As the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) starts today at The Tampa Convention Center (Florida) FN will be showing a prototype of a 6.5 Creedmoor Mk 48 Mod 2 Machine Gun.

SOFIC is described as the premier venue for the SOF community to interact with relevant industries “and to collaborate on the challenges, initiatives, and way-ahead in delivering the most cutting-edge capabilities into the hands of SOF operators.” Over 50 nations are represented at the conference, with great opportunities for networking.

It is interesting to see the 6.5 Creedmoor gain more interest and popularity. However, thinking of my own needs as a sport shooter, I am undecided if this means that the caliber is going to be easier to come by and less expensive to buy, or if larger military needs are going to make it impossible to find? I am of course hoping that it if the first of those options, as the 6,5 Creedmoor is a great long range round.

The current Mk 48 pictured. U.S. Army Spc. Jake Amato, rifleman attached to the Laghman Provincial Reconstruction Team, fires the Mk48 “super SAW” machine gun at the off-base firing range near forward operating base Mehtar Lam Sept. 10. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Ryan Crane)

Below you can read the Press Release from FN America, LLC:

FN TO UNVEIL PROTOTYPE 6.5-CALIBER MK 48 MOD 2 MACHINE GUN AT 2019 SOFIC CONFERENCE

(McLean, VA – May 20, 2019) FN America, LLC, maker of a majority of small arms for the U.S. military, is excited to announce that the company will unveil the prototype for the newest variant of the MK 48 machine gun chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor at the 2019 Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC).

The development of this machine gun, which joins FN’s other 6.5 offerings, was undertaken as part of FN’s response to USSOCOM’s qualification of the caliber last year.

The prototype FN MK 48 Mod 2 6.5CM features the latest upgrades for FN’s series of light and medium machine guns, including an adjustable stock for length of pull and cheek height; improved, locking charging handle; improved, double-notched sear; improved handguard with 3-, 6- and 9-o’clock positions with improved bipod; and, more robust feed tray latch, ensuring the feed tray cover locks into place during reloads.

Once development is complete, existing MK 48 Mod 1 models can be configured at the armorer level to the Mod 2 variant or newest caliber with the addition of the upgrade kit and barrel conversion.

The FN MK 48 Mod 0, adopted as a USSOCOM program of record in 2003, was developed from FN Herstal’s 7.62x51mm FN MINIMI® at the request for a compact and easily-maneuverable machine gun in a heavier caliber. The improvements to the MK 48 were also incorporated into the M249 series and is in service with USSOCOM as the MK 46 5.56x45mm machine gun.

In addition, FN also holds current USSOCOM contracts for the MK 17 7.62-caliber carbine and MK 20 SSR precision rifle.

To see the newest MK 48 Mod 2 6.5CM and FN’s other legendary military firearms, please visit booth 804 at the 2019 SOFIC Conference in Tampa, Florida, or visit www.fnamerica.com.

THE WORLD’S MOST BATTLE-PROVEN FIREARMS.® | FN America, LLC, is a U.S. subsidiary of FN Herstal, S.A., a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high quality, reliable firearms for military, law enforcement and commercial customers worldwide. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia with manufacturing operations in Columbia, South Carolina, FN America is passionately committed to providing its customers with a portfolio of products, training and support services under the FN brand name that enhance their performance and safeguard their lives.

Gunner’s Mate Seaman Tanner Thomas, assigned to the weapons department aboard the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), fires the current MK48 light machine gun during a weapons qualification course on the flight deck. Emory S. Land is a forward-deployed expeditionary submarine tender on an extended deployment conducting coordinated tended moorings and afloat maintenance in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Caine Storino/ Released)

As a reference, here’s a link to the FN MK 48 MOD 1 (7.62x51mm NATO).

For more information check out: www.fnamerica.com

Also, check out TFB’s review of the Sellier & Bellot 6.5 Creedmoor Tactical for 1 USD each and SIG Sauer’s .338 Norma Magnum Light Machine Gun.

What do you think of this FN M48 Mod 2 prototype, its future and the future of the 6,5 Creedmoor?