SIG Sauer XM8 Carbine
SIG Sauer · Carbine · In Service · 2026
Also known as: XM8
Overview
The XM8 Carbine is a compact 6.8x51mm select-fire carbine delivered to the US Army by SIG Sauer in April 2026 for the Close Combat Force. It shortens the M7 rifle's barrel from 13 to 11 inches and drops overall length to just over 32 inches and weight to about 7.3 pounds, while retaining the M7's short-stroke gas piston action, ambidextrous controls, folding stock and compatibility with the M157 fire control and the Army's 6.8 mm ammunition.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3325 g (117.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 813 mm (32.01") |
| Barrel Length | 279 mm (10.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 869 m/s (2851 fps) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Coyote Brown |
Calibers
- 6.8x51mm Common Cartridge · primary — also known as .277 Fury, .277 SIG Fury, 6.8x51mm, 6.8 CT
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Safety Selector
- Features: Folding Stock, Suppressor Ready, Ambidextrous Controls, M Lok Handguard, Adjustable Gas Valve, M157 Fire Control Compatible
Base model
Service history
Operators
- United States Army · adopted 2026 · as XM8
Production
Production years: 2026-present
14,944 carbines planned for procurement through FY2027
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
The XM8 designation is recycled from the cancelled 2000s Heckler & Koch XM8 programme and is unrelated to it. Procurement of 14,944 carbines was planned through FY2027.
Background
The Army had already burned the XM8 name once, on a Heckler & Koch rifle cancelled in 2005 after years of controversy. Two decades later it reused the designation for the SIG carbine replacing the M4A1.