XM8 tested in 82nd Airborne Division

[REMOV]

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL16/709417/4474100/56059503.jpg
XM8 carbine field stripped

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL16/709417/4474100/56058967.jpg
http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL16/709417/4474100/56058960.jpg
Firing the XM8 short barrel carbine

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL16/709417/4474100/56058924.jpg

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL16/709417/4474100/56058950.jpg
XM8 SPR/SAW
___________________
Dislaimer: I don't know if that person on the pictures is still alive or not. Really. When someone feels that posting pictures focusing on the assault rifle not a human being held it is disrespect of that person please call moderators. I'm sure, that they delete this topic ASAP.

[kenshiroIT]

I see only red crosses :(

[nerdman]

I see the photos. Nice.

[Przezdzieblo]

Gosh. Are they still alive?



There is something on butt stock of one of those XM8s. Filth? Or a bit scratched?

Any difference between XM8 Sharp. and SAW?

What is those warning on carbine scope tubus?

[mack pl]

Cool pics :)


BTW Remov-maybe you should add black strip on theirs faces p-)

[kenshiroIT]

I do see the pics now!!!
That's a true weapon :D :D

[mack pl]

I do see the pics now!!!
That's a true weapon :D :D
nah, its plastic toys, and they are damn airsofters p-)

ciao

[Crazyjack]

Just a funky looking G36!

[Dutchman2]

It's a funky looking G36, but I see that the used the same 'recoilspring attached to buttstock' like the G3 ;) ! I realy think that this rifle is SOOOO ugly! Why not maintain the G36 looks?
Anyway, cool to see it in use! I only saw it like a display model.

Greets,

[Carlos]

but I see that the used the same 'recoilspring attached to buttstock' like the G3 ;)

Actually you can pull this spring /w springguide simply out of the recess it is stuck in - it isn't fixed as it is/was in the G3...

[NeedsABetterName]

You know,that's really not half bad looking in black,but in the tan,it makes it look like a toy...Maybe this is a good weapon after all.

[American Patriot]

MOLON LABE

[Gringo]

I do see the pics now!!!
That's a true weapon :D :D
nah, its plastic toys, and they are damn airsofters p-)

ciao

careful of the 'damn airsofters' comments. I don't care for comments like that.

[Gringo]

It's a funky looking G36, but I see that the used the same 'recoilspring attached to buttstock' like the G3 ;) ! I realy think that this rifle is SOOOO ugly! Why not maintain the G36 looks?
Anyway, cool to see it in use! I only saw it like a display model.

Greets,

Since when has looks been an intergeral part of a gun?

"Oh no my XM8 is so ugly so it's not going to work."

[dugdug]

still look a toy to me. :|

[Burncycle]

What is those warning on carbine scope tubus?

"Warning, could put an eye out" :lol:

Actually though, if I remember correctly, the scopes have a built in IR laser and illuminator. Maybe a laser warning?

One thing I'm worried about for the squad support version is what will happen when it gets hot? I'm not worried about the barrel per se, but the plastic AROUND the barrel may start to melt and that isn't good.

Does the Beta C mag feed reliably? Seems dodgy. I think a belt fed LMG would be a better option for reliability. The Ares Shrike looks like a decent 5.56 LMG upper, and the M249 sans mag feed maybe

[csqnsas]

Dugdug,


still look a toy to me

Now what was it thet the US troops called the M16 when it came into service. Oh yes the "matty mattel" after the toy maker.

See they still use them today though.

All I ahve seen on this system is good. Let the boy try to break them in the field, make the changes needed and your onto a winner.

[Gringo]

What is those warning on carbine scope tubus?

"Warning, could put an eye out" :lol:

Actually though, if I remember correctly, the scopes have a built in IR laser and illuminator. Maybe a laser warning?

One thing I'm worried about for the squad support version is what will happen when it gets hot? I'm not worried about the barrel per se, but the plastic AROUND the barrel may start to melt and that isn't good.

