FN America to unveil prototype 6.5-caliber MK 48 Mod 2 machine gun at SOFIC 2019.

FN America, the maker of a majority of small arms for the U.S. military, announces that the company will unveil the prototype for the newest variant of the MK 48 machine gun chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor at the 2019 Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC). The development of this machine gun, which joins FN’s other 6.5 offerings, was undertaken as part of FN’s response to USSOCOM’s qualification of the caliber last year.

Existing MK 48 Mod 1 models can be configured to the Mod 2 variant or newest caliber with the addition of the upgrade kit and barrel conversion (Picture source: FN America)

The prototype FN MK 48 Mod 2 6.5CM features the latest upgrades for FN’s series of light and medium machine guns, including an adjustable stock for length of pull and cheek height; improved, locking charging handle; improved, double-notched sear; improved handguard with 3-, 6- and 9-o’clock positions with improved bipod; and, more robust feed tray latch, ensuring the feed tray cover locks into place during reloads. Once development is complete, existing MK 48 Mod 1 models can be configured at the armorer level to the Mod 2 variant or newest caliber with the addition of the upgrade kit and barrel conversion.

The FN MK 48 Mod 0, adopted as a USSOCOM program of record in 2003, was developed from FN Herstal’s 7.62x51mm FN MINIMI at the request for a compact and easily-maneuverable machine gun in a heavier caliber. The improvements to the MK 48 were also incorporated into the M249 series and is in service with USSOCOM as the MK 46 5.56x45mm machine gun. In addition, FN also holds current USSOCOM contracts for the MK 17 7.62-caliber carbine and MK 20 SSR precision rifle.