US Machine Gun Armory`s SAW

US Machine Gun Armory’s SAW
By Dave Bahde
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Compact, lighter than one might think, the MGA SAW
in 6.8 SPC brings serious firepower to the engagement.
I
n almost all modern militaries, the belt-fed
machinegun remains a mainstay. In small
unit use it provides significant cover and
suppressive fire. While numerous machine
gun designs exist, the M249 remains the
current SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) for
many of our military units. Polling those having used these in harm’s way, it is either loved
or hated. Considered similar in reliability to
its frequent companion on the battlefield, the
M240 chambered in 7.62 x 51mm, the M249
has in fact suffered from a few more problems.
A friend of the author’s tasked with running
one of these in the U. S. Army stated he “Swore
by the M240, and at the M249.” Others have
had the opposite opinion of the M249, many
using them to great effect in battle. In the opinion of some, the “SAW” could do with some
changes and U. S. Machinegun Armory offers
a number of improvements.
Over the years, several upgrades and enhancements have made typical issue SAW’s
more reliable and they remain in use. U.S.
Machine Gun Armory has their own versions,
addressing many issues suffered in early
versions. Along with certain operational improvements, the MGA SAW is available in a
number of calibers other than 5.56x45mm
using the same basic receiver. They can be
ordered in 7.62x51mm, 7.62x39mm, .300
Blackout, 6.8 SPC, and .260 Remington. Pat-
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ented design changes allow for that significant increase in
versatility. Having had the opportunity to test the MGA SAW
in all but the 260 Remington, it’s the 6.8 SPC that caught my
attention the most.
My affinity for the 6.8 SPC started shortly after this cartridge
hit the market. Working on a SWAT team at the time, several
weapons in that caliber have gone through my hands over the
years. Most had barrels in the 12-14 inch range, a few were select
fire, all worked well for me. Early ammunition support was slim,
making it more difficult and costly, but there have always been
several in my inventory. An early Barrett Rec7 is still used on
occasion, but it was the LWRC Six 8 platform that really garnered my interest. Designed to meet a large contract in the Middle East, the Six 8 platform is a ground up re-design of the rifle,
around the caliber and magazine. Starting with a magazine built
by Magpul, LWRC built the rifle from there. It works perfectly,
and meets the needs of several Middle Eastern allies that are
less than enamored with the 5.56 x 45mm (.223) cartridge. It
begged the question, “So, how about a Squad Automatic Weapon? One that was built to work with this caliber and not just
a conversion.” With the 6.8 SPC’s popularity with some of our
Middle Eastern allies’ rifles, a matching SAW seemed the perfect
complement. U.S. Machine Gun Armory has answered the need
with their MGA SAW.
TEST RIFLES
Two machineguns were provided for testing. One MGA SAW
was U.S. Machinegun Armory’s latest chambered in 6.8 SPC .
For comparison a 5.56 x 45mm model configured without magazine well was provided. While never having fielded a SAW in the
military I have extensive experience during testing for proposed
tactical team use post-9/11. The test weapons were very similar.
The barrels are fluted and built to improve accuracy along with
some proprietary improvements to the operating system. The
SAW chambered in 6.8 SPC was similar to the one being sought
by MGA’s Middle East clients.
Designed for Airborne troops jumping out of aircraft, this
MGA SAW in 6.8 SPC used a standard M249 Para buttstock.
The rest is pretty standard fare, with a 200 round box magazine,
iron sights, and rail for optics mounting. It included their latest Bi-pod, very strong, yet lighter than the original. Being more
compact it tucked nicely into the handguard when not in use.
For testing, the M16 box magazine attachment was left off, along
with the carry handle. The 6.8 SPC Barrel was capped with a
Primary Weapons Systems TRIAD flash hider.
The 5.56mm version was configured similarly to an issue
weapon utilizing a number of the MGA improvements. The fluted barrel was capped with a standard A2 flash hider. Equipped
with their improved bi-pod, it also had a modular handguard. It
is lighter than the original and provides a straight line rail from
the top of the receiver. Based off the original Knights Armament
M249 rail project, it is available as an option on the MGA SAW.
It used the Savic collapsing stock.
ABOVE RIGHT: Attachment of the bipod is solid, yet shaves off weight
and keeps the weapon under complete control. OPPOSITE PAGE TOP:
Elcan’s dual optic is often used on issue SAW machine guns. It is clear,
rugged, and provides increased versatility with the dual 1.5x and 4x capability. RIGHT: Using the MGA rail it is possible to co-witness sights as well
as attach lasers and other devices.
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US MGA SAW
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Browe’s 4x32 Combat Optic was added for sighting at some
longer ranges. Browe optics are housed in titanium keeping them
light and strong. It also uses a unique Target Light Sensor that
senses light at the target and adjusts the brightness. It means you
can be in a dark environment, yet your reticle will use the proper
brightness for the target. It has several settings, including an automatic where the lighted portion turns off until the optic is moved.
Available with a number of reticle choices you can get one to suit
your caliber and tactical needs. Elcan’s Dual role 1.5x to 4x Optic
was used on the 5.56mm SAW.
RANGE TIME
Initial testing started with the 5.56 x 45mm using M855 Green
Tip ammunition. The weight and balance of this weapon surprised me. Much of my time is spent wielding a 14 or so pound
sniper rifle in various positions so heavier guns are not new to me.
