Belgian small arms manufacturer FN Herstal has launched a new variant of its widely adopted Minimi light machine gun (LMG) with a long rail feed cover, the company announced on 23 May 2024.
Explaining that it constantly adapts its products to align with evolving user requirements, FN stated in a press release, “One requirement that is increasingly being expressed is for sufficient rail space to allow in-line mounting of optics. The FN Minimi is often fitted with an optical sight mounted on a rail that is integral with the feed cover. However, it is difficult to mount two optics in line on the current rail.”
A one-piece rigid top rail has therefore been introduced that gives sufficient rail length (23 slots) to mount two optics in line, such as a non-magnifying day optic with a magnifier, or a day optic with a night vision optic. Mounting both optics on a single rail provides reliable assembly and ensures greater accuracy.
The standard adjustable rear iron sight, meanwhile, has been replaced by a flip-up and folding non-adjustable rear sight for back-up use.
A cover retaining latch holds the feed cover open during loading, unloading and clearing actions to counter the weight of the optics, ensuring that handling is equally safe and easy with or without optics fitted.
Configurations of both the Minimi 5.56×45 mm Mk3 and Minimi 7.62×51 mm Mk3 LMGs have been introduced with the upgrade.
The Minimi is the most widely used NATO-calibre LMG.
