XM8

"This new generation rifle, based on the G36 is known for it's ergonomic design and its use of reinforced polymers in its construction. Its reduced recoil and versatile parts makes it a very reliable weapon."

- The Arsenal

The XM8 is a unique Assault Rifle. It was first leaked during Christmas 2010 and then "released" on 1/24/11 in a preview sale.

The Preview Sale
"Soldiers!

Are you a trendsetter? Are you always listening to songs months before they're on the radio? Do your friends look up to you for your savvy shopping tips? Then this sale is for you!

You now have the opportunity to be the envy of your friends and enemies on the battlefield with an exclusive Preview Sale."

- Combat Arms Command

On 1/24/11, Nexon has allowed a preview sale, allowing "trend-setters" to purchase the XM8 early. The sale will last for one day (1/24 - 1/25), starting and ending at 4:00 PM PST.

Overview
The description is misleading since the XM8 and the G36E have the same recoil. Recoil is the increase in crosshair spread, NOT the recoil pattern, which is never listed in stats. The recoil pattern is very light compared to a G36E, It's low recoil and relatively high damage (4 points below the G36, 41) makes it very efficient. In the hands of a skilled player, or anyone on any of the recreational servers, it is a very deadly weapon, what it lacks in power it makes up for with its high rate of fire and high portability making it feel like a tricked-out G36KE. As far as recoil goes, it seems to be mostly upward which makes it easier to control than its 20th century brethren. Recoil is much lighter compared to the G36E however. It has relatively small spread, smaller then a G36E and does not bloom as much.

Tactics
Being almost akin to a G36E "clone," the XM8's greatest strength lies within its tap-firing abilities. The "bouncy" recoil and rapid recovery allows players to tap-fire the XM8 at a somewhat higher rate than the G36E. The recoil and recovery is such that, while scoped, the XM8 can actually be fired on full-auto for 5-6 rounds, with most of them hitting the intended target.

Though the XM8 is more user-friendly than the G36E, it is still not "noob-friendly." The weapon is only as good as the user - only an experienced player can fully utilize the XM8's strengths.

In Real-Life
The XM8 was a developmental U.S. Military designation and project name for a lightweight assault rifle system that was under development by the United States Army in the early 2000s. The Army worked with the German small arms manufacturer Heckler and Koch (H&K) to develop the system to meet its requirements in the aftermath of the Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW) contract, for which H&K had been a subcontractor to ATK. Although there were high hopes that the XM8 would become the Army's new standard infantry rifle, the project was put