cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/48098538

Link to article.

Excerpts from article:

The US began the Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) program in the late 1970s with four main contenders emerging.

The XM106 an open-bolt, magazine-fed adaptation of the M16A1 developed by the US Army’s Ballistics Research Laboratory under the direction of Timothy Brosseau who also developed the M231 Firing Port Weapon used in the Bradley Fighting Vehicle.

The XM106 boasted a quick-change barrel system, forward pistol grip and a modified fire control group which allowed the weapon to fire from an open bolt.

The XM106 was quickly discounted from the Squad Automatic Weapon program with FN’s Minimi/XM249 eventually winning out.