M7 rifle

{{Short description|U.S. Army NGSW rifle}} {{Redirect|XM5 rifle||XM 5 (disambiguation)}} {{use dmy dates|date=March 2026}} {{Infobox weapon | name = M7 | image = M7 Rifle.png | image_size = 300 | caption = U.S. Army 6.8mm rifle, M7 with M157 fire control optic | origin = United States | is_ranged = Yes | design_date = 2019 | type = Assault rifle<ref name="armytimes19april22"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/investigations/us-army-new-rifle-selling-to-general-public/65-eec40852-7ea5-4a5a-9cea-f27d1acbabe4|title=The US Army's new assault rifle coming to local gun stores|first=Nathan|last=Baca|date=July 18, 2022|access-date=February 17, 2024|publisher=WUSA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/the-u-s-militarys-new-xm7-assault-rifle-might-be-a-dud|title=The U.S. Military's New XM7 Assault Rifle Might Be a Dud|first=Peter|last=Suciu|date=May 9, 2025|work=The National Interest|access-date=October 1, 2025}}</ref> Battle rifle<ref>{{Cite web |title=Defense Rifles Spear |url=https://www.sigsauer.com/defense-rifles-spear |access-date=2026-04-03 |website=www.sigsauer.com}}</ref> Carbine | manufacturer = SIG Sauer | cartridge = 6.8×51mm Common Cartridge (.277 Fury) | service = 2022–present | used_by = United States Army | variants = See ''Variants'' | weight = M7: {{cvt|8.38|lb|kg}}<ref name="military2may22">{{Cite web |last=Beynon |first=Steve |date=2 May 2022 |title=How Well Do the Army's New Guns Perform? That's Classified, But Soldiers Will Carry More Weight, Less Ammo |url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2022/05/02/how-well-do-armys-new-guns-perform-thats-classified-soldiers-will-carry-more-weight-less-ammo.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530230702/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2022/05/02/how-well-do-armys-new-guns-perform-thats-classified-soldiers-will-carry-more-weight-less-ammo.html |archive-date=30 May 2022 |website=Military.com}}</ref> {{cvt|9.84|lb|kg}} (with suppressor)<ref name="tfb16may22">{{Cite web |last=Moss |first=Matthew |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2022/05/16/us-army-shares-details-next-generation-squad-weapons/ |title=US Army Shares Details on Next Generation Squad Weapons |website=The Firearm Blog |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518021918/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2022/05/16/us-army-shares-details-next-generation-squad-weapons/ |archive-date=18 May 2022 |date=16 May 2022}}</ref> M7 PIE: {{cvt|7.6|lb|kg}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=TAB |date=2025-10-14 |title=AUSA 25 – SIG SAUER Displays Lighter NGSW Product Improvement Effort Weapons |url=https://soldiersystems.net/2025/10/14/ausa-25-sig-sauer-displays-lighter-ngsw-product-improvement-effort-weapons/|access-date=2025-12-07|website=soldiersystems |language=en}}</ref> XM8: {{cvt|7.3|lb|kg}}<ref name="XM8CPE">{{Cite web |last=Capability Program Executive - Ground |date=26 March 2026 |title=XM8 Carbine |url=https://cpeground.army.mil/Equipment/Equipment-Portfolio/PM-MBCT-Lethality-Portfolio/XM8-Carbine/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260326172200/https://cpeground.army.mil/Equipment/Equipment-Portfolio/PM-MBCT-Lethality-Portfolio/XM8-Carbine/ |archive-date=26 March 2026 |access-date=26 March 2026 |website=cpeground.army.mil|url-status=live}}</ref> {{cvt|8.8|lb|0}} (with suppressor)<ref name="XM8CPE"/> | length = M7: {{cvt|36|in|mm|0}} (with suppressor)<ref name="ssblog">{{Cite web |date=19 January 2022 |title=The Next Generation Has Arrived |url=https://www.sigsauer.com/blog/now-shipping-the-incredible-new-mcx-spear-rifle |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219233206/https://www.sigsauer.com/blog/now-shipping-the-incredible-new-mcx-spear-rifle |archive-date=19 February 2023 |access-date=20 February 2023 |website=SIG Sauer}}</ref> XM8: {{cvt|32.79|in|mm|0}} (with suppressor)<ref name="XM8CPE"/> | part_length = M7: {{cvt|13.5|in|mm|0}}<ref name="tfb16may22"/> XM8: {{cvt|11|in|mm|0}}<ref name="XM8CPE"/> | velocity = {{cvt|915|m/s|ft/s}}<ref name="modernfirearms">{{Cite web |last=Popenker |first=Maxim |url=https://modernfirearms.net/en/assault-rifles/u-s-a-assault-rifles/ngsw-r-sig-mcx-spear-2/ |title=SIG Sauer NGSW-R MCX Spear XM5 assault rifle (USA) |website=Modern Firearms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604053341/https://modernfirearms.net/en/assault-rifles/u-s-a-assault-rifles/ngsw-r-sig-mcx-spear-2/ |archive-date=4 June 2022}}</ref> | action = Short-stroke gas-operated piston, rotating bolt<ref name="modernfirearms" /> | rate = | feed = 20-, 25-round SR-25 pattern magazines<ref name="lancer">{{Cite web |title=LANCER SYSTEMS L6SCM – Lancer Systems |url=https://lancer-systems.com/product/lancer-systems-l6scm/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415095034/https://lancer-systems.com/product/lancer-systems-l6scm/ |archive-date=15 April 2023 |access-date=1 May 2023 |website=Lancer Systems |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="TFB">{{cite web |title=The Sig Sauer M5 NGSW Rifle a/k/a The MCX Spear|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlrBEEG__1E&t=495s |via=Youtube.com |access-date=9 August 2023 |language=en |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510022547/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlrBEEG__1E|archive-date=10 May 2023 |quote=We are running 20- and 25-round 6.8×51mm Lancers in the MCX-SPEAR currently, but any Magpul, 7.62mm NATO magazines interfaces with it |work=The Firearm Blog}}</ref><ref name="TFB-XM8" />  | ref = <ref>{{Cite web|title=Justification Book - Procurement of Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicles|url=https://www.asafm.army.mil/Portals/72/Documents/BudgetMaterial/2026/Discretionary%20Budget/Procurement/Procurement%20of%20Weapons%20and%20Tracked%20Combat%20Vehicles.pdf|website=www.asafm.army.mil|access-date=2025-11-28|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251003020440/https://www.asafm.army.mil/Portals/72/Documents/BudgetMaterial/2026/Discretionary%20Budget/Procurement/Procurement%20of%20Weapons%20and%20Tracked%20Combat%20Vehicles.pdf|archive-date=2025-10-03}}</ref> }}

