ammo once the changeover is done.
The FN MAG is in US service as the M240, British service as the L7. Both cases it's a 7.62x54mm General Purpose/Medium Machine Gun. Not sure how the Brits do it, but in the US Army and Marine Corps, it's not a standard Squad level weapon, more like specialty Platoon/Company support gun in dedicated Machine Gun Teams (Army and Marines are slightly different in how they organise) and commonly mounted on HMMWVs and other trucks as a crew served weapon
The M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) Light Machine Gun being replaced by the M250 is a dedicated, integral to the Rifle Squad weapon, carried by a single Soldier (i.e. not a 2-3 Soldier Gun Team with an AG or whatever, the SAW is supposed to be self contained). It fires the same 5.56x45mm ammo as the M16/M4, and while it is a primarily belt fed weapon, it can accept Standard issue M4/M16 magazines in a pinch (not a great situation, as it tends to jam after a short burst...)
So the M240 will stick around in it's current crew served GPMG support role while the M250 serves as the Squad Automatic Weapon alongside the M7, firing the same new 6.8x51 (.277 Fury) as the new rifle, much like the M4 and M249 did (and yes, SIG is building both the M7 and M250, the M249 is/was made by FN who also makes the MAG/L7/M240)
They have another video about the bigger brother to this lmg chambered in .338. Definitely understand not wanting to sorta use his content too much. Although I don't think most people would view it that way. If anything, you're actually giving him more exposure from your viewerbase
The US adopted the M240 (their version of the GPMG) in the '70s as mostly a coaxial weapon, and then it gradually became a vehicle pintle mount weapon supplementing and eventually replacing the M60, the M249 (the Minimi) they adopted in the '80s while the M16 was being adopted to give more firepower to squads that the regular rifles couldn't provide with magazines and regular barrels. We Brits pretty much did the same for similar reasons, supplementing and replacing our old Bren guns with the GPMG and when the LSW L86 didn't work out as well as it was supposed to we got some Minimis to fill the gap, Afghanistan ranges brought the GPMG back into service for the greater range, and eventually the Minimis were withdrawn from service again.
Apparently the US Army is also considering conversion kits for their M240s so they can use the new calibre.
At 19:15 when you are talking about using the optic to close the feed tray, if I learned anything from carrying an M249 in both Iraq and Afghanistan, its that my optic is giving me a rough starting point and after that I am just following splash.
XM57 Video is an absolute must, that optic is mind blowing
yeah do the vortex xm0157 scope review- its the most excited ive seen garand thumb be. very cool video
US Marine Corp started out with a couple of battalions testing out suppressors. They found a significant increase in capability from more easily hearing commands, to harder to spot by the enemy, to reducing the amount of crap kicked up by firing. Both the Army and Marines are starting to make them general issue due to how much of an increase in capability it is.
the 338 norma is insane even after traveling 2000 yards it still carries the same energy as a 44 magnum shot from point blank range.
I carried a M60 for years and jumped with it a good bit. The M249 saw was the new light weight kid on the block.
I would usually carry 5 100rnd belts as my normal kit load out. 7.62. Things have come a long way since then..lol
Yeah really enjoying these Garand thumb reactions, wouldnt mind more!
The M240 and M249 are both used in concurrency, the 249 is a 5.56 LMG with SAW standing for Squad Assault Weapon; its the custom US version of the FN Minimi. The M240 is the US Custom version of the 7.62 FN MAG, same as the GPMG/L1A1 or whatever its called. And that 2 tube stock for the Minimi is the "Para" stock aka lightweight for Paratroopers or anyone else wanting a lighter SAW.
Also "Nutsack" is the term troops adopted for the smaller 50-75rd canvas ammo pouches due to their... "distinctive" appearance.
The bigger boi near the end is in .338 Norma Magnum, which is a 9mm sniper round and borderline 50.BMG in some cases with a similar range.
