The U.S. Army’s long-awaited next-generation rifle, the XM-7, has started making its way into the hands of the troops. As soldiers begin to test it in the field, we’re finally getting a glimpse into their unfiltered thoughts about its performance. For those eager to hear firsthand feedback from the men and women actually using this new rifle, the early reviews are fascinating, and they offer some valuable insights into how the XM-7 stacks up against its predecessor, the M4.
The First Impressions: Power and Precision
In March 2024, the 101st Airborne’s 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment received the first batch of XM-7 rifles. After some test firing, Sergeant Marcus Coulston shared his initial reaction: “The recoil was very negligible, even with the larger round. The weight of the weapon wasn’t too bad either.” He described firing at a 9mm thick steel target and witnessing the round punch straight through, something the M4 could barely dent. This immediate feedback reveals one of the key features of the XM-7 — the sheer power of its 6.8mm round.
The excitement doesn’t stop at steel targets. Soldiers were impressed with the XM-7’s ability to blast through cinder blocks and continue on to hit targets on the other side. The XM-7’s ability to turn what was once cover into mere concealment is a game-changer, giving soldiers the confidence that they can neutralize enemies hiding behind walls and barriers. The larger round not only penetrates body armor but might even prove effective against light-armored vehicles, a capability that opens new tactical possibilities.
A Weapon Built for the Future
The U.S. Army’s move to a more powerful platform like the XM-7 isn’t just about increasing firepower. It’s about adapting to the challenges of future battlefields. The 5.56mm round used in the M4 was designed with counterinsurgency in mind — engaging lightly armored adversaries at close to medium range. The 6.8mm round, on the other hand, packs a punch capable of penetrating advanced body armor, a growing concern as other nations, like China, issue more protective gear to their soldiers.
This shift indicates that the Army is preparing for large-scale conflicts where soldiers may need to take on adversaries at longer ranges or deal with better-equipped forces. The XM-7’s added firepower provides an edge in these scenarios. In fact, Sergeant Coulston commented that “nobody with body armor is going to be able to survive a round from this rifle.”
The Trade-Off: Weight and Ammo
The XM-7 is undoubtedly a powerful weapon, but that power comes at a cost. The rifle, unloaded, weighs about 12 pounds with optics — around four pounds heavier than the M4. This extra weight could affect how quickly soldiers can move, especially in close-quarters combat (CQB) scenarios. Additionally, the magazine size has been reduced from 30 rounds to 25 or 20, which means soldiers will carry fewer rounds overall.
Despite these concerns, many soldiers are willing to accept the extra weight for the increased firepower. As Colonel Vogel of the 101st Airborne put it: “Once soldiers saw the energy on target, they realized it was worth hitting the gym a little more.” Troops have also reported that the recoil, while heavier, isn’t as bad as they expected, thanks to the rifle’s design.
The Optics: A Game-Changer
One area where the XM-7 shines is its advanced optics system, the XM-157. This new optic features built-in infrared capabilities and a ballistic computer that automatically adjusts for bullet drop, giving soldiers increased accuracy at longer ranges. It can magnify up to eight times, compared to the four-times magnification of the old ACOG system. Staff Sergeant Steel noted that the optic alone makes the XM-7’s added weight worth it, as it allows for faster and more accurate engagements.
The Cost of Modern Warfare
With all these upgrades, it’s no surprise that the XM-7 doesn’t come cheap. The specially designed high-powered rounds cost between $12 and $15 each — significantly more than the 47 cents per round for the M4’s 5.56mm ammunition. However, this cost is expected to decrease as production ramps up. Still, it’s a reminder that the shift to the XM-7 is not just about improving battlefield performance — it’s also a logistical challenge.
What Do Soldiers Really Think?
While the feedback so far has been mostly positive, there are some concerns. One anonymous officer who tested the XM-7 for three days noted that the added weight made CQB operations slower, and that the rifle felt off-balance compared to the M4. However, he also admitted that over time, soldiers would likely adapt to the new system. The suppressor, which is now standard issue for infantry, was praised for reducing muzzle flash and sound signature, though it was described as more of an enhanced flash hider than a true suppressor.
Despite these critiques, what stands out is that no one seems to want their old M4 back. The XM-7’s increased range, firepower, and advanced optics are seen as major improvements, and most soldiers believe the benefits outweigh the downsides. This sentiment is echoed across various platforms, with soldiers excited about the XM-7’s potential.
A Rifle for the Future
The XM-7 represents a significant leap forward in terms of firepower and battlefield capabilities. Its ability to penetrate armor and walls, combined with advanced optics, makes it a formidable tool for future conflicts. While there are some trade-offs in terms of weight and ammo capacity, the general consensus among troops is that the XM-7 is a worthy successor to the M4.
As the Army continues to field-test the XM-7, we’ll likely see more feedback from soldiers. But for now, it seems that this new rifle is poised to become the backbone of U.S. infantry for years to come. Whether it’s breaking through body armor or stopping light-armored vehicles, the XM-7 is designed to give American soldiers the edge they need on tomorrow’s battlefield.