The '''M7 rifle''', previously designated as '''XM7''' and originally as '''XM5''', is the U.S. Army's adopted variant of the SIG MCX-SPEAR chambered in 6.8×51mm Common Cartridge (.277 Fury),<ref>{{Cite web |title=.277 Sig Fury (6.8x51) {{!}} Complete Guide and Comparisons |url=https://www.bearcreekarsenal.com/blog/277-sig-fury-6-8-51-guide.html |access-date=2025-09-28 |website=www.bearcreekarsenal.com}}</ref> designed by SIG Sauer for the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program in 2022 to replace the M4 carbine.

The M7 features a gas-operated system, a free-floating reinforced M-LOK handguard for direct accessory attachment to slotted hole mounting points, and uses SR-25 pattern magazines. It was fielded beginning in March 2024.<ref name="armytimes29march24">{{Cite web |last=Lehrfeld |first=Jonathan |date=2024-03-29 |title=101st Airborne first Army unit to field Next Generation Squad Weapons |url=https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2024/03/29/101st-airborne-first-army-unit-to-field-next-generation-squad-weapons/ |access-date=2024-06-04 |website=Army Times |language=en}}</ref>

==History== In January 2019, the United States Army began the Next Generation Squad Weapon Program to find replacements for the M4 carbine and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon. In September 2019, SIG Sauer submitted its designs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moss |first=Matthew |date=19 April 2022 |title=SIG Sauer Wins US Army Next Generation Squad Weapon Contract |url=https://www.overtdefense.com/2022/04/19/sig-sauer-wins-us-army-next-generation-squad-weapon-contract/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420020741/https://www.overtdefense.com/2022/04/19/sig-sauer-wins-us-army-next-generation-squad-weapon-contract/ |archive-date=20 April 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022 |website=Overt Defense |language=en-CA}}</ref> The SIG MCX-SPEAR (the rifle's commercial designation) chambered in .277 Fury (later designated as the "6.8 Common Cartridge" after Army acceptance) in response to concerns that improvements in body armor would diminish the effectiveness of calibers such as 5.56×45mm NATO (for the M4A1 and M249 SAW) and 7.62×51mm NATO (for the M240).<ref name="armytimes19april22">{{Cite web |last=South |first=Todd |date=19 April 2022 |title=Army chooses Sig Sauer to build its Next Generation Squad Weapon |url=https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2022/04/19/army-chooses-sig-sauer-to-build-its-next-generation-squad-weapon/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/nYnYA |archive-date=28 March 2026 |access-date=20 April 2022 |website=Army Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schogol |first=Jeff |date=19 April 2022 |title=Army selects Sig Sauer to produce Next Generation Squad Weapon and ammo |url=https://taskandpurpose.com/military-tech/army-selects-sig-sauer-next-generation-squad-weapon/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531011525/https://taskandpurpose.com/military-tech/army-selects-sig-sauer-next-generation-squad-weapon/ |archive-date=31 May 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022 |website=Task & Purpose |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mizokami |first=Kyle |date=21 April 2022 |title=The Army's Next-Gen Infantry Weapons Will Be More Lethal and More Accurate |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a39774920/army-next-gen-infantry-weapons/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531010329/https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a39774920/army-next-gen-infantry-weapons/ |archive-date=31 May 2022 |access-date=24 April 2022 |website=Popular Mechanics |language=en-US}}</ref>

[[File:XM7 rifle.jpg|thumb|left|U.S. Army soldier with an XM7 rifle during a situational training and live-fire exercises at Fort Campbell, 2024]] In April 2022, the Army awarded a ten-year contract to SIG Sauer to produce the M7 rifle, and the M250 light machine gun, to replace the M4 carbine and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beynon |first=Steve |date=19 April 2022 |title=Army Picks Its Replacement for the M4 and SAW |url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2022/04/19/army-picks-its-replacement-m4-and-saw.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520175414/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2022/04/19/army-picks-its-replacement-m4-and-saw.html |archive-date=20 May 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022 |website=Military.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=19 April 2022 |title=Army awards Next Generation Squad Weapon contract |url=https://www.army.mil/article/255827/army_awards_next_generation_squad_weapon_contract |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531042016/https://www.army.mil/article/255827/army_awards_next_generation_squad_weapon_contract |archive-date=31 May 2022 |website=U.S. Army}}</ref> The rifle was originally designated as the XM5, continuing the numerical sequence from the M4 carbine it is set to replace.<ref name="armytimes20april22">{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Todd |date=20 April 2022 |title=Army expects Next Generation Squad Weapon to get to its first unit by next year |url=https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2022/04/20/army-expects-next-generation-squad-weapon-to-get-to-its-first-unit-by-next-year/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/OzdJy |archive-date=28 March 2026 |access-date=29 May 2022 |website=Army Times}}</ref> In January 2023, the Army changed the name of the rifle from the XM5 to the XM7, to avoid a trademark conflict with Colt's M5 carbine.<ref name=AT_Chg_to_XM7>{{Cite web |last=South |first=Todd |date=18 January 2023 |title=New name selected for Army's Next Generation Squad Weapon |url=https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2023/01/18/new-name-selected-for-armys-next-generation-squad-weapon/ |website=ArmyToday.com |access-date=June 3, 2024}}</ref>

thumb|U.S. Army soldier with an XM7 rifle during the 2025 Best Ranger Competition The first batch of 25 XM7 rifles and 15 XM250 light machine guns were planned for delivery in late 2023. The Army may order 107,000 rifles and 13,000 light machine guns over the next decade for close combat forces, including infantry, cavalry scouts, combat engineers, forward observers, and combat medics. There are no current plans to issue the XM7 and XM250 to non-close combat soldiers. The contract does have the option to build additional XM7 rifles and XM250 light machine guns should the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Special Operations Command choose to be included in the adoption.<ref name="armytimes20april22"/>