Does the Beta C mag feed reliably? Seems dodgy. I think a belt fed LMG would be a better option for reliability. The Ares Shrike looks like a decent 5.56 LMG upper, and the M249 sans mag feed maybe

As far as I'm aware there isn't a SAW version. What it looks like is the sharpshooter version with a C mag. So it could double as a Light Support Weapon I suppose.

[Lt_Crooks]

oh yeah that reminds me.... I am not a big fan of the XM8 but I remember when the M16 came out people said it looked like a toy also. and now we are so fond of our m16. Maybe this XM8 could work with a few MINOR design changes ;)

[MEGR]

I just want to here reports on how it performs in the field. I don't give a rat's arse how it looks, as long as it's reliable.

[mack pl]

I do see the pics now!!!
That's a true weapon :D :D
nah, its plastic toys, and they are damn airsofters p-)

ciao

careful of the 'damn airsofters' comments. I don't care for comments like that.

;) :lol: dont be so serious man :D

Big respect for every hardcore airsofters- dont fok with them p-)

[Damian]

nice pics!!!

[crazyman]

well i'll be down at bragg sometime in april, so when i get my hands on one i'll let you know

[Seraphim]

It's a funky looking G36, but I see that the used the same 'recoilspring attached to buttstock' like the G3 ;) ! I realy think that this rifle is SOOOO ugly! Why not maintain the G36 looks?
Anyway, cool to see it in use! I only saw it like a display model.

Greets,

Because we all know that looks is what wins the battle.

[Vance]

It's a funky looking G36, but I see that the used the same 'recoilspring attached to buttstock' like the G3 ;) ! I realy think that this rifle is SOOOO ugly! Why not maintain the G36 looks?
Anyway, cool to see it in use! I only saw it like a display model.

Greets,

Because we all know that looks is what wins the battle.
In the perfect world...

[Seraphim]

You know Im being sarcastic right?

[Vance]

You know Im being sarcastic right?
Please, I can spot sarcasm from a mile away.


Yes, I know you were. :P

[Denat]

Here is the real source of posted XM8's photos and a lot of useful info including the comments of weapon's users (http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=1&f=5&t=248726)

[rob]

You know,that's really not half bad looking in black,but in the tan,it makes it look like a toy...Maybe this is a good weapon after all.

the xm8 was a good weapon since the begining, but the problem is with justifying the cost of the weapon when w have one which does the dame thing. the xm8 may have a few advantages but they are not worth the cost, and there are parts ont he market to make the m4 surpass even the advantages teh xm8 has, all of whch could be implemented at a much lower cost.

that is the problem with the xm8.

also anyone else notice that the red dot sight on those is different from earlier models, and that the the saw has a sight different from the rest, anyone know if the one on the saw version is magnified or just night vision or something?

[freefale7]

Yes I am still alive. I posted the pics for my friends at AR15.com. I had a chance to put 400+ rounds through it. I personaly liked it. I think it will need more extensive fielding, adding a rail, SAW version will need a removable barrel and BUIS etc.
FREE

[MEGR]

No iron sights? That sucks. BTW, does anyone have a pic of xm8 with grenade launcher?

[Midav]

I believe it has an "emergency iron sight".

[Fintin]

my question is...in machine gun mode it used a bata mag right...dont those have major feed issues?

[andytothemax]

with the new uniform and this XM8, our troops are looking more and more like Starship Troopers :-/

[rob]

I believe it has an "emergency iron sight".

it has a "back up sight" etched in the glass of the red dot i believe. not much of a back up sight if you ask me. id like to see some proper irons on the thing.

free fale, how does to sight on the saw version pictured differ from the red dots on the other weapons?

