Mk 48 Mod 0 / Mod 1

The Mk 48 is a variant of the Mk 46 (a M249 SAW variant) that has been scaled up to fire 7.62x51mm NATO rounds. The weapon was developed for use by United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) units. The aim was to produce a portable machine gun with the firepower of the M240 or M60. The Navy SEALs, especially, were looking for a replacement to the M60, variants of which, such as the Mk 43 Mod 1, which were deemed to be unreliable.

In 2001, Fabrique Nationale (FN), began working on the new weapon and the first variant, the MK48 Mod 0 went into service with the Navy SEALs in late 2003. The weapon has since filtered through to other SOF units such as the 75th Rangers. While developed as a weapon for SOF, the Mk 48's portability, firepower and range led it to being introduced into frontline infantry squads in Afghanistan, where it replaced the M249 SAW.

Mk 48 Design Features

The Mk 48 is a gas-operated, air-cooled, belt-fed machine gun. The Mod 0 features a fixed, polymer buttstock. Unlike the Mk 46, the Mk 48 features a tripod-mounting lug. The weapon is is lighter than the M240 and more reliable than the Mk 43 Mod 1. It shares a 70% parts commonality with the M249. Like another M249 derivative, the Mk 46, the Mk 48 can only be fed from a disintegrating belt. The facility to accept 30-round magazines was ditched in order to save weight. The Mk 48 features a set of 4 Picatinny rails allows for the mounting of various accessories. The weapon's barrel is detachable and features a carrying handle which can aid when changing hot barrels. The Mk 48 has a fold-down bipod t provide support when fired from the prone position.

The MK 48 Mod 1 is a slightly upgraded version of the Mod 0. Differences include an improved bipod assembly and a change to the forearm which reverted to having a M249-style heat shield losing the 4-sided rail system in favor of a tri-rail (3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions).

Mk 48 Specifications

Mk 48 - Images and Further Info

A Mk 48 Mod 0 machine gun.

US DoD Photo by PEO Soldier

A U.S. Navy SEALs aims a Mk 48 Mod 0 from the prone position. Visible are the Mod 0's 4-sided RIS around the barrel, replaced in the Mod 1 by a 3-sided system. Note the Aimpoint red dot sight mounted on the rail atop the receiver.

photo : US DoD

A U.S. Navy SEAL armed with a Mk 48 Mod 1 fitted with an ELCAN SpecterDR scope in use here. This mk 48 is fitted with an M4-style buttstock. Note the flexible feed chute system used. The SEAL is wearing an ammunition pack on his back with 500 linked rounds of 7.62x51mm that are fed through the flexible chute.

U.S. DoD Photo

A US Army Ranger engages the enemy with a Mk 48 Mod 0 7.62mmx51mm belt-fed machine gun. The MK 48 Mod 0 features the firepower and reliability of the larger and heavier M240 in a compact package. Unlike the MK46 Mod 0, the Mk 48 features a carrying handle.

photo : courtesy US Army.

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