In September 2023, XM7 rifles were delivered to the 101st Airborne Division and 75th Ranger Regiment for user tests.<ref>{{Cite web |last=South |first=Todd |date=20 December 2023 |title=Army to field new rifle, machine gun and optic in 2024 |url=https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2023/12/20/army-to-field-new-rifle-machine-gun-and-optic-in-2024/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/kHSvN |archive-date=28 March 2026 |website=Army Times}}</ref> Operational testing of the XM7 rifle, XM250 light machine gun, and XM157 Fire Control Optic was scheduled to begin in 2024,<ref name="AT_Chg_to_XM7"/> but widespread distribution was not assured.<ref name="the warzone">{{Cite web |last=Parsons |first=Dan |date=20 April 2022 |title=Here's Everything We Now Know About The Army's New Squad Rifles |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/heres-everything-we-now-know-about-the-armys-new-squad-rifles |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530055103/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/heres-everything-we-now-know-about-the-armys-new-squad-rifles |archive-date=30 May 2022 |access-date=30 April 2022 |website=The Drive |language=en-US}}</ref> In March 2024, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division began fielding the XM7.<ref name="armytimes29march24"/> In January 2026, the U.S. Army's 25th Infantry Division were trained with the M7 rifle.<ref>{{Cite web|title=USAMU Builds Lethality During M7 Fielding with 25th Infantry Division|url=https://www.army.mil/article-amp/290275/usamu_builds_lethality_during_m7_fielding_with_25th_infantry_division|website=www.army.mil|access-date=2026-01-31}}</ref>

In May 2025, the XM7 was type classified as the M7 rifle. The Type Classification confirms the system meets the U.S. Army's stringent standards for operational performance, safety, and sustainment.<ref>[https://fox40.com/business/press-releases/cision/20250520NE92705/sig-sauer-announces-u-s-army-designates-type-classification-milestone-for-the-ngsw-lethality-program/ "SIG SAUER Announces U.S. Army Designates Type Classification Milestone for the NGSW Lethality Program"]. Fox40 News, 20 May 2025.</ref><ref>[https://www.army.mil/article/285678/project_manager_soldier_lethality_announces_type_classification_approval_for_next_generation_squad_weapons_ngsw Project Manager Soldier Lethality Announces Type Classification Approval for Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW)]. ''Army.mil''. 20 May 2025.</ref>

In September 2025, SIG Sauer introduced an improved carbine variant of the M7 rifle. The U.S. Army decided to proceed with the procurement of the M7 carbine design in December 2025, designating it as the XM8 carbine.<ref name="CPE" />

==Design details== [[File:U.S. Army infantrymen from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, firing an M7 rifle.jpg|thumb|U.S. Army infantryman firing an M7 rifle with a Vortex "Eleanor" AMG 1-10×24 LPVO and a B.E. Meyers MAWL laser aiming module, 2026]]

The M7 was developed for the 6.8×51mm Common Cartridge, offering greater lethality at longer ranges.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-19 |title=Army awards Next Generation Squad Weapon contract |url=https://www.army.mil/article/255827/army_awards_next_generation_squad_weapon_contract |access-date=2026-03-31 |website=www.army.mil |language=en}}</ref> To fully utilize its capabilities, it is paired with the M157 Fire Control optic, which integrates a laser rangefinder, ballistic calculator, and other technologies to increase accuracy.<ref>[https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2022/01/07/army-finally-picks-an-optic-for-next-generation-squad-weapon/ Army finally picks an optic for Next Generation Squad Weapon]. ''Army Times''. 7 January 2022.</ref> The M7 is the first U.S. Army service rifle to be issued with a suppressor as standard to reduce its firing signature.<ref>{{Cite web |last=TAB |date=2022-05-06 |title=NGSW: The US Army's First Suppressed Service Rifle & Some History |url=https://armourersbench.com/2022/05/06/ngsw-the-us-armys-first-suppressed-service-rifle-some-history/ |access-date=2026-03-31 |website=The Armourers Bench |language=en}}</ref> The original suppressor was {{cvt|7|in|mm}} long and weighed {{cvt|1.46|lb}}.<ref name="TWZ-XM8" />

