SIG’s M8 Carbine Heads Toward December Army Fielding

The Army’s next rifle rollout is approaching. Reporting published October 6 describes initial fielding of SIG Sauer’s M8 carbine beginning in December with some units at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Military Times reported the timetable following interviews at SIG’s headquarters. The M8 is more than a pound lighter than the M7 and has a barrel 3.5 inches shorter, according to that report. Both belong to the Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon program.

The reported changes include a fixed stock in place of the M7’s folding stock and adjustments informed by soldier feedback. The M8 retains the program’s 6.8×51mm ammunition. The report also describes possible options for M7 rifles already in Army inventory, without identifying a final Army decision about their disposition.

This is news about military procurement and fielding. The reporting does not announce a civilian retail launch or a consumer price. December is the reported starting point for delivery to selected units, rather than a claim that the entire Army will change rifles at once. Sign up for the WTF News newsletter.