“Elabolate”… everyone is f’ing up words in this video lol, luv you guys
Jack Mandaville certainly has a story with a M249
Jack has lots of stories haha
@@ryanhamstra49 he got shot in basic by a 249 in the arm lol. I believe*** him and someone else were taking it apart and the other guy didnt clear it and there was a single round in it, and he sent the bolt home.. lol
Back in my day, we were still using the M240 Golf! 😁
The M240B and the M249 are SAW's. The M-60 was a GPMG, meant to be fired from an emplacement or bipod, but could be used mobile if necessary. The M240 is also used on a lot of vehicles and as a door gun, replacing the M-60.
The M-240 and the optic is the best thing to come out of the program.
It was tested by 101st Airborne Division and 75th Ranger Regiment in September 2023, and then in March 2024 the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne officially started fielding it.
It's a 10 year contract though, gonna definitely take a while to finish re-equipping the entire Army.
SIG is absolutely making bank on Army contracts right now, first the new M17 and M18 pistols, then the XM7, now the XM250.
I highly highly recommend you watch the video just put out by the 75th Ranger Regiment on TH-cam. It's about Ranger Assessment & Selection and it's extremely well made. It's only about 7 mins long too. I'm sure many people would love to see you react to it. Came out like yesterday.
Most suppressed rifles are still very loud to the point that they are not hearing safe. One of the largest benefits of a suppressor especially on a machine gun is that it makes the sound omnidirectional. It is relatively easy for the human ears to triangulate the position of a crew served fire position. A suppressor makes it nearly impossible to triangulate the origin of the shots and drastically improves the survivability of your gun crews.
The minimi is the M249. Same firearm only with furniture differences. The M240 from FN is the gpmg in 7.62x51mm.
Guy, these reaction videos are awesome. You’re just giving him more exposure. You need to watch his becoming deadly videos. The suppressor is to hide the flash signature.
the major take away between the FN MAG and the M249 - both 7.63 the MAG is 11lbs the M249 is 8lbs so more felt recoil but a lot lighter to carry
Pretty sure the main reason for suppressors on combat rifles is to reduce the muzzle flash. Pretty important during night fighting.
The XM250 is the U.S. military designation for the SIG LMG 6.8, a 6.8×51mm (. 277 in), gas-operated, belt-fed light machine gun designed by SIG Sauer for the U.S. Army's Next Generation Squad Weapon Program in 2022 to replace the M249 light machine gun.
As sweet as this one is, the one you REALLY need to see is the RM338 vid. It's the new 50 cal machine gun replacement. His gel tests in that vid are incredible
Yes, please watch the scope video, it will blow your mind.
To finish of the series there's still the new XM157 smart optic on garand thumbs channel, if you want to see some unreal tech
You should definitely finish it off with the new scope. It's a shorter video, and you'll love it. For something to watch on your own, there is a video on the US Army's new sniper rifle (MK22 ASR). It's with a former SO guy who was part of the selection group for the rifle. Some interesting information around the process as well as the capabilities.
A suppressor acts a baffle to slow down escaping gases from muzzle blast. This also contains the muzzle blast and tames it. The concussion from a suppressed .50 cal is way tamer than that from a standard muzzle brake.
The .277 Fury is more powerful than the .308 WAY higher chamber pressure as well.
not until 200-300yrds.
@@joshmorrison5142 So MOST engagement distances, then?
@@joshmorrison5142 Even at closer rangers where .308 is more powerful, .227 still has an edge because it has less recoil, this is pretty much the sweet spot they wanted, where they still want more controllable fire and less weight for rounds, but want something with greater lethal range than 5.56
@@WalrusWinking Well, some tests claim the 277 doesn't overtake until about 400-500yrds. Kinda like the 6.5 Creedmoor. However, you can get better BC 308 bullets and better loads for 308. The 277 is the rifle equivalent to the 10mm and then got cut down to the 40sw.
