The US military has tested many prototypes of weapons throughout the past six decades. From the Stone 63, an assault weapon designed in the 1960s, to the latest, an anti-material grenade launcher/rifle system designed in 2014, many of these weapons did not pass the test. Some of the following weapons were used in a limited manner, while others led to the design of more advanced guns. Still, other models were completely abandoned. (These are the future military guns of the world.)
To identify prototype small arms not approved for the U.S. military, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed experimental infantry arms cataloged by Military Factory, an online database of military vehicles, aircraft, and arms. 46 prototypes did not pass muster; 25 of these were American-made. We have ranked 17 of these America-made weapons according to when the prototype was first tested. Supplemental data on the type of weapon, maximum effective range, manufacturer, caliber, and feed used by each gun also came from Military Factory.
Why We’re Writing About This
The various prototype guns not approved for widespread use in the U.S. military can provide unique insights into future threats. Even though a weapon “failed” to make it into the hands of U.S. soldiers, this information helps experts identify problem areas, allowing them adjustments for better weaponry and innovations. In addition, these prototypes often inspire advancements in other technological areas.
Here is a look at the prototype guns not approved for widespread use in the U.S. military:
17. Stoner 63 (Universal Combat Weapon)
- First year of prototype trials: 1963
- Type: Modular assault weapon
- Maximum effective range: 1,800 ft.
- Caliber and feed: 5.56x45mm NATO; 30-round detachable box magazine
- Manufacturer: Cadillac Gage Company
16. Colt XM148 UBGL
- First year of prototype trials: 1966
- Type: Under-barrel grenade launcher
- Maximum effective range: 800 ft.
- Caliber and feed: 40x46mm; Single-shot
- Manufacturer: Colt Firearms
15. Aerojet XM174
- First year of prototype trials: 1968
- Type: 40mm automatic grenade launcher
- Maximum effective range: 1,150 ft.
- Caliber and feed: 40x46mm; 12-round detachable drum magazine
- Manufacturer: Aerojet Ordnance Manufacturing Company
14. China Lake Grenade Launcher
- First year of prototype trials: 1968
- Type: 40mm pump-action grenade launcher
- Maximum effective range: 1,150 ft.
- Caliber and feed: 40x46mm; 3-round tubular magazine
- Manufacturer: China Lake Naval Weapons Center
13. AAI Inline Machine Gun (IMG)
- First year of prototype trials: 1970
- Type: Multi-shot weapon system
- Maximum effective range: 3,280 ft.
- Caliber and feed: 7.62x51mm NATO; 100-round disintegrating link-belts
- Manufacturer: AAI Corporation
12. Bushmaster Arm Pistol
- First year of prototype trials: 1977
- Type: Bullpup personal defense weapon
- Maximum effective range: 325 ft.
- Caliber and feed: 5.56x45mm NATO; 20-round detachable box magazine
- Manufacturer: Bushmaster Firearms
11. Heckler & Koch HK CAWS
- First year of prototype trials: 1983
- Type: Select-fire automatic combat shotgun
- Maximum effective range: 500 ft.
- Caliber and feed: 12-gauge; 10-round detachable box magazine
- Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
10. AAI CAWS (Close Assault Weapon System)
- First year of prototype trials: 1985
- Type: Assault shotgun
- Maximum effective range: 500 ft.
- Caliber and feed: 12-gauge; 12-round detachable box magazine
- Manufacturer: AAI Corporation
9. Ares Defense FMG (Folding Machine Gun)
- First year of prototype trials: 1986
- Type: Compact submachine gun
- Maximum effective range: 250 ft.
- Caliber and feed: 9x19mm Parabellum; 20- or 32-round detachable straight box magazine
- Manufacturer: Ares Defense Systems
8. Pancor Jackhammer
- First year of prototype trials: 1987
- Type: Automatic shotgun
- Maximum effective range: 500 ft.
- Caliber and feed: 12-gauge; 10-round cassette
- Manufacturer: Pancor Corporation
7. AAI ACR (Advanced Combat Rifle)
- First year of prototype trials: 1989
- Type: Assault weapon
- Maximum effective range: 2,000 ft.
- Caliber and feed: 5.56x45mm Flechette; 30-round detachable box magazine
- Manufacturer: AAI Corporation
6. Colt ACR (Advanced Combat Rifle)
- First year of prototype trials: 1989
- Type: Assault weapon
- Maximum effective range: 1,800 ft.
- Caliber and feed: 5.56x45mm NATO; 30-round detachable box magazine
- Manufacturer: Colt Firearms
5. Heckler & Koch HK XM29 OICW
- First year of prototype trials: 1995
- Type: Combination assault rifle
- Maximum effective range: 3,280 ft.
- Caliber and feed: 5.56x45mm / 20x85mm; 20- or 30-round detachable box magazine / 5-round detachable grenade box
- Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
4. General Dynamics XM307 (ACSW) Advanced Crew-Served Weapon
- First year of prototype trials: 2004
- Type: Automatic grenade launcher
- Maximum effective range: 6,560 ft.
- Caliber and feed: 25x39mm; 31-round ammunition drum or belt-fed
- Manufacturer: General Dynamics
3. General Dynamics XM312
- First year of prototype trials: 2004
- Type: Heavy machine gun
- Maximum effective range: 6,560 ft.
- Caliber and feed: .50 BMG; 200-round belt
- Manufacturer: General Dynamics
2. General Dynamics XM806 (LW50MG)
- First year of prototype trials: 2009
- Type: Heavy machine gun
- Maximum effective range: 6,560 ft.
- Caliber and feed: .50 BMG; 265-round belt
- Manufacturer: General Dynamics
1. Barrett XM109 OSW (Objective Sniper Weapon)
- First year of prototype trials: 2014
- Type: Anti-material grenade launcher / rifle system
- Maximum effective range: 6,335 ft.
- Caliber and feed: 25x59mm; 5-round detachable box magazine
- Manufacturer: Barrett Firearms Manufacturing
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