The rifle weighs {{cvt|8.38|lb}}, or {{cvt|9.84|lb}} with a suppressor. It uses SR-25 pattern magazines that hold either 20 or 25 rounds in a detachable box magazine.<ref name="lancer"/><ref name="TFB"/> The proposed combat ammunition load for each soldier will be 140 total rounds in seven 20-round magazines, in total weighing {{cvt|9.8|lb}}.<ref name="military2may22"/><ref name="armymil13may22">{{Cite web |last=Reinsch |first=Michael |date=13 May 2022 |title=NGSW signifies an evolution in Soldier lethality |url=https://www.army.mil/article/256697/ngsw_signifies_an_evolution_in_soldier_lethality |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716030659/https://www.army.mil/article/256697/ngsw_signifies_an_evolution_in_soldier_lethality |archive-date=16 July 2022 |website=U.S. Army}}</ref>

Compared to the M4A1 carbine weighing {{cvt|6.34|lb}} unsuppressed, with a basic combat load of 210 rounds in seven 30-round magazines, in total weighing {{cvt|7.4|lb}}, the M7 rifle weighs about {{cvt|2|lb}} more. Each soldier carries roughly a {{cvt|4|lb}} heavier load with 70 fewer rounds.<ref name="military2may22"/><ref name="armymil13may22"/>

==Variants== [[File:U.S. Army infantrymen from 2nd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, firing an M7 rifle 05.jpg|thumb|M7 rifle with an EOTech EXPS3 with G33 magnifier and an Envision RAIL laser aiming module]]

In October 2025, SIG Sauer displayed the (Product Improvement Effort) PIE M7 and M7 carbine at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting & Exposition. The PIE M7 variant has a {{cvt|13.5|in}} barrel and has been lightened by approximately {{cvt|0.7|lb|kg}}, from roughly {{cvt|8.3|lb|kg}} to about {{cvt|7.6|lb|kg}}. The M7 carbine variant has a {{cvt|10|in}} barrel and weighed about {{cvt|7.3|lb|kg}}. These weights are reported as baseline figures, excluding any optical sight or suppressor. The weight reduction was achieved through a redesigned upper receiver, a slimmer barrel profile, lighter internal components, and removal of the folding stock hinge.<ref name="TWZ">{{Cite web |last1=Altman |first1=Howard |last2=Trevithick |first2=Joseph |date=2025-10-13 |title=Sig Sauer's M7 Rifle For The Army Is Now Lighter After Controversy |url=https://www.twz.com/land/sig-sauers-m7-rifle-for-the-army-is-now-lighter-after-controversy |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=The War Zone |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Army Times">{{Cite web |last=South |first=Todd |date=2025-10-14 |title=Next Generation Squad Weapon continues fielding, seeing upgrades |url=https://www.armytimes.com/newsletters/daily-news-roundup/2025/10/14/next-generation-squad-weapon-continues-fielding-seeing-upgrades/ |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=Army Times |language=en}}</ref>

The SLX suppressor was also shortened and paired with a new lightweight thermal shield, which delays the visible heat signature under night-vision and thermal optics until after roughly 100 rounds, rather than about 40 rounds without the thermal shield.<ref name="armourersbench" />

U.S. Army officials are reviewing whether to field the standard-length PIE M7, adopt the shorter carbine variant as the new standard, or issue different configurations to different unit types.<ref name="TWZ" /><ref name="Army Times" />

===XM8 carbine=== thumb|XM8 carbine with a fixed stock and improved SLX suppressor

SIG Sauer presented an improved carbine variant of the M7 rifle at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2025. It is lighter and more compact than the original design, with a reported 10.5-inch barrel instead of 13.5 inches, lightened internal parts, and a reprofiled handguard. It weighs about {{cvt|7.5|lb}} unloaded, without an optical sight but with a suppressor, compared to about {{cvt|9.84|lb}} for the original M7. SIG Sauer reported that muzzle velocity with the shorter barrel is about 2,800–2,900 feet per second, a slight reduction from roughly 3,000 feet per second.<ref name="armourersbench">{{Cite web |date=2025-09-21 |title=Hands On With SIG Sauer's Improved M7 Rifle |url=https://armourersbench.com/2025/09/21/hands-on-with-sig-sauers-improved-m7-rifle/ |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=The Armourers Bench |language=en}}</ref> The M7 carbine variant was later designated as the '''XM8 carbine''', which is unrelated to the Heckler & Koch XM8. In April 2026, the U.S. Army accepted the first delivery of XM8 carbines from Sig Sauer.<ref>{{Cite web |author=CPE Ground Army |date=3 April 2026 |title=U.S. Army Announces XM8 Carbine Delivery Order |url=https://cpeground.army.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4451814/us-army-announces-xm8-carbine-delivery-order/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260408082304/https://cpeground.army.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4451814/us-army-announces-xm8-carbine-delivery-order/ |archive-date=8 April 2026 |access-date=8 April 2026 |website=cpeground.army.mil |publisher=Capability Program Executive - Ground}}</ref>

