However, where the XM177 shines is in close quarters. The less sturdy buttstock results in reduced stability with regards to the XM177's recoil, making it more difficult to control when firing on full-auto.Īccuracy has also been affected by the shorter barrel, increasing the weapon's dispersion by approximately ~ 9% and limiting its effective firing range to well below 300 metres under the best of conditions. In terms of performance, XM177s are slightly identical to M16s in a few ways but handle very differently. MACV-SOG operator with an uncustomised XM177. XM177s cannot be fitted with suppressors or bayonets, but support the mounting of telescopic sights and night vision scopes which are attached onto the carryhandle.Įssentially a carbine counterpart of the M16 rifle, the XM177 features a number of modifications such as a telescoping shoulder stock in lieu of the M16's fixed buttstock, a significantly shorter barrel, and being much lighter to wield overall.
XM177s retain a muzzle velocity of 838 m/s and can reach fire rates of up to 600 or 800 rounds per minute depending on the fire mode. It loads primarily from 18-round box magazines but can also feed from newer 28-round curved or even improvised 36-round magazines.
It is chambered to fire the 5.56×45 mm round. The XM177 is a selective-fire, gas operated 'assault' carbine with a locking bolt.
