Geissele Automatics reveals ‘production-ready’ assault rifle for SOCOM

Geissele Automatics presented a production-ready HICAR rifle for a U.S. Special Operations Command effort to extend the usefulness of the M4 platform. The design is built around a future high-pressure 5.56 mm cartridge intended to double effective range from roughly 300 to 600 metres. Test ammunition reportedly operates near 82,000 psi, with a 77-grain projectile reaching about 2,700 feet per second from an 11.5-inch barrel. Special steels address the higher chamber pressure, but durability testing is incomplete and SOCOM has not selected the rifle or placed a production order.