MG-338 Lightweight Medium Machine Gun (LWMMG)
United States and United Kingdom tactical operators faced a choice between 7.62 mm or .50 caliber machine guns for long-range combat engagements. The 7.62 mm M240 machine gun variants provide dismounted troops with maneuverability, but are limited in range. Current inventory .50 caliber machine guns are too heavy and cumbersome for dismounted use. Due to this limitation they are almost exclusively used at fixed sites and on mounted patrols.
The 23-pound .338 Norma Magnum Lightweight Medium Machine Gun made by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, in conjunction with the polymer ammunition made by MAC, LLC, fills the capability gap between the light, but limited range 7.62 mm weapons, and the longer range, but heavy and cumbersome .50 caliber weapon systems. With an effective range out to 2,000 meters, linked ammunition that is 15 percent lighter than conventional .338 Norma Magnum linked ammunition, and nearly 65 percent lighter than .50 caliber linked ammunition, the .338 Norma Magnum Lightweight Medium Machine Gun and its polymer ammunition provides tactical operators with an optimal capability for long-range direct fire combat engagements.
In May 2017 the United States Special Operations Command, in conjunction with the United States Marine Corps issued a sources-sought notice for 5,000 Lightweight Medium Machine Guns (LWMMG) chambered for .338 Norma Magnum polymer-cased ammunition. The aim is to identify a machine gun with a 24 inch long barrel weighing 24 pounds or less, which offers sufficient accuracy out to 2,000 meters to engage area targets and vehicles.
The next generation Lightweight Medium Machine Gun (LWMMG) will utilize the efficient .338 NM cartridge to eliminate the capability gap that exists between 7.62mm NATO and .50-caliber weapons. The superior ballistics of the .338 NM offers unmatched accuracy and lethality while substantially extending the maximum effective range beyond current 7.6mm machine guns.
The 23-pound .338 NM LWMMG fills the gap between the ballistic capabilities of the M240 L 7.62mm machine gun and the .50 caliber M2A1 machine gun. The .50 caliber M2A1 has the range required, but due to size, weight, and volume of both the weapon and ammunition it is not practical to mount this system on the lighter vehicles employed by tactical operators nor can it be used in a dismounted assault role. By designing and developing the .338 NM brass-cased round, the warfighter will have the most versatile and lightweight medium machine gun capability for dismounted and mounted operations on the battlefield.
On 15 January 2020 SIG SAUER, Inc. announced the United States Special Operation Command (USSOCOM), working closely with SIG SAUER, had completed a safety certification of the new SIG SAUER MG 338 Machine Gun, SIG SAUER 338 Norma Mag Ammunition, and Next Generation Suppressors. Following this official safety certification, SIG SAUER had completed deliveries of multiple systems, comprised of the MG 338 Machine Guns, 338 Norma Mag Ammunition, and Next Generation Suppressors – all researched, designed, engineered, and manufactured by SIG SAUER in the USA.
“The safety certification of the complete SIG SAUER MG 338 system and delivery of the system to USSOCOM is historically very significant. For the first time in decades the U.S. Military certified a new machine gun, ammunition, and suppressor at the same time, bringing new innovation, portability, and increased lethality to our ground forces, with all components coming from one company,” began Ron Cohen, President and CEO, SIG SAUER, Inc. “This certification was achieved following the outstanding performance of the complete MG 338 system through the rigors of the extensive function, durability, and safety tests set forth by USSOCOM.”
“We are incredibly proud of this historical accomplishment and honored to have received this safety certification by USSOCOM for the performance of the complete MG 338 system,” concluded Cohen.
The SIG MG 338 bridges the gap between the current machine guns currently in use with the U.S. Military. In comparison to the current M240 (7.62x51cal) machine gun, which has been in service with the U.S. Military for 60 years, the SIG MG 338, is noticeably lighter, weighing only 20 pounds, and provides significantly more range and lethality. In comparison to the M2 (.50cal), which has been in service with the U.S. Military for 110 years, the MG 338 is approximately one-quarter the weight, and in a historic first, offers a man-portable solution with similar effective-range. Making this system even more desirable is the new SIG SAUER Next Generation Suppressors which drastically reduces the impact of harmful toxic fumes and signature, making the operator less vulnerable.
The SIG SAUER MG 338 machine gun is a belt-fed, lightweight medium machine gun weighing under 20lbs., chambered in 338 Norma Mag. The MG 338 features a short-stroke gas piston system and a proprietary recoil mitigation system, with a free-floating, quick-change barrel, ambidextrous controls, switchable feed tray, charging handle that can be alternated to either side depending on operator preference, and as a modern, multi-caliber, modular system the new SIG MG 338 is easily convertible to 7.62x51cal.
Although the machine guns look large, they are remarkable for having a weight of less than 20 pounds - less than the current M240 machine guns, which can weigh as much as 27 pounds. Despite having a significantly lighter weight, the effective range of the MG338 is effectively double that of the M240. The MG338 is intended to fill both mounted and portable roles, and to offer the capability of both the M240 and the M2 Browning in a lighter, more flexible system.
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