"my question is...in machine gun mode it used a bata mag right...dont those have major feed issues?"

beta c mags do have feed issues, and there was an official warning for us soldiers not to use them, hk contracts the same company to build their mags, yet some how they "fixed feeding issues" even though no work was done to the mags. funny how an hk endorsment tents to fix everything. :cantbeli:

devgru, there is a video of an xm8 with a grenade launcher up close http://www.armytimes.com/story.php?s=1-292925-xm8.php

they also have videos concerning mags, dissasembly, a gernal overview and the sight.

[Gringo]

a HK 50. cal!

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL16/709417/4474100/56058978.jpg


:D :D :D :D

[Gringo]

My view on the XM8 is that it sounds like it has potential.
I reckon they should add a proper iron sight and the scope being a addon. And that there should be a full assault rifle version as standard, not the carbine as standrd. But I suppose the army asked for the carbine as standard? As they are giving out the M4 quite a bit?

I reckon the RIS system will come later when it has started to be issued. The M16 or M4 never came with an RIS as standard.

[REMOV]

a HK 50. cal!
http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL16/709417/4474100/56058978.jpgIt's an XM312 developed by General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products not by the H&K.

[Carlos]

I believe it has an "emergency iron sight".

it has a "back up sight" etched in the glass of the red dot i believe. not much of a back up sight if you ask me. id like to see some proper irons on the thing.

<...>

"my question is...in machine gun mode it used a bata mag right...dont those have major feed issues?"

beta c mags do have feed issues, and there was an official warning for us soldiers not to use them, hk contracts the same company to build their mags, yet some how they "fixed feeding issues" even though no work was done to the mags. funny how an hk endorsment tents to fix everything. :cantbeli:


HK did indeed strengthen several parts causing misfeeds with the C-mags.

We over here call that engineering when you try to identify technical problems and look for a feasible solution - once you know what's going wrong that isn't that hard at all... ;)


By the way, the XM8 is getting a "real" backup sight (folding/adjustable front post /w flip up peep sight) as it was requested by certain knowledgeable individuals:

http://premium.uploadit.org/docZox/XM8.jpg


By the way it looks (haven't handled a 2nd Gen. XM8 up to now) the BUIS is co-witnessing with the optical sight...


Cheers

[Carlos]

I reckon the RIS system will come later when it has started to be issued.

No more rails in the future (at least that's what's planned) - Picatinny Arsenal requested something more able to hold zero with sighting devices, lasers and so on and so the PicAPs (Picatinny Attachment Points) were developed (that's the things you can see left and right to the handguard).

That is what will be the future mounting system when PA gets its way, although I think that you'll loose a little bit of flexibility doing so. But most probably they identified RTZ-problems as more serious as a maximum of flexibility.

Most probably there will be some adaptors for the near term as everyone has M1913-equipment right now...

[Gringo]

a HK 50. cal!
http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL16/709417/4474100/56058978.jpgIt's an XM312 developed by General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products not by the H&K.

The guy that took the photo said it was. Oh well my bad.

[gregom]

Where do the batteries go?

Looks like a toy to me... But hey... if it works and is a better combat rifle than the M-16/M4 great. All I know is my experience with the M-16/M-4 had a lot of jams. So I'm willing to try a new weapon. Personally, I'd take an AK over any of them any day.

[REMOV]

Personally, I'd take an AK over any of them any day.The grass is always greener on the other side of fence. In my personal opinion people who take an AK over XM8 or M4Ax any day, never used Russian assault rifle. Lets talk about a sight for example ;)

[gregom]

I own a Russian Assault Rifle... as you call it. I own an AK-47 and AK-74 clone... I also own an M-16 clone. I've fired all 3 of them a lot, and I can say I still prefer an AK over an M-16/M-4.

[perdurabo]

I own a Russian Assault Rifle... as you call it. I own an AK-47 and AK-74 clone... I also own an M-16 clone. I've fired all 3 of them a lot, and I can say I still prefer an AK over an M-16/M-4.
have you shoot out from XM-8?