thumb|XM8 carbine demonstrated during familiarization training, 2026 The XM8 carbine is a shortened and improved variant of the M7 rifle developed under the Next Generation Squad Weapons program. The carbine variant was introduced in response to soldier feedback calling for a lighter and more maneuverable rifle. The XM8 is designed to improve mobility and adaptability across different operational environments while maintaining the performance and reliability standards of the M7 platform.

The XM8 has a barrel length of {{cvt|11|in|mm}} and an overall length of approximately {{cvt|32.79|in|mm}} with the stock collapsed and suppressor attached. It weighs about {{cvt|7.3|lb}} unloaded and {{cvt|8.8|lb|0}} with the improved suppressor.<ref name="XM8CPE"/> Compared to the standard M7 rifle, the XM8 is approximately {{cvt|3.5|in}} shorter and more than {{cvt|1|lb}} lighter, with the same weight as an M4A1 carbine. It is supported by ongoing NGSW product improvements, including the introduction of 25-round magazines as standard, lighter ammunition to increase soldier load capacity, a redesigned suppressor with heat shield that has a reduced length of {{cvt|6|in|mm}} and weighs {{cvt|1.31|lb|}},<ref name="TWZ-XM8">{{Cite web |last=Trevithick |first=Joseph |date=2026-03-23 |title=New Army 6.8mm Carbine Recycles XM8 Designation From Failed "Starship Troopers" Rifle Program |url=https://www.twz.com/land/new-army-6-8mm-carbine-recycles-xm8-designation-from-failed-starship-troopers-rifle-program |access-date=2026-03-31 |website=The War Zone |language=en-US}}</ref> alternate optics, and enhancements to the M157 fire control system to create target reference points and request for fire support with greater precision.<ref name="CPE">{{Cite web |last=CPE Ground Army |date=26 March 2026 |title=Army Approves XM8 Carbine |url=https://cpeground.army.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4445122/army-approves-xm8-carbine/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260326172045/https://cpeground.army.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4445122/army-approves-xm8-carbine/ |archive-date=26 March 2026 |access-date=26 March 2026 |website=cpeground.army.mil}}</ref><ref name="TFB-XM8">{{Cite web |last=C |first=Josh |date=2026-03-19 |title=Army Testing Shorter, Lighter XM8 Carbine (Revised) |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/army-testing-shorter-lighter-xm8-carbine-44826979 |access-date=2026-03-28 |website=thefirearmblog.com |language=en}}</ref>

==Gallery== <gallery> File:1-32 Fields Next Generation Weapons System 01.jpg|U.S. Army infantryman with an M7 rifle File:1-32 NCO's Test Next Generation Squad Weapons 01.jpg|U.S. Army infantryman firing an M7 rifle File:U.S. Army infantrymen from 2nd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, firing an M7 rifle 11.jpg|U.S. Army infantryman firing an M7 rifle with M157 fire control optic File:U.S. Army infantrymen from 2nd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, firing an M7 rifle 10.jpg|U.S. Army infantryman training with an M7 rifle at Schofield Barracks File:Tropic Lightning Soldiers Qualify with M7 Next-Generation Rifle (Image 12 of 21).jpg|U.S. Army infantryman firing an M7 rifle during a weapon qualification </gallery>

==Users==  *{{flag|United States}}: Used by the United States Army.

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category}} *[https://www.sigsauer.com/spear.html SIG MCX Spear – civilian variant of the M7]

Category:6.8mm firearms Category:Rifles of the United States Category:SIG Sauer rifles Category:Short stroke piston firearms Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 2019