Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Police News
    • Military News
  • Guns
    • Rifles
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
    • Special Weapons
  • Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Optics & Sights
    • Suppressors
  • Lifestyle
    • Pop Culture
    • Training
  • Videos
No Result
View All Result
Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Police News
    • Military News
  • Guns
    • Rifles
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
    • Special Weapons
  • Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Optics & Sights
    • Suppressors
  • Lifestyle
    • Pop Culture
    • Training
  • Videos
No Result
View All Result
Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews
No Result
View All Result
 
New Year, New FREE GUN FRIDAY! Enter to WIN the Smith & Wesson and Black Hills package.

Gun Test: Machine Gun Armory’s 300 Blackout SAW K

Dave Bahde by Dave Bahde
August 6, 2015
in Guns, Rifles
0
Machine Gun Armory SAW K SWMP August lead

Lighter, faster and chambered in 300 BLK—meet the new SAW K. Shown with a Trijicon SRS sight, a SureFire SOCOM762-Mini suppressor, a Grip Pod and Steiner’s DBAL-A3 laser and Mk4 light.

250
SHARES
772
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Machine Gun Armory SAW K SWMP August lead
Lighter, faster and chambered in 300 BLK—meet the new SAW K. Shown with a Trijicon SRS sight, a SureFire SOCOM762-Mini suppressor, a Grip Pod and Steiner’s DBAL-A3 laser and Mk4 light.
Machine Gun Armory SAW K SWMP August belt
The SAW K ran extremely well for the author. Note the distinctive belt-fed mechanism of the 300 BLK weapon system.
Machine Gun Armory SAW K SWMP August laser
The SAW K’s forend features Picatinny rails for additional accessories, like the Steiner DBAL-A3 laser shown.

Machine Gun Armory SAW K SWMP August suppressor
The author tested the SAW K with a SureFire SOCOM762-Mini suppressor, which helped quiet the belt-fed beast.
Machine Gun Armory SAW K SWMP August front sight
The gun comes with a hooded front sight, but MGA can also replace this with a rail for mounting your preferred sight.
Machine Gun Armory SAW K SWMP August rear sight
Behind the receiver’s top rail is an adjustable rear aperture sight that’s effective out to the limits of the 300 BLK chambering.

Belt-fed machine guns have been mainstays with militaries around the world for decades. For small units, these weapons provide significant cover and suppressive fire. The M249 squad automatic weapon (SAW) is the currently issued 5.56mm belt-fed machine gun for most squads in the U.S. military.

  • RELATED VIDEO: US Machine Gun Armory’s M249 SAW in 6.8 SPC

U.S. Machine Gun Armory (MGA) has created several versions of the M249 and is constantly trying to improve on the basic system. As part of this effort, it offers a number of caliber conversions as well as stock and handguard options. The company’s own patented SAW, currently available in 5.56mm NATO, 300 Blackout, 6.8 SPC and 7.62mm NATO, is pretty versatile. Now the company has gone a step further by creating a smaller variant—the MGA SAW K—and I recently tested a
ver
sion in the ever-popular 300 Blackout.

Gun Details

If you want to cut a rifle’s weight, you should start by looking at the barrel. One of the easiest ways to shed pounds is to make the barrel shorter, so the MGA SAW K starts with a 9.75-inch barrel. The SAW K uses a proprietary piston design that facilitates AR-style stocks straight behind the action—there’s no drop or a heavy buffer. Various handguards can also be used, including railed units. The new system makes the SAW K work in several chamberings, including 5.56mm, 300 BLK, 6.8 SPC and 7.62x39mm, and MGA is currently working on a 7.62mm NATO/.308 Winchester version that will utilize a 13-inch barrel. In all, the SAW K weighs about 5 pounds less than a standard M249 SAW, a very noticeable difference.

My test gun came with a 9.75-inch, 1-in-8-inch-twist barrel chambered in 300 BLK and capped with a SureFire SOCOM muzzle brake. To this I added my SureFire SOCOM762-MINI sound suppressor. The SAW K’s overall length was similar to an M4’s, with a nice balance. The railed handguard housed a Steiner DBAL-A3 laser as well as an Mk4 Battle Light. The bottom of the handguard sported a Grip Pod with a quick release that made it easy to transition from off-hand to prone shooting positions.

