USMC and SOCOM seeking lightweight Ma Deuce replacement
It appears DOD is getting ready to spend a big pile of $$ on small arms in the next few years. In recent weeks we've seen the Army and USMC announce studies of a new service round, and a USMC solicitation for a new rifle design to fire it. The Marines have also been buying a sizable number of M27s as what appears to be a partial stopgap replacement for the M4 in Marine infantry units. Now comes word that USMC and SOCOM are seeking a belt-fed .338 magnum weighing under 24 pounds and capable of engaging point targets at ranges past 2000 meters. It will be interesting to see the finished product on that one!
http://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/socom-and-marine-corps-move-closer-to-ma-deuce-r...
You had me at:
by Hoot 
, Diversityville, Liberal-sota, Thursday, May 18, 2017, 10:22 (2748 days ago) @ mcassill
"belt-fed .338 magnum" That just sounds like too much fun!
I have to agree.....
The thought of a belt-fed .338 belted magnum makes my heart race!
Otony
I'm thinking more a 3 barrel .35 Magnum minigun. nm
by ERSisk , Thursday, May 18, 2017, 22:18 (2748 days ago) @ Hoot
.
You able to build that light enough...
For one guy to carry? Up a mountain in Afghanistan?
There upper limit was 25 pounds. I'm assuming weapon wt.
by ERSisk , Friday, May 19, 2017, 19:59 (2747 days ago) @ mcassill
Titanium, Carbon fiber barrels. carbon fiber reinforced polymer, ceramics, niobium magnet brushless motor, Solar rechargeable 24v Lithium battery pack, 25 pounds easy peasy. The beast would be a hungry critter though, ammo @30% lighter than 50bmg, but a Cyclic rate 2 to 3 times that of a Ma Deuce. Possibly a multi position switch or variable drive speed. Long .35 caliber ELD bullets would be more effective than any .338 at 2000 yards. 
Could probably, design tool up, and produce a 1000 units for half the money Uncle Suger is going to spend thinking about what to do.
Problem is recoil
by CJM , Monday, May 22, 2017, 01:19 (2744 days ago) @ ERSisk
in a single shot rifle the shooter has time to get the rifle back in position before shooting it again. In a full-auto running 450 rounds per minute a 25 lb rifle is totally uncontrollable unless solidly mounted to a vehicle or fixed mount of some kind. A bipod or tripod just isn't enough. They have tried several times since the Vietnam war, hydraulic recoil cylinders, pneumatic systems, mechanical springs, none have ever proved to be able to tame the recoil and let the gunner keep on target.
Anyone whohas stood behind one knows there is no replacement
by ERSisk , Thursday, May 18, 2017, 21:33 (2748 days ago) @ mcassill
for perfection. They may after spending a great big pile of our money find a decent supplement. There is absolutely no replacement for Ma Deuce.