Sig Sauer showcased its newly unveiled .338 Norma Magnum Lightweight Machine Gun (SLMG) at the annual Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show) last month. In addition to the .338 caliber, the SLMG is also available in the 7.62mm caliber, offering versatility for various tactical applications.
Weighing only 20 pounds with a foldable stock, the SLMG is notably lighter than the current M240B 7.62mm machine gun, making it more portable and maneuverable in the field. This makes it an ideal choice for Special Operations Command (SOCOM), and Sig Sauer is hopeful that a variant of the weapon will be considered later this year to replace the Army and Marine Corps’ Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW).
Replacing the M240 and Expanding to New Platforms
The Sig Sauer Lightweight Machine Gun is part of an ongoing effort to develop a new caliber machine gun in collaboration with SOCOM and the Marine Corps. This new weapon aims to replace the aging M240 machine gun for infantry units and, in certain cases, the .50 caliber M2 Browning machine gun on vehicles and aircraft.
As Sig Sauer’s first entry into the medium machine gun category, the SLMG addresses several long-standing challenges faced by machine gunners. A company representative mentioned that the weapon can be fed and charged from both the left and right sides, offering flexibility for dismounted operations as well as vehicle, aircraft, or tank setups.
Key Features and Advantages
The SLMG is suppressor-ready, equipped with an adjustable gas block that allows operators to match the correct pressure for suppressor use. According to Army Times, early testing has shown no change in the rate of fire when using a suppressor. Another significant improvement is the mid-gun feed tray, which moves the belt-feed system away from the operator’s face and hands, making it safer and more efficient to operate.
Additionally, the cover can be used when the feed tray is not fully opened, and a variant is being developed with a sideways-opening feed tray for a different profile. Sig Sauer is also exploring a drum magazine option as an alternative to the traditional belt-feed system.
The Growing Popularity of the .338 Norma Magnum
The .338 Norma Magnum caliber has recently garnered attention from the military, particularly with SOCOM’s Lightweight Medium Machine Gun program. This program aims to replace both the M240 and the .50-caliber M2 Browning machine guns in select units. The new weapon will be capable of firing 500 to 600 rounds per minute and engaging targets at ranges of up to 2,000 meters.
Within these performance parameters, the SLMG could effectively replace the M240 in most tactical situations, while also providing the necessary range and firepower to serve as a viable alternative to the .50 caliber M2 machine gun in vehicle, boat, and aircraft-mounted configurations.