As mentioned, the improved receiver houses a proprietary buffer system compatible with AR-style stocks. My test SAW K came with an Ark Defense Enhanced SOPMOD buttstock installed on a carbine-style buffer tube. The machine gun also sported windage- and elevation-adjustable front and rear sights. Belts were housed in a 100-round soft carry bag.

I added a Trijicon SRS red-dot sight to the receiver’s top rail for testing as well as a Magpul MS3 Gen 2 sling. MGA also provided belts of ammo for testing loaded with Gemtech’s 187-grain Predator subsonic and 125-grain Nosler supersonic ammunition. Standard 5.56mm links are used with the 300 BLK, while custom links are used for the 6.8 SPC and 7.62x39mm.

Range Time

The SAW K’s smaller size is immediately noticeable. I could fit it in a standard rifle bag—with the sound suppressor and all. When I picked it up, the weight difference was striking. A difference of 5 pounds may not sound like much until you have to carry the weapon. Shouldering the MGA SAW K was as easy as it gets with a belt-fed machine gun. It still takes some strength, but at 10 pounds, the compact SAW K is not much heavier than some ARs.

Working in and around my truck and a shoothouse, I preferred using a single-point sling. This made it easy to get into a prone firing position, too. Carrying the SAW K would be easier with a two-point, however. In the end, this weapon’s weight and balance turns the platform into a viable CQB system.

The Grip Pod worked well with the SAW K. Simply push a button and the Grip Pod’s legs extend, turning it into a bipod for use in prone or on barricades. The SOPMOD stock was another great addition—I could extend or collapse it as needed to get into any position easily. Trijicon’s SRS proved excellent throughout the test.

While select-fire versions are available, my test SAW K was a full-auto machine gun. In other words, it’s not exactly a precise instrument. But, with controlled fire, the SAW K kept 10-shot bursts of Gemtech’s 187-grain subsonic ammo within an 8-inch circle at 25 yards and a 4-inch circle at 15 yards. Two-, three- and five-round bursts stayed inside 6 inches on the move. That’s absolutely impressive.

The subsonic ammunition was insanely quiet, with very little muzzle rise. The supersonic ammunition was nearly as controllable. Gemtech’s 125-grain Nosier ammo performed similarly—it was just faster. Cyclic rates are ammunition dependent, but both of the test loads seemed to stay in the 800-rpm range. Cyclic rates in 5.56mm approach that of an MG42 (1,100 rpm) with the same control.

Final Notes

The SAW K just ran and ran. There were no malfunctions or failures to fire during testing. No links broke. Sure, it’s only one gun with limited ammo, but it performed better than other SAW-style variants I had previously tested. I would not hesitate a moment to take this 300 BLK weapon to work in the law enforcement realm.

  • RELATED STORY: Weapons Insider: FN’s Sea deFNder Machine Gun

If your law enforcement agency or team needs a belt-fed machine gun, make sure you take a close look at this one. Nothing to date has been as practical for use in close quarters or at shorter ranges. My guess is that it is just about perfect for military missions. And considering that you will soon be able to switch its chambering from 5.56mm to 7.62mm, the SAW K is pretty versatile. I’d prefer the 300 BLK, as I recently became one of its converts. One thing is for sure: I had trouble putting this gun down and sending it back to the folks at MGA!

For more information, visit machinegunarmory.com or call 801-839-4683.

Didn't find what you were looking for?

CLICK HERE FOR COMMENTS

RELATED POSTS

The Final Edition of the Walther P99 pistol.

UPDATED: Final Edition Walther P99 Closes Out Model Run

Important Safety Recall Notice Issued for CZ-USA 600 Bolt-Action Rifles.

CZ-USA Issues Important Safety Recall Notice for All 600 Bolt-Action Rifles

Some of the top guns and gear released at SHOT Show 2023.

30 of the Best Guns & Gear Launched at SHOT Show 2023

The CZ Custom A01-SD OR.

The CZ Custom A01-SD OR is Optics Ready and Dialed in For Competition

Load More

TACTICAL-LIFE NIGHT SHOOTER SEASON 2

Discussion about this post

FEATURED POST

March-April 2023 Issue of Tactical Life.

March-April 2023 Issue of Tactical Life: Clint Smith Collaborations

It feels like 2023 just started, and we’re already bringing you the second issue of the new year. Proof that...

Read more

TRENDING

U.S. Secret Service adopts Glock G47

FIRST LOOK: Glock Just Very Quietly Unveiled the New Glock 47 Pistol

...

5 new pistols launched at NASGW.

5 New Pistols Launching for 2023

...

Police Sidearms, police duty pistols, Handguns, America's Largest Police Departments 2018

Police Sidearms: The Handguns of America’s 10 Largest Departments

...

The new Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 pistol packs 22+1.

Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 Packs 22+1 Rounds of Firepower!

...

PICK A CATEGORY

TACTICS & TRAINING SPOTLIGHT

Tactical Reload Semi-Auto Pistol Step 8

5 Strategies For Effectively Completing a Tactical Reload

If you’re reading this publication, you’re most likely familiar with the “speed reload,” sometimes called the “combat reload” or “emergency...

TACTICS & TRAINING SHOWCASE

Fact vs. Fiction 5 Myths Gunfight Survival lead

5 Common Myths on How to Survive a Gunfight

Standing Your Ground Castle Doctrine lead

Understanding Stand Your Ground Laws and Castle Doctrine

long distance shooting tips

Long-Distance Shooting: 5 Must-Know Tips For Spotters & Shooters

IMPACT Experience Events.

IMPACT Experience Events Redefine Your Long-Range Shooting Limits

Enhance your shooting precision skills in a course with Modern Day Sniper.

Sniper Skills: Taking Your Shooting Precision to the Next Level

Once you find a carry gun that works for you, get another for a spare. These “hammerless” S&W J-frame lightweights are M340 M&P with Hogue Bantam grips, top, and a M442 Airweight with Crimson Trace Lasergrips, below.

10 Commandments of Concealed Carry

self-defense myths can be dangerous

Self-Defense Myths that Could Get you Killed

Mossberg 590 Shockwave review for home defense myths

4 Home Defense Myths You Need to Stop Repeating

The Dicken Drill is named for Eli Dicken who saved many lives in the Greenwood Mall

The Elisjsha Dicken Drill

AMMO SPOTLIGHT

Remington Ammunition Issues Recall Notice on 12-Gauge Premier Accutip Ammo.

Remington Ammunition Issues a 12-Gauge Premier AccuTip Ammo Recall

Remington Ammunition has recently discovered an issue related to its 12-Gauge Premier Accutip ammo and issued a recall notice. This...

site logo
Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun news, gun reviews and gun magazines for gun enthusiasts, military and law enforcement

Tactical

  • tactical-life.com

Magazines

  • Tactical Life
  • The Complete Book of Reloading
  • Guns of the Old West

Facebook

  • Tactical-Life Facebook
  • Guns of the Old West Facebook

Twitter

  • Tactical-Life Twitter

Self Defense

  • PersonalDefenseWorld.com

Magazines

  • Personal Defense World
  • Combat Handguns

Facebook

  • Personal Defense World Facebook
  • Combat Handguns

Twitter

  • Personal Defense World Twitter

Shooting Lifestyle

  • BallisticMag.com

Magazines

  • BallisticMag.com

Facebook

  • Ballistic Magazine Facebook

Twitter

  • Ballistic Magazine Twitter

Alpha Lifestyle

  • SkillsetMag.com

Magazines

  • Skillset

Facebook

  • Skillset Magazine Facebook

Twitter

  • Skillset Magazine Twitter

Instagram

  • Skillset Magazine Instagram
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • California Privacy Notice
  • Cookie Policy
© Athlon Outdoors, All Rights Reserved.
You use of this website constitutes and manifests your acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and awareness of the California Privacy Rights. Pursuant to U.S. Copyright law, as well as other applicable federal and state laws, the content on this website may not be reproduced, distributed, displayed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, without the prior, express, and written permission of Athlon Outdoors.

Manage your GDPR consents by clicking here. Manage your CCPA consents by clicking here.
No Result
View All Result
  • Guns
    • Rifles
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
  • Knives
  • Gear
    • Holsters
    • Optics & Sights
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Suppressors
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Police News
    • Military News
  • Videos
  • Contact Us

© 2023 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.