That being said, it was surprisingly easy to move from prone, to
kneeling, to standing. Holding it up in with the off-hand propped
against a wall there was no issue staying on target. The 200 round
drum, while not intended for this function, made for a nice rest
on surfaces not suitable for the bi-pod. The stock made operation in full kit, including Level 4 plates, pretty comfortable for
the operator. It is easy to see how someone using this system in
the real world could become very attached to it. It brings some
pretty significant firepower to bear that can be accurately applied
in just about any urban operation. While accuracy testing is not
something you generally see, with these the improved barrels they
really shine. My experience lies with standard issue M249’s and
they are less than tack drivers. While getting singles off was not
practical, it was possible to put doubles inside a 6 inch circle at
100 yards pretty much at will, from the bipod supported prone
position. What ever MGA changed, worked. Since recoil is all but
non-existent with this system, especially in this caliber, it was very
easy to stay on target, especially at closer ranges. It was time to
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move to my favorite caliber, the 6.8 SPC, and see if it provided the
same level of accuracy and make a few comparisons.
MGA SAW IN 6.8 SPC
Given the difference in the 6.8 SPC cartridge, increased recoil
was expected, but it just did not appear that way. Shooting them
side by side, there was little difference. Getting into a solid bipod
supported prone position, it was possible to keep doubles and triples on the same 6” plate most of the time. The MGA SAW in 6.8
SPC was very accurate. Using the red dot sight at 100 yards or
closer it stayed centered. It quickly became evident the Para M249
stock was less than desirable, a sentiment heard from many a soldier or Marine using them in the field.
Moving out to longer ranges, the MGA SAW remained accurate. Staying on steel at 400 meters was pretty easy even with triples, and an occasional five round burst. Keeping them all on a
24” x 16” steel plate at that range was pretty easy. Given a solid
position and concerted effort they were surprisingly accurate at
this range. This is purely anecdotal, but it was much easier for me
to stay on steel with the MGA SAW chambered in 6.8 SPC than
the 5.56mm MK46. Staying on a man sized target with controlled
bursts with the 6.8 SPC MGA SAW was easy out to 300 meters.
While no lightweight, the MGA SAW can certainly be fired
from standing and other positions. Not something you would
want to do for long periods, but it is not much heavier than some
of the older sniper rifles used. Empty weight is a bit under 15
ABOVE LEFT: The MGA SAW is compatible with any standard M249 box
magazine. CENTER: The enhanced charging handle is stronger, and the
MGA SAW action is smooth and reliable with improvements throughout.
RIGHT: When necessary the bi-pod tucks nicely unto the handguard allowing for solid shooting from barricades or other obstacles.
US MGA SAW
pounds, loaded with 200 rounds adds a few pounds, so it’s probably not for the gym averse. Getting a solid hold around the 200
round box takes some work, but it can be done. It is much easier with the 100 round pouches. Shooting from kneeling is much
easier, although you would clearly want to try and get to prone,
or at least get it rested on something if you can. Working around
the range and some rocky outcroppings it was easy to steady it
using natural terrain.
GENERAL IMPROVEMENTS
Since 1984 there have been no M249 Product Improvement
Programs (PIP) from the US Department of Defense (DOD). Contrast that with the M16 and M4 and it has all but been neglected.
Yet, the SAW remains a mainstay for much of our armed forces, and others around the world as a Squad Automatic Weapon.
U.S Machinegun Armory has re-engineered and modernized this
proven weapon.
One of the biggest complaints is a warping of the receiver rails
and this was almost uniform amongst those early weapons seeing the hardest use. This is one of the improvements found in the
MGA SAW, the receiver is stronger and better built allowing for
a longer service life. It also contributes to a tighter mechanism
providing for greater accuracy. Their improved trunnion design
makes for a tighter fitting barrel and more accuracy. Further improvements have been made to feed trays, hand guards, stocks,
and barrel assemblies. Chambered in 7.62 x 51mm it still comes in
at 4 pounds lighter than a typically configured M60, ten pounds
lighter than an M240. Versatility is unparalleled with interchangeable barrel kits available in 5.56mm, 300 BLK, 6.8 SPC,
7.62 x51mm, as well as 260. Same receiver, just choose the proper
kit and swag as needed. Various barrel lengths allow you to fit the
mission at hand, not just deal with what’s in hand. Changes to the
recoil system make it tunable and allow the use of an M4 buffer
tube and any M16 style stock. U.S. Machinegun Armory has left no
stone unturned or item unexamined when it comes to the build,
function, and reliability of the MGA SAW, it is truly a re-design.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As the threat to the homeland increases from organized terrorist groups, the need for reliable belt fed machineguns is on the
rise. Everyone from local law enforcement to anti-terrorist units
needs the firepower to win against a highly motivated and often
well armed threat. U.S Machinegun Armory’s MGA SAW brings a
versatility never seen before to that arena. Being able to use calibers suited to each task, often urban, with controlled space requiring significant attention to detail is a major plus. Whether headed
to a battlefield or the mean streets, the MGA SAW can be equipped
to get you exactly what you need. U.S. Machinegun Armory’s MGA
SAW truly brings a SAW for the next generation and beyond.
Specifications:
MGA SAW
Caliber:
6.8 SPC (tested) ( 5.56mm, 300 BLK, 7.62 x51mm,
.260 available)
Barrel:
14 – 20 Inches (depending on caliber)
OA Length:
33-39 Inches (depending on configuration)
Weight:
14.5 pounds
Sights:
Standard Open (Optics Capable)
Stocks / Grip:
M4 style extension (multiple stock options available
Action:
Open Bolt- Fully Automatic / Multi Caliber Receiver
Finish:
Teflon Coated Receiver, Melonited Barrel Upgrade available.
Capacity:
200 Round Box Magazine (Compatible with all
M249 Magazines)
Price:
Cost Available by Quote
U.S. Machine Gun Armory
545 West 9460 South
Sandy Utah
Machinegunarmory.com
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