Grendel LMG

[stanc]

I look at the units that actually have a say in what LMGs they choose for their missions, particularly raids.
Common to both the UK and US high priority SOF units who can literally adopt whatever they want, the FN Minimi has been pretty popular dating back into the 1980s.
They have dedicated, world-class armorer support that conventional units can't even dream of though. Even Ranger Regiment enjoys armorer support that would shock a regular unit's leadership.

SFOD used them in Panama
SAS has been using them for decades

I often wonder what would have happened if they had been able to get the Ultimax or Stoner LMG made in the US or Canada.

I will say that having served as a SAW gunner in operational units, as well as filling that duty position in one of the Army's premier Small Unit Tactics schools when I wasn't be graded in a leadership position, and later managing my SAW gunners as a Fire Team Leader and Squad Leader, I don't want to lose the belt-fed capability for the reasons stated, but I do want the weapon weight to come down significantly, with constant-recoil principle operation.

Well, since you don't want to give up belt-feed, that rules out the Ultimax, leaving the Stoner as the only option.

Interesting to see that Army Special Forces actually used the Ultimax in Iraq. Would be even more interesting to get some feedback from the soldier(s) regarding weapon performance, and his/their thoughts on carrying and using the 100-round drums.