IWI Negev NG7 SE
Israel Weapon Industries · Machine Gun · In Production · 2014
Also known as: Negev NG7 Special Edition, IWI Negev 7.62 SE, Negev NG-7 SE
Overview
The IWI Negev NG7 SE is a special-edition configuration of Israel Weapon Industries' 7.62x51mm NATO Negev light machine gun, built on the NG7 platform that entered service with the Israel Defense Forces in 2012. Like the standard NG7, it is a gas-operated, short-stroke piston weapon firing from an open bolt, but it retains the signature feature that set the NG7 apart from rival 7.62mm machine guns: a true selectable semi-automatic mode alongside full-auto, allowing the gunner to deliver accurate single shots for close-quarters work and precision engagement in addition to belt-fed suppressive fire. The weapon uses a cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined CrMoV quick-change barrel, feeds from NATO-standard disintegrating link belts in 100- or 125-round assault containers, and can also accept standard 7.62 NATO box magazines and drums. At roughly 7.95 kg empty it is among the lightest 7.62mm belt-fed machine guns in the world. The package includes a side-folding, length-adjustable polymer buttstock, a folding bipod, a full-length Picatinny rail, adjustable tritium-illuminated iron sights, and a two-position gas regulator for tuning the cyclic rate to environmental conditions.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 7950 g (280.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1100 mm (43.31") |
| Folded Length | 820 mm (32.28") |
| Barrel Length | 508 mm (20.00") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Select Fire |
| Magazine Capacity | 125 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 860 m/s (2822 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3513 J (2591 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Chrome Lined Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62x51mm, 7.62mm NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Disintegrating Link Belt, Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Open Bolt System
- Features: Quick Change Barrel, Chrome Lined Barrel, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Semi Auto Mode, Folding Bipod, Folding Buttstock, Adjustable Buttstock, Picatinny Rail, Select Fire, Gas Regulator, Tritium Iron Sights, Belt Fed, Magazine Compatible, Air Cooled, Dust Cover, Carrying Handle
Variants
- Negev NG7 — Base Model
- Negev NG7 SF — Compact
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Israel Defense Forces · adopted 2012 · as Negev NG7
Conflicts
- Gaza Conflicts (2008-present)
Production
Production years: 2014-present
Special-edition configuration of the NG7; production figures not publicly disclosed
Origin
Country of origin: Israel
Notes
The 'SE' designation marks this as a special-edition build of the NG7 rather than a distinct mechanical platform; it shares the NG7's core dimensions, barrel, and feed system. The defining NG7 trait carried into this edition is its selectable semi-automatic firing mode -- IWI marketed the NG7 as the only in-service 7.62 NATO LMG offering pinpoint single-shot capability alongside full-auto fire. The two-position gas regulator allows a standard cyclic rate of roughly 600-750 rpm and a higher rate for adverse conditions. Belt feed uses NATO disintegrating links from clip-on 100- or 125-round assault containers, and the weapon also accepts standard 7.62 NATO magazines and drums. Documentation specific to the 'SE' variant is limited; specifications here mirror the standard NG7 except where the special-edition configuration is noted.
Background
The Negev NG7 family broke a long-standing rule for belt-fed machine guns by offering a true semi-automatic mode, letting one gunner switch from hosing an area with full-auto to placing precise single shots without changing weapons -- all in a 7.62mm package lighter than many 5.56mm LMGs.