@@G1NZOU If you're telling me .5lb difference of recoil is going to bother you, you need to stick to the AR15/M4. If you're recoil sensitive, you shouldn't be using these weapon systems. Hence why these will likely turn into the next Scar 17 and be shit canned for everyone outside of tier 1 and tier 2 units.
Lol it’s not a scope. It’s a optic.😂 and yeah, I’ll be pretty cool to hear some military stories from you.
If you’re going to watch the videos about the new weapons for the US, you definitely need to watch the video about the Vortex XM-157 scope that’s going to be put on both these weapons. It’s pretty incredible tech.
Remember the .277 fury rifle you reacted? It uses the same bullet.
Also there was that search result “SAW vs GPMG” Saw meant squad automatic weapon = m249
I still definitely recommend checking out the video he has on the x-157 optic that's meant to be issued with this and the spear. Definitely worth a cheeky peek to see the full capabilities this new system will have.
The firepower of the 7.62 M240 at a similar weight as the 5.56 M249.
M240B was my favorite weapon when I served but this looks like an improvement in every way.
Have you ever watched The Deadest Catch. Welcome to the real Navy Royal. x
100% Watch the scope video. Most guntubers don’t care if people watch their stuff, react channels are a good way to get new subs and TH-cam doesn’t like to spread their videos. The scope video is amazing, I want one but I can’t spare a kidney…. I would also start going through his “science” playlist. He does some very entertaining and interesting testing. My favorites are the black powder musket one as well as the mud/ice testing ones. The legend of .22. Man is also a classic
The 240 is old yes but those are coaxial versions. The coaxial versions (found on tanks and helos) have been in service since the 70s. However the man portable version of the 240, the 240 Bravo (which is the same as your L7 GPMG) has been in service since the mid 90s. The 249 (basically the same gun as your Minimi) on the other hand has been in service since the mid 80s.
There are also different variants of the 249 and 240.
The Mk.46 is basically a super shorty boi version of the 249 meant for special forces. The Mk.48 is a 7.62 version of the 249 (in some countries, its referred to as the Maximi).
The only other large scale man portable used 240 variant is the 240 Lima, which is lighter than the 240 Bravo, though the Bravo is a bit more common. Any other man portable variants made by companies like Barrett and Ohio Ordinance are either proof of concepts or prototype only.
Both the 240 and 249 are currently in service but the US wants to replace both using one weapon system due to the 240 being stupidly heavy, and the 249's 5.56 nature being somewhat called into question (and also because its a heavy 5.56 LMG).
Why the fuck would you turn it down???? No nobody gets to hear it!!
Garand Thumb's video on that massive .338 norma magnum machine gun you saw towards the end is insane. You should take a look.
The suppressor reduces recoil, and muzzle flash. Noise suppression is very much secondary in this application.
He has a video where he brought in a professional machine gunner to get his' thoughts on it. Real cool.
Highly recommend watching the m338 video. It’s a possible replacement of the heavy machine gun and they do some ballistic testing with the new round
the new scope is a hugely important part of the new rifle package, you'll see why when you watch the video.
There’s a specific m4/m16 platform rifle I’ve been working for almost a year now. If successful I’d definitely want to introduce it to the military
338 norma mag is a seriously hot round. That should be cool in the big boy. Its crazy how much more firepower the base level guys are going to have with this new generation of guns. Its not a slight step forward. Its a massive amount more firepower out of these new rounds. Dont get tied up thinking that its less then a 7.62x51. It may only be a .277 but it is better in almost every measurable metric then a 7.62.
Considering 98% of us firing weapons isnt in combat this makes me happy. Then again, we didnt really run suppressed.
Add the fan film, Jurassic World: Exodus to your watch list. Garand Thumb, Travis Haley, and some other veterans and influencers are in this production.
