The Mk 48 is a variation of the Mk 46 (a M249 SAW variation) that has been increased to fire 7.62x51mm NATO rounds. The weapon was created for use by US Extraordinary Activities Order (USSOCOM) units. The point was to create a compact automatic rifle with the capability of the M240 or M60. The Naval force SEALs, particularly, were searching for a substitution to the M60, variations of which, for example, the Mk 43 Mod 1, which were considered to be problematic.

In 2001, Fabrique Nationale (FN), started chipping away at the new weapon and the main variation, the MK48 Mod 0 went into administration with the Naval force SEALs in late 2003. The weapon has since sifted through to other SOF units like the 75th Officers. While created as a weapon for SOF, the Mk 48’s convenience, capability and reach drove it to being brought into cutting edge infantry crews in Afghanistan, where it supplanted the M249 SAW.

The Mk 48 is a gas-worked, air-cooled, belt-took care of assault rifle. The Mod 0 highlights a fixed, polymer buttstock. Dissimilar to the Mk 46, the Mk 48 highlights a stand mounting haul. The weapon is lighter than the M240 and more dependable than the Mk 43 Mod 1. It imparts a 70% parts shared trait to the M249. Like another M249 subordinate, the Mk 46, the Mk 48 must be taken care of from a crumbling belt. The office to acknowledge 30-round magazines was dumped to save weight. The Mk 48 highlights a bunch of 4 Picatinny rails takes into consideration the mounting of different frill. The weapon’s barrel is separable and highlights a conveying handle which can help while changing hot barrels. The Mk 48 has an overlay down bipod t offer help when terminated from the inclined position.

The MK 48 Mod 1 is a somewhat overhauled variant of the Mod 0. Contrasts incorporate an improved bipod gathering and a change to the lower arm which returned to having a M249-style heat safeguard losing the 4-sided rail framework for a tri-rail (3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions).