What options might SIG Sauer put forward to replace the UK Armed Forces main service rifle? 🇬🇧
BFBS Forces News gets rare access to the US Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon, the M8 – becoming the first UK broadcaster to fire it.
The M8 is one of several rifles that might end up being in the running to replace the SA80 under Project Grayburn, a programme that will shape the British soldier’s main rifle for decades to come.
We head to the range to fire the 516 G3, 300 BLACKOUT MCX LT, M7, M8, we get hands-on with the SIG MCX used by the Royal Marines, and we see a demo of SIG’s hybrid ammunition against body armour.
We also go behind the scenes at SIG Sauer’s manufacturing operation to find out how quickly it could produce thousands of rifles – and whether the company would manufacture in the UK.
But with the MOD still deciding exactly what it wants from Project Grayburn, one big question remains:
Will the UK choose something similar to what is has now– or will it opt for a completely new approach?
Watch as we explore the technology, firepower and manufacturing behind what could be one of the contenders to replace the SA80.
Presenters:
Sian Grzeszczyk Melbourne
Justin Bosanquet
Camera:
Hannah King
Graphics:
Fred Ford
Editor
Naomi Atkinson
Drone Operator
Brian Melo
#BritishArmy #SA80 #M8 #SIGSauer #ProjectGrayburn #Military #defence
Video Chapters ⏱️
0:00 This is the M8
0:19 The rifles SIG might put forward to replace the SA80
0:47 Project Grayburn
1:31 The SA80’s story so far
2:06 What do personnel want the replacement to be like?
2:13 Left handed shooters
2:27 Arriving on the ranges
3:15 The M7
6:05 Firing the M7
6:36 The M8
7:38 Firing the M8
8:10 Reacting to firing the M8
9:30 What the MOD has said so far about Grayburn
9:55 It’s all a trade off
10:32 The Royal Marines MCX variant
11:58 What the Royal Marines got for their MCX
14:17 SA80 replacement and bayonets
14:41 Lets talk about hybrid ammunition
15:45 SIG’s hybrid ammunition range
16:26 How widely used is hybrid ammo?
16:54 Hybrid ammo v level 4 body armour demo
19:08 Thermal shroud: Undetectable for 150 rounds
20:32 Grayburn requirements and new procurement targets
21:10 Behind the scenes at SIG Sauer’s factories
21:25 Making the MCX and M7/8 Lower Receivers
21:53 Ceiling tube test ranges above assembly lines
22:34 How long would it take SIG to fulfil the Grayburn order?
24:21 Would SIG manufacture in the UK?
25:04 Firing a 300 BLACKOUT MCX LT
26:35: Firing the 516 G3
27:27: Spotlight on the MOD
27:44: Is the battlefield more dangerous?