Speaking of replacements, you should watch his video on the M338, its being looked at as a replacement to the current 50 cal the US has, and his video on it is funny too lol
The US doesn't use the same machine gun classification as the UK. We have the
Light Machine gun LMG (M249/M250)
Medium machine gun MMG (M240 aka FN MAG)
Heavy machine gun HMG (M2 .50 cal)
@OriginalHuman, Sig's .338 beltfed is set to replace the FNMAG/M-240 and M-2 .50 cal.
The Army is looking to up-caliber all its Infantry weapons based on experience in Afghanistan and Iraq while lightening the ammo weight, that'swhy they'renot using 7.62NATO but all these 6.8x51 weapons can easily swap barrels to 7.62 NATO if they need to for logistics. Only the .50 is looking for a smaller caliber.
You aren’t done yet, you need to see his video on the new combat optics going on the Spear for the US Army. That scope is a monster
The M240 and M249 are both used in different classifications. One is a light machine gun firing 5.56, the other is a medium MG firing 7.62. Hell, i think our heavy MG is still the M2 firing 50 cal. But one of sigs new machine guns is bridging the gap with the .338 Norma round
I think grand thumb has a video of them shooting that 338 version of the gun if your interested in that the thing is a absolute monster
Mate you're not done with the set, you still gotta watch the video "Will This Be Replacing The US Army’s 50 CAL?" on the SIG 338. Absolutely nuts.
Suppressors are used more for hiding muzzle flash in the military than sound suppression
Yeah,that muzzle flash will let insurgents know where to mark their mortar rounds to your position and that's not a good thing. LOL. Hopefully our military won't have to use their new weapons in combat against China.Hopefully.
Talking about swapping out barrels, my grandfather was a BAR gunner in The Korean War. His job was to stand there and fire into Chinese human waves (1 in 20 had a rifle or grenade or ammunition for the rifle). He only ever spoke about it once because someone asked him THE stupid question. He had a baker's mitt and seven barrels on his hip. According to him, he would fire until the barrel was white hot and then swapped it out. He did talk about some unit losing their battle flag and a Chinese General taunting the Americans to come and get it and saying where he was. So he and about 40 others went and got it. The Chinese only ever said one thing about their dead General, "He asked for it." This was after a ceasefire was agreed upon. My grandfather had nightmares for 40 years before doctors in The US killed him.
This is going to replace the M249 which is our version of the Minimi, and the new XM338 chambered in .338 Norma Magnum, which can replace the M240/GPMG, and the M2 .50 cal.
So the US military will be getting two LMGs from sig that have been adopted by the US and its the one in 6.8x51 and the one chambered in .338 Lapua (Norma same caliber just a different name) and the one in .338 will replace the 240 that was chambered in .308 however just as a note the one in .338 weighs unloaded is 22lbs unloaded and 25lbs fully loaded, the 240 weighed 27lbs unloaded so if you see the .338 lmg size yes its bulky but its about 7-10lbs lighter than the 240, fucking insane for a heavy LMG weight wise
M250’s cartridge is 6.5x51mm. The MG is by SIG.
The M250 without the optic, unloaded is about 12 lbs versus 18 lbs+ for an unloaded M249(minimi) without optic. The M-240 (FNMAG) weighs more.
I love that the uk literally just adopted a knights armament ar15 right as soon as we're most likely leaving that behind.
The USMC did as well about a year and a half before the M5 trials. It was basically an ar15 with a heavy barrel to allow higher fire rate across the whole fire team instead of having 1 SAW among M4s.
You should watch his mud and ice testing on the rifles and pistols 🎉
For sure watch the vid about the new scope to wrap it up
As a prior fish breeder, I can tell you that environment does matter. You don't have to be a hippie to understand the marginal parameters of life within said environment. If the environment falls outside the required parameters for something like microbes, everything else follows because life requires a food chain. Forever chemicals are a real and permeant threat that everyone should take seriously (if they want humans to remain comfortable.)
Definitely worth checking out the M338 video by garand thumb!