[REMOV]

I own a Russian Assault Rifle... as you call it. I own an AK-47 and AK-74 clone... I also own an M-16 clone. I've fired all 3 of them a lot, and I can say I still prefer an AK over an M-16/M-4.I'm talking about military service not private owing a semiautomatic clone (or two) of Russian weapon. Its a little difference between that two situation. The AK/AKM or AK-74 are very good rifles for mass, conscript armies but not so good in the modern world. Even Russians want to replace them by something else (vide AEK-971 or AN-94).

BTW - both AK/AKM or AK-74 are in fact assault rifles. This is technical name of any military automatic weapon fed by intermediate cartridge.

[ZeroPositive]

I think it is an awesome weapon, very nice indeed hope the US adopt it :)

[crazyman]

VERY glad to see theyre adding an iron site to the weapon. had me scared for a minute there. Thats one of my major issues with the weapon taken care of...now we just have to see how this 12 inch barrel stands up.

[Operation Ivy]

VERY glad to see theyre adding an iron site to the weapon. had me scared for a minute there. Thats one of my major issues with the weapon taken care of...now we just have to see how this 12 inch barrel stands up.

12.5in barrel ;) :D

[crazyman]

ohh sorry, how oculd i forget that 1/2 an inch? my profound apologies. :fork:

[Ratamacue]

VERY glad to see theyre adding an iron site to the weapon. had me scared for a minute there. Thats one of my major issues with the weapon taken care of...now we just have to see how this 12 inch barrel stands up.

Isn't going to fare all that much better than the M4 in terms of accuracy or power...in fact, it should be worse.

[Gringo]

VERY glad to see theyre adding an iron site to the weapon. had me scared for a minute there. Thats one of my major issues with the weapon taken care of...now we just have to see how this 12 inch barrel stands up.

Isn't going to fare all that much better than the M4 in terms of accuracy or power...in fact, it should be worse.

should?

[crazyman]

in that case rat, before i deploy, im going to have to steal that bottle of whiskey youve been teasin us all with...damn i love that stuff. actually i doubt that the weapon will go into full on production with a 12.5 in barrel. just plain common sense. i expect that it will be increased to somewhere in the range of 16 in or so, with the compact one used by vehicle crewers and such

[Jackel]

cool pics

[Ratamacue]

VERY glad to see theyre adding an iron site to the weapon. had me scared for a minute there. Thats one of my major issues with the weapon taken care of...now we just have to see how this 12 inch barrel stands up.

Isn't going to fare all that much better than the M4 in terms of accuracy or power...in fact, it should be worse.

should?

What I mean be "should" is the that considering that the XM8 has a shorter barrel than the M4, it should have worse performance in terms of accuracy and power.

[rob]

VERY glad to see theyre adding an iron site to the weapon. had me scared for a minute there. Thats one of my major issues with the weapon taken care of...now we just have to see how this 12 inch barrel stands up.

Isn't going to fare all that much better than the M4 in terms of accuracy or power...in fact, it should be worse.

should?

What I mean be "should" is the that considering that the XM8 has a shorter barrel than the M4, it should have worse performance in terms of accuracy and power.

i think he was pointing out that will is a better word.

[Michael RVR]

Its funny how some people take small charicteristics of a weapon system and use them as a basis for completely discounting it.

;)

[crazyman]

riight, cuz who cares about the length of the barrel? damn those ppl who love aesthetics...

[rob]

Its funny how some people take small charicteristics of a weapon system and use them as a basis for completely discounting it.

;)

its even funnier that people discount the m4 because of one small charactaristic then accuse the others of that when they point out something is wrong with the hk super gu... i mean xm8. :cantbeli:

[Gringo]

VERY glad to see theyre adding an iron site to the weapon. had me scared for a minute there. Thats one of my major issues with the weapon taken care of...now we just have to see how this 12 inch barrel stands up.

Isn't going to fare all that much better than the M4 in terms of accuracy or power...in fact, it should be worse.

should?

