Later this month IMI will officially unveil their new NEGEV NG7 Machine Gun. It will be chambered in 7.62x51mm but retain the same size as the standard model IMI Negev.
The company is calling it "the World's Only 7.62mm Caliber Light Machine Gun with Semi-Automatic Mode". As far as I know this is accurate. I don't think that the FN Herstal Mk. 48 (M249 chambered in 7.62mm) has a semi-automatic fire mode. This feature will allow troops to use the machine gun as a rifle if the situation requires it, for example if they run low on ammo.
Machine gunners are often given awful stocks. It is nice to see some real thought put into the design of the NG7 butt stock. It is foldable and is adjustable for both length of pull and cheek height. The butt plate is of the tyre tread variety.
The stock is based on the FAB Defense GLR-16 AR-15 stock. [ Thanks to Joe for the tip ]
From the press release ...
The NEGEV NG7 includes a semi-automatic firing mode that enables accurate fire in combat situations, including ambush, Close Quarter Battle (CQB), and when shooting via telescope – and is the only 7.62 with single bullet firing capability. In automatic mode, its rate of fire is over 700 bullets per minute. Exceptionally lightweight (weighing less than 8 kg), it can be fired from a variety of mounts, including special mounts on helicopters, land vehicles, and naval vessels.
Features include a gas regulator for additional power in harsh conditions such as mud and dirt, tritium night sights, picatinny rails for optical and other devices, and four safety mechanisms to minimize unwanted fire. The NEGEV NG7 - which delivers remarkable Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) and long service life - is drum or belt-chain fed, fires from an open bolt position, and is easily dismantled for maintenance in the field.
One reader of the blog told me that he first saw a prototype 7.62mm version of the Negev about 15 years ago but nothing came of it. Good things take time!
[ Many thanks to Ziv and Ed Friedman (Shooting Illustrated). ]
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