A US Army infantry officer has raised serious concerns regarding the new XM7 assault rifle, a weapon produced by Sig Sauer that was selected alongside the XM250 light machine gun as part of the army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) initiative. This program aims to replace the aging M4 automatic rifle, but Capt. Braden Trent argues that the XM7 falls short of expectations for a modern frontline firearm.
Through independent research, Trent claims to have conducted interviews with over 150 soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team “Bastogne,” the first active-duty unit to receive the XM7. Feedback from these soldiers revealed significant dissatisfaction, notably regarding the magazine size. The XM7 features a smaller 20-round magazine compared to the 30-round capacity of the M4, leading to complaints about quickly exhausting ammunition during operations.
In addition to concerns about magazine capacity, Trent highlighted issues related to the rifle’s weight and bulk. Many soldiers reported that these factors impeded maneuverability, particularly during extended missions where agility is crucial.
Trent’s 52-page report outlines multiple technical deficiencies, including troubling signs of early barrel wear observed after firing just 2,000 rounds. He pointed to wear marks located near the muzzle and gas block – areas that are vital for maintaining both accuracy and safety in combat scenarios.
Furthermore, he criticized the XM7’s charging handle, which requires a full rearward pull to operate effectively. This design flaw may slow down soldiers in high-pressure situations, potentially jeopardizing operational effectiveness.
Describing the rifle as “tactically outdated,” Trent suggested it might be more suitable as a designated marksman rifle rather than a frontline weapon. He reflected on a training scenario where his platoon was responsible for providing suppressive fire using the XM7 but found themselves low on ammunition after only 10 minutes.
In response to these criticisms, the US Army’s Program Executive Office Soldier defended the XM7, emphasizing its role in the NGSW program. A spokesperson asserted that the program offers unmatched lethality to the Close Combat Force and reiterated the Army’s commitment to incorporating soldier feedback to enhance weapon capabilities.
Sig Sauer also responded to Capt. Trent’s claims, disputing the accuracy of his criticisms. A senior director from the company labeled most of the observations as “patently false” and expressed confidence in the XM7 being a “robust weapon system” that delivers performance at high standards while prioritizing safety.