What I mean be "should" is the that considering that the XM8 has a shorter barrel than the M4, it should have worse performance in terms of accuracy and power.

i think he was pointing out that will is a better word.

that's a negative roberto.

Shouldn't blame H&K for having the Carbine as the standard weapon. I've been hearing reports that troops are asking for carbines then full sized rifles. If the US Army asks for the Carbine as standard, blame your beloved army.

[rob]

VERY glad to see theyre adding an iron site to the weapon. had me scared for a minute there. Thats one of my major issues with the weapon taken care of...now we just have to see how this 12 inch barrel stands up.

Isn't going to fare all that much better than the M4 in terms of accuracy or power...in fact, it should be worse.

should?

What I mean be "should" is the that considering that the XM8 has a shorter barrel than the M4, it should have worse performance in terms of accuracy and power.

i think he was pointing out that will is a better word.

that's a negative roberto.

Shouldn't blame H&K for having the Carbine as the standard weapon. I've been hearing reports that troops are asking for carbines then full sized rifles. If the US Army asks for the Carbine as standard, blame your beloved army.

im not blaiming hk for the carbine, i know it is not their doing. but he said that a 12.5 inch berral will have worse preformance then a 14.5 inch berral. and well blaim and reason for the berral lenght was no where in the context of things, just the preformance of said weapons.

[Deuterium]

The one thing I definitely don't like is the mag release. It seems a complete step backward. Now it will take twice as long to do a mag change.

[memphiz]

with the new uniform and this XM8, our troops are looking more and more like Starship Troopers :-/
Haha thats what I was thinking

[Ratamacue]

The one thing I definitely don't like is the mag release. It seems a complete step backward. Now it will take twice as long to do a mag change.

If I'm not mistaken, there's a mag release catch both near the mag well and inside the trigger housing, if that's what you're referring to.

[Vance]

with the new uniform and this XM8, our troops are looking more and more like Starship Troopers :-/
Haha thats what I was thinking
THe only good bug...is a dead bug.

[Deuterium]

The one thing I definitely don't like is the mag release. It seems a complete step backward. Now it will take twice as long to do a mag change.

If I'm not mistaken, there's a mag release catch both near the mag well and inside the trigger housing, if that's what you're referring to.

Didn't notice or read about the one in the trigger housing. I guess I must still question if you can activate it with the firing hand?

[Ratamacue]

The one thing I definitely don't like is the mag release. It seems a complete step backward. Now it will take twice as long to do a mag change.

If I'm not mistaken, there's a mag release catch both near the mag well and inside the trigger housing, if that's what you're referring to.

Didn't notice or read about the one in the trigger housing. I guess I must still question if you can activate it with the firing hand?

I saw it in a video awhile back. A guy was demonstrating all of the functions of the rifle, how to take it down, etc., and demonstrated that you can use your firing hand to release your spent magazine with the mag release in the trigger housing while simultaneously getting a new one. I believe the US military made it quite clear that it wanted to retain the ability to release magazines with your firing hand rather than having to use your off-hand.

[Deuterium]

The one thing I definitely don't like is the mag release. It seems a complete step backward. Now it will take twice as long to do a mag change.

If I'm not mistaken, there's a mag release catch both near the mag well and inside the trigger housing, if that's what you're referring to.

Didn't notice or read about the one in the trigger housing. I guess I must still question if you can activate it with the firing hand?

I saw it in a video awhile back. A guy was demonstrating all of the functions of the rifle, how to take it down, etc., and demonstrated that you can use your firing hand to release your spent magazine with the mag release in the trigger housing while simultaneously getting a new one. I believe the US military made it quite clear that it wanted to retain the ability to release magazines with your firing hand rather than having to use your off-hand.

Thanks for the info. Glad to see the Army did at least one thing right...

[catchv22]

Also, you can now release the mag with just a push firing lefty as the release lever is ambidextrous.

[crazyman]

one of the definete ups of this thing...totally ambi. leftys' like me DEFinetly have been wating for that one