For the first time, they started talking about a new machine gun relatively recently. On 2017-09-10, The Firearm Blog published a note stating that Knight's Armament (KAC) presented at the AUSA 2017 a prototype of a new machine gun chambered for 7, 62 NATO cartridges. It was reported that the new product was developed on the basis of previous models of the company (Stoner LMG and LAMG), so it borrowed many technical solutions from them. It was also reported that, despite the increased dimensions of the new product, there is a general external similarity with previous models. In the note, they were called "younger cousins."
The main changes affected the dimensions of the bolt box, barrel and tape feed unit, which were modified for the 7, 62 × 51 NATO cartridge. The larger machine gun model became heavier. It was stated that the new machine gun will weigh about 5.7 kg (12.5 lbs), which is still significantly less compared to even the upgraded FN M240L single machine gun. (Below is a table for comparison of weight and dimensions.)
Knight's Armament LW-AMG
According to representatives of KAC, at the time of the opening of the exhibition for the new model of the machine gun, the official name had not yet been approved. The term "Medium Assault Machine Gun" was used as a working title. However, in the end, the product received the designation LWAMG (LightWeight Assault Machine Gun) - a lightweight assault machine gun.
An important point: at the AUSA 2017 exhibition, a mass-dimensional model was demonstrated, printed on a 3D-printed sintered aluminum. An employee of the company Trey Knight announced this to the publication. He added that real samples are "at a very early stage of development." But work will continue, as the company currently feels an increase in demand for machine guns chambered for 7.62 mm. According to him, over time, they will gradually replace systems for ammunition 5, 56 mm.
The author does not know for certain the exact date of the announcement of the LWAMG machine gun chambered for 7, 62 mm. However, it can be confidently asserted that the current sample was ready no earlier than 2018. Agree that in a few months it is almost impossible to bring a sample from a very early stage of development to pre-production. Be that as it may, the new machine gun was produced, and its photos with the main performance characteristics were added to the manufacturer's website.
Below is a brief comparison table with the Knight's Armament machine guns and the FN M240 family.
At the request of the customer, Knight's Armament is ready to produce versions of LWAMG machine guns chambered for 6.5 × 55 (.260 Remington) and 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridges.
Knight's Armament ChainSAW
ChainSAW (chain saw) - a strange experimental prototype, built on the basis of the Stoner 96 system. It consists of a belt-fed machine gun and an under-barrel grenade launcher. For the first time, a prototype of the "chainsaw" was presented at the SHOT Show in 2009.
KAC ChainSAW only offers hip shooting. This is evidenced by the massive handles mounted above the barrel and instead of the butt, as well as a long strap that should be slung over the shoulder. There are no bipods, as you can see. It is noteworthy that the trigger of the machine gun is located in the back of the receiver: where the butt is usually attached.
It is completely incomprehensible to the author why so many Picatinny rails were installed on the "chainsaw". The collimator sight, of course, can be installed, but there will be no benefit from it. LCU or tactical flashlight? It is unlikely that anyone would think of shooting this machine gun at night, walking at full height. Except for attaching an action camera. But why? Filming the results of the shooting?
The author believes that ChainSAW is not suitable for local conflicts, much less for military operations in urban areas. But such a machine gun can kill monsters in a crazy shooter like "Serious Sam". By the way, ChainSAW was not deprived of attention by the developers of at least two computer games:
Brink (2011)
Call of Duty: Ghosts (2013)
Rifle Robinson Armament M96
In 1996 (Salt Lake City, Utah, USA), Robinson Armament was incorporated. The abbreviation RobArm is often used. The company was small, and even as of 2009 it employed only 15 people. The founder was Alex J. Robinson. He studied Business Law at the University of Utah, graduating in 1989.
In 1999, Robinson Armament offered the market a semi-automatic rifle chambered for 5.56x45 mm NATO cartridges (Adaptation kits were produced for Soviet cartridges 7, 62 × 39 and 5, 45 × 39. There was also a choice of barrel length. Along with changing cartridges, it was necessary to replace the bolt, barrel, magazine and magazine receiver shaft.) Having studied the weapon, many expressed the opinion that the Robinson Armament rifle borrowed the solutions implemented in the Stoner 63 weapons complex. Some believed that the rifle was a remake or even a rip-off of the Stoner system. Let's try to figure it out together.
An application was filed on January 29, 1997, and patent No. 5900577 was obtained on May 4, 1999 for "Modular, multi-caliber weapon system". The Inventor column lists the founder, Alex Robinson and Darin G. Nebeker.
In the document, the inventors refer to Eugene Stoner's patents: 2681718 (for 1954), 3097982 (1963) and 3198076 (1965) and point out the differences between his and his invention. Unlike the Stoner 63 system, which exclusively uses NATO standard 5, 56 cartridges, the Robinson system allows the use of not only NATO 5, 56 ammunition, but also Soviet 7, 62 × 39 and 5, 45 × 39 ammunition. In the future, it is possible to develop modifications for pistol cartridges.45 ACP, 9 × 19 Parabellum and.40 S&W, as well as hunting cartridges in the range from 5, 56 × 45 (.223 Remington) to 7, 62 × 67 (.300 Win Mag) …
This property reminded the author of the Russian Gepard submachine gun, which was developed on the basis of the AKS-74U. Thanks to a set of interchangeable locks and return mechanisms, "Gepard" was able to use about 15 (fifteen!) Types of pistol cartridges of 9 mm caliber of different power.
On "VO" an article about PP "Gepard" was published in 2014.
Another difference stems from the previous one. The Robinson system provides for the use of both NATO and Soviet-style magazines, as well as cartridge belts for the aforementioned cartridges. Achieved by replacing the shutter and magazine or tape feed mechanism.
Another difference lies in the reciprocating mainspring, which is located around the gas piston rod. For clarity, the inventor cites as an example similar springs on the Beretta 70 pistol and on the SIG SG 550 rifle. In the Robinson system, depending on the selected ammunition, it is possible to change the gas pistons, return springs, gas pipes and other parts corresponding to the cartridges. In this case, the same bolt box is used.
In addition, the Robinson system is capable of firing, including from a closed bolt. Regardless of whether you use ribbon or store food.
For the civilian arms market in the United States, this is a very important moment, since the free sale of weapons that fire from an open bolt is prohibited in the United States. The reason is that it can be too easily converted from a semi-auto to a full-auto weapon.
In addition, the cocking handle in the Robinson system differs in that it is provided for both left-handed and right-handed (ambidextrous) use. Accordingly, the platoon mechanism itself is different from that in the Stoner system.
The patent lists other differences, but I think that the ones indicated above are enough. Here are some interesting facts related to patent rights and trademarks.
- as you already know, the authors of this invention are Alex Robinson and Darin Nebeker;
- the weapons are produced by the Robinson Armament Co company (registered in 1996) from the city of Salt Lake City. Founder - Alex Robinson;
- The patent holder is ZDF Import Export (1994), also from Salt Lake City. The contact person for ZDF is Alex Robinson;
- The four trademarks used by Robinson Armament are owned by RMDI, LLC (2004), also based in Salt Lake City. The contact person for RMDI is the same Alex Robinson.
Moreover, the legal addresses of the two companies coincide completely.
Trademarks owned by Alex Robinson are XCR, EXPEDITIONARY and M96 EXPEDITIONARY.
He also owns the Robinson Armament logo with the motto "Aut pax aut bellum" (Either peace or war).
However, let's return to the fact that in 1999, Robinson Armament, almost immediately after receiving a patent, offered the market a semi-automatic rifle chambered for 5.56x45 mm NATO. The full name of the product is "M96 Expeditionary Rifle", which literally means "Expeditionary Rifle".
The encyclopedia says that the expeditionary forces are part of the armed forces of one state, transferred to the territory of another state for the purpose of conducting military operations. According to the author, these include some formations of the US ILC, the Foreign Legion, as well as the Limited contingent of Soviet troops in Afghanistan and others. For civilian weapons, the term "expeditionary rifle" is nothing more than a publicity stunt.
The Robinson M96 is modular, equipped with a quick-detachable barrel and looks like a copy of the Stoner 63. However, in terms of parts, the RobArm M96 differs so much that only individual small parts are interchangeable between it and the Stoner 63. The disassembly procedure is also slightly different from the Stoner 63. On the RobArm M96, the forend (lower part) is first removed.
Robinson Armament produced the M96 Expeditionary Rifle between 1999 and 2005. Some sources indicate 2011. And at some point, the rifle suddenly disappeared from the free sale. Moreover, the manufacturer stopped supporting its product without explanation. On various forums, there are indignant comments from the owners of RobArm M96. Their weapons don't work, but spare parts are nowhere to be found. Owners find it very difficult to find used Stoner 63 units from private sellers and thus replace the firing pin or some other trifle with their M96. True, there are others who even manage to upgrade their M96 rifles.
The author does not know the total number of products produced. On the AR15 forum, one of the participants wrote that there are no more than 5 thousand units. Of which a batch of 2,500 was produced in 1999, and then in 2003 another 2,500. RobArm M96 owners were not satisfied with the lack of maintenance and spare parts. Therefore, the manufacturer was inundated with complaints and requests to take action. On one of the forums, one of the owners wrote literally the following:
- For some reason, the manufacturer behaves as if he never made the M96.
Some even started signing online petitions. One of them was published in 2017-2018. But in two years a rather modest number of signatures was collected.
We all already know that some rights and equipment for the production of Stoner 63 belong to Knight's Armament. Perhaps for this reason, Robinson Armament stopped producing and selling the M96 expeditionary rifle. However, at SHOT Show 2020 (21-24 Jan 2020) at the Robinson Armament booth, a civilian M96 rifle and the same rifle, but in a Brena style overhead magazine configuration, were on display. We will talk about it below.
The company said that RobArm had decided to reintroduce the M96 complex. They explained that there are about 200 bolt boxes and many other parts in the warehouse, so the process will not take much time. The product page was recently restored on the manufacturer's website, it is already possible to place a preliminary order. So those who wish to acquire a rare specimen are in anticipation.
Judging by the manufacturer's statements, we are not talking about the resumption of production. They have some parts in their warehouse. The missing parts will be searched and purchased on the side. That is, the market will be offered a limited batch made from leftovers from around the world. At the same time, Robinson Armaments has announced its desire to launch the M96 service program, which is to provide spare parts for the existing M96.
The rifle / carbine may be featured on the product page because the manufacturer offers a choice of barrels in the following lengths: 14.7, 16, 18.6 and 20 inches.
Curious fact
While the article was being worked on, on 2020-11-03, the patent for the M96 expired. This invention has become generally available and has already passed into the category of "Technique". It is a waste of time to hurry up and issue the same blueprints from a patent to another person. It can only be changed, new features added and registered as an analogue. By the way, sometimes there are descriptions of the invention and 200 pages. Most likely, in this way (or almost so) Alex Robinson did at one time, having patented an invention similar to Stoner 63.
The author thanks Olga Chichinova, chief specialist of the AGEPI Department of Inventions.
