Comments by "Old Guy Gaming Network" (@CRAZYHORSE19682003) on "Experimental US Army machine gun test" video.

That will get replaced after it is in service along with its thin barrel. When I joined the Army in 1990 the M-249 SAW had a flimsy wire frame stock, no heat shield over the barrel and a thin barrel that had to be changed often. It weighed 18 pounds. With all the upgrades it went up to 22 pounds. It doesn't sound like a lot but you could tell the difference humping it in the bush. By the time they get done upgrading this gun for durability it will be 33 to 35 pounds.
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I don't think shooting at 2000 meters is the selling point. I think this gun having the ability to punch through walls at 300 yards is the selling point. I watched the video again and it does not look like it kicks any more than the M-60's I fired from a bipod. I was a light infantry soldier, 25th ID 3/22 Inf and I agree about the weight. I would routinely carry 170 pounds of gear in the field. One potential problem I see is this thing following a similar path as the M-249 SAW. When we first got them they had a thin barrel, no heat shield over the barrel and a flimsy wire frame stock. It only weighted 18 pounds but when we got a new thicker barrel, heat shield and solid stock suddenly it was a 22 pound weapon. I could see this thing weighing over thirty pounds with durability upgrades.
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In an urban environment you could balance it on low walls, the hoods of vehicles and such.
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As a light infantry vet from 90-95 and a M-60 gunner, 27 pounds does not sound like a lot but that is going to be SOOOOO heavy humping that pig and its ammo through the bush.
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Does this gun have a tripod and T&E gear for the defense?
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That barrel looks THIN, it reminds me of the first barrel we had for the M-249 SAW until they replaced it with a much thicker, and heavier barrel.
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Just because you can doesn't mean you will. I think that it can punch through walls at close ranges in the urban warfare environment is more important.
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