{"id":643,"date":"2023-05-06T20:11:22","date_gmt":"2023-05-06T20:11:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/2023\/05\/06\/vortex-optics-xm157-overview-ngsw-fc\/"},"modified":"2023-05-06T20:11:23","modified_gmt":"2023-05-06T20:11:23","slug":"vortex-optics-xm157-overview-ngsw-fc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/2023\/05\/06\/vortex-optics-xm157-overview-ngsw-fc\/","title":{"rendered":"Vortex Optics XM157 Overview: NGSW-FC"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/NGSW_FC_Hero_1990-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Vortex Optics XM157 on rifle with rocks\" class=\"wp-image-172279\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/NGSW_FC_Hero_1990-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/NGSW_FC_Hero_1990-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/NGSW_FC_Hero_1990-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/NGSW_FC_Hero_1990-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-eio=\"l\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p>Last year the Army awarded <a href=\"https:\/\/vortexoptics.com?utm_source=GunsAmerica\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"vortex-optics-xm157-overview-the-next-generation-squad-weapon-fire-control-nsgw-fc\" title=\"Vortex Optics XM157 Overview: The Next Generation Squad Weapon-Fire Control (NGSW-FC)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vortex Optics<\/a> the contract for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.armytimes.com\/news\/your-army\/2022\/01\/07\/army-finally-picks-an-optic-for-next-generation-squad-weapon\/?utm_source=GunsAmerica\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"vortex-optics-xm157-overview-the-next-generation-squad-weapon-fire-control-nsgw-fc\" title=\"Vortex Optics XM157 Overview: The Next Generation Squad Weapon-Fire Control (NGSW-FC)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Next Generation Squad Weapon-Fire Control<\/a> program to include the design and production of the <a href=\"https:\/\/vortexoptics.com\/featured-content?utm_source=GunsAmerica\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"vortex-optics-xm157-overview-the-next-generation-squad-weapon-fire-control-nsgw-fc\" title=\"Vortex Optics XM157 Overview: The Next Generation Squad Weapon-Fire Control (NGSW-FC)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">XM157<\/a>. The contract for the NGSW-FC includes a provision to build up to 250,000 XM157s during the next decade at a starting price of around $2.7 billion. While Vortex is obligated to meet the initial Army demand, they plan to sell to civilians as soon as they are contractually able to. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<p><div class=\"youtube-embed\" data-video_id=\"g6nob-XOBt0\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Army selects Vortex for Next Generation Squad Weapon \u2013 Fire Control. What is it?\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/g6nob-XOBt0?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p>So what is the XM157 or the NGSW-FC? Well, the FC is the fire-control or XM157 optic system that will be used for the next-generation squad weapon. From the ground up, the XM157 is a 1-8x30mm optic that features Vortex\u2019s revolutionary \u201cActive Reticle\u00ae\u201d technology. At its heart, it works just like a standard low-powered variable optic or LPVO, but encompassed in the housing is the fire-control system that sets this optic apart from everything else available today. The XM157 is what many call a \u201csmart scope\u201d due to its integration of a digital display overlay, laser range finder, ballistics calculator, atmospheric sensors, compass, visible and infrared aiming lasers, and Intra-Soldier Wireless. However, the XM157 still works in a zero power state due to its core utilization of a standard 1-8x FFP optic with an etched reticle. This provides an analog image with a digital overlay for calculated holds.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" alt=\"Vortex Optics XM157\" class=\"wp-image-172281 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/NGSW_FC_Hero_2023-1024x683.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/NGSW_FC_Hero_2023-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/NGSW_FC_Hero_2023-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/NGSW_FC_Hero_2023-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/NGSW_FC_Hero_2023-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/NGSW_FC_Hero_2023-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" data-sizes=\"auto\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/NGSW_FC_Hero_2023-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Vortex Optics XM157\" class=\"wp-image-172281\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/NGSW_FC_Hero_2023-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/NGSW_FC_Hero_2023-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/NGSW_FC_Hero_2023-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/NGSW_FC_Hero_2023-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/NGSW_FC_Hero_2023-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-eio=\"l\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p>This new optic will allow soldiers to quickly and accurately engage targets at a distance. While this new optic works great at 1X like other LPVO\u2019s for close-quarters engagements, it is going to revolutionize how targets are engaged past a few hundred yards. With the press of a button, the XM157 will range a target and immediately display the appropriate hold in the reticle dependent upon the saved ballistics profile and the current atmospheric conditions. Simply aim at the target, and press a button either on the remote pressure pad or on the side of the scope itself. <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-hands-on-with-the-xm157\">Hands-on with the XM157<\/h2>\n<p>I was given the opportunity to get hands-on with the XM157 and it was quite impressive. After pressing the ranging button, it took less than a second to overlay the calculated drop in the display of the scope. I could range the furthest objects visible from where I was positioned hundreds of yards away even with the rain coming down. <\/p>\n<p>The XM157 is factory set to display the wind holds for a 90-degree 10MPH crosswind on either side of the center aiming point. These overlayed points will account for any cant of the rifle from shooting at an angle as well. Twisting the rifle around while looking through the optic I was able to watch the displayed holds rotate around to give me a true impact location for rounds that would be fired.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"690\" alt=\"Vortex Optics XM157 reticle\" class=\"wp-image-172280 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Screen-Shot-2022-12-19-at-11.35.52-PM-1024x690.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Screen-Shot-2022-12-19-at-11.35.52-PM-1024x690.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Screen-Shot-2022-12-19-at-11.35.52-PM-400x269.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Screen-Shot-2022-12-19-at-11.35.52-PM-150x101.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Screen-Shot-2022-12-19-at-11.35.52-PM-768x517.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Screen-Shot-2022-12-19-at-11.35.52-PM-1536x1034.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Screen-Shot-2022-12-19-at-11.35.52-PM-2048x1379.jpg 2048w\" data-sizes=\"auto\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"690\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Screen-Shot-2022-12-19-at-11.35.52-PM-1024x690.jpg\" alt=\"Vortex Optics XM157 reticle\" class=\"wp-image-172280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Screen-Shot-2022-12-19-at-11.35.52-PM-1024x690.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Screen-Shot-2022-12-19-at-11.35.52-PM-400x269.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Screen-Shot-2022-12-19-at-11.35.52-PM-150x101.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Screen-Shot-2022-12-19-at-11.35.52-PM-768x517.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Screen-Shot-2022-12-19-at-11.35.52-PM-1536x1034.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Screen-Shot-2022-12-19-at-11.35.52-PM-2048x1379.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-eio=\"l\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">*Not an actual picture through the scope. The screenshot is taken from the Garand Thumb overview <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=f5YWXrZdNpA&amp;utm_source=GunsAmerica\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"vortex-optics-xm157-overview-the-next-generation-squad-weapon-fire-control-nsgw-fc\" title=\"Vortex Optics XM157 Overview: The Next Generation Squad Weapon-Fire Control (NGSW-FC)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">video<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The etched reticle provides useful information while not overcrowding the field of view. The glass clarity also looked great with edge-to-edge clarity. However, I was not allowed to take any pictures of my own, so you will just have to imagine it for yourself. <\/p>\n<p>Another awesome feature is that the XM157 utilizes an Active Reticle\u00ae that is not dictated by fixed points on an etched reticle. Because it uses a display, the XM157 can overlay any desired information. As time goes on, and technology changes, newer software will be able to be downloaded to keep the XM157 up to date with the newest evolving threats.<\/p>\n<p>Vortex incorporates two different enablers into the XM157, one of which had the rangefinder attached. They mentioned the ability to use a camera that could pair with the Army\u2019s Integrated Visual Augmentation System. This would allow the XM157 to link to helmet-mounted systems to allow the user to see through the scope without actually peering through the optic. Pairing with devices such as the IVAS would allow soldiers to shoot from behind cover while sticking their weapons around the corner and seeing through the optic via the wireless heads-up display. <\/p>\n<p>Currently, this optic will still work with traditional PVS-24\/30-night vision clip-on systems, but Vortex hinted at the ability to add a thermal overlay or other types of sensors to the XM157 to give more functionality at night. <\/p>\n<p>While weight was not disclosed, the XM157 with the range finder removed felt slightly lighter than a Trijicon VCOG 1-6 with a Larue Tactical QD mount. It also felt slightly lighter with the range finder mounted than a RAPTAR sitting on top of a NightForce 1-8 in a Badger Ordnance mount. I have heard people complain about how heavy this system looks, but when configured to match similar systems, it is very comparable, while being more effective. Incorporating a ballistics calculator into the display instead of a reading via a Wilcox RAPTAR mounted somewhere on the rifle is much quicker and seamless while simultaneously saving weight.<\/p>\n<p>Embedded below is a great overview of the system and some first impressions from Mike actually shooting the system: <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<p><div class=\"youtube-embed\" data-video_id=\"f5YWXrZdNpA\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The US Military&#039;s New Smart Optic that Aims For You. The XM-157\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/f5YWXrZdNpA?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p>The future is now, and while the XM157 is mostly an assembly of existing technologies, the incorporation and implementation of all of these varying components make for an effective and lethal package. While I didn\u2019t have the opportunity to shoot with this optic, I had the chance to get hands-on, and ranging targets was effortless. Vortex Optics is making some big waves with the <a href=\"https:\/\/vortexoptics.com\/featured-content?utm_source=GunsAmerica\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"vortex-optics-xm157-overview-the-next-generation-squad-weapon-fire-control-nsgw-fc\" title=\"Vortex Optics XM157 Overview: The Next Generation Squad Weapon-Fire Control (NGSW-FC)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">XM157<\/a> and for good reason. Just like the ACOG revolutionized quick-effective engagement distances past a few hundred yards, the NGSW-FC is extending that distance even further while providing accurate holds for anything within the effective range of the NGSW platform. <\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><em>*** <a class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"BuySellGA_Register\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/administration\/user\/Register.aspx\" title=\"Vortex Optics XM157 Overview: The Next Generation Squad Weapon-Fire Control (NGSW-FC)\" target=\"_blank\">Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica! All Local Sales are FREE!<\/a> ***<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" class=\"avatar avatar-96 photo avatar-default lazyload\" height=\"96\" width=\"96\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG-0870-96x96.jpg\" decoding=\"async\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"avatar avatar-96 photo avatar-default\" height=\"96\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG-0870-96x96.jpg\" width=\"96\" data-eio=\"l\"\/><\/noscript><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"author_description_intro\">About the author:<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"author_name\">Mitchell Graf<\/span> is passionate about hunting and competition shooting. During college he was the shooting instructor for Oklahoma State\u2019s Practical Shooting Team, and these days he spends as much time as he can chasing after pigs and coyotes with night vision and thermals. You can follow Mitchell\u2019s adventures over at his Instagram @That_Gun_Guy_\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Last year the Army awarded Vortex Optics the contract for the Next Generation Squad Weapon-Fire Control program to include the design and production of the XM157. The contract for the NGSW-FC includes a provision to build up to 250,000 XM157s during the next decade at a starting price of around $2.7 billion. While Vortex is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":644,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-643","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-uncategorized"],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/643","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=643"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/643\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":645,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/643\/revisions\/645"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/644"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=643"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=643"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=643"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}