Ohio Ordnance Works wasn’t one of the headlining brands at SHOT Show 2024, but it caught our eye when it announced the REAPR belt-fed .338 Norma Mag submission for a big SOCOM contract. Ohio Ordnance is known domestically for its BAR, HCAR, and some semi-auto belt-fed platforms like the M249 and M240.
However, internationally, it builds belt-fed machine guns for militaries across the globe, including a few contracts for the U.S. military. So, it’s no surprise to learn the company has been working on a new platform for the SOCOM .338 Norma Mag belt-fed machine gun project.
In speaking with company President Robert Landies III, who is also a Marine Corps Reserve Officer, we got a full breakdown on the weapon system that he helped design. In an effort to bridge the gap between the M2HB in .50 BMG and the M240 in 7.62x51mm NATO, SOCOM is looking for a man-portable machine gun that can extend the effective range and performance of ground units.
To meet that request, Ohio Ordnance developed the Recoil Enhanced Automatic Precision Rifle, nicknamed the REAPR. This automatic rifle is lighter than the M240 while also achieving almost the same effective distance as the M2HB.
The REAPR was designed around the large .338 Norma Mag, as opposed to trying to retrofit an older design and upscale it for the newer caliber. Because of this decision, the new gun doesn’t feature a gas system and runs off a basic blowback principle. Ohio Ordnance did this because of its previous experience producing gas-operated guns.
Having a gas system adds additional parts, which add to the weight while also increasing the chances of a part breaking. Over time, gas holes erode. This speeds up the gun’s cycling rate and can ultimately create dangerous firing conditions.
In a further advancement over previous systems, Ohio Ordnance secured two patents for this design: one for the sliding feed tray and the other for the barrel lock-up.
For the sliding feed tray, Ohio Ordnance looked at older designs like the M249 and M240. Both of these FN designs came into production long before optics were common. That meant neither design was optimal for mounting an optic. Getting away from mounting optics directly to the hinged top cover that bounces and moves, the REAPR features a solid rail behind the feed tray. This gives the optic a solid mounting point so it can maintain zero.
Realizing the REAPR would fire a precision cartridge and could host a large optic, Ohio Ordnance designed the feed tray to slide out to the side when loading. This cleared space for a larger scope.
The second patent dealt with the quick-detach barrel. The new design only requires a quick half rotation. This can be done holding onto a built-in barrel sleeve, and then the barrel is easily removed. This feature gives operators one of the fastest designs for changing barrels, so they can quickly remove a hot barrel and replace it with a new one in the field.
Designers also made sure the REAPR would fit in existing cradles and mounts for the M249 and M240, allowing the military to save money on accessory equipment. (As a taxpayer, I appreciate that thought.)
The fire control group features a semi and full-auto selector that is separate from the crossbar safety. This allows the firearm to be fired in single-shot fashion for zeroing the gun. It also maximizes the potential of the precision rifle cartridge in combat.
The stock can be manipulated to fold to either side, and B5 Systems developed custom furniture for the REAPR. The custom B5 stock is retractable and features a cheek comb and shoulder rest. It’s specially designed to withstand the fire of the .338 Norma Mag.
The REAPR will feature a 7.62x51mm NATO conversion kit, as there is still some work and development on the .338 Norma Mag machine gun cartridge specs. It takes some work to make a precision rifle cartridge into a viable machine gun cartridge. The conversion kit is also great for training because it allows users to train on less expensive ammo. The conversion kit does not require tools and can be carried and completed in the field by the user.
Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of the REAPR – aside from the fact it has a lighter weight than the M240 with over double the range – is the fact that it can be broken down into three pieces and easily stored in a backpack. This makes the platform very versatile and gives users the ability to store an extremely powerful belt-fed machine gun more easily. Disassembly and reassembly can be done easily in around 10 seconds.
I have shot and seen many belt-fed weapons in my time, but the REAPR has been one of the most impressive designs I have come across. The platform doubles the range and power of the automatic rifleman’s effectiveness while offering a lighter alternative to current systems. That’s not even mentioning its ability to properly mount optics, IR lasers, night vision, and any accessory needed to meet modern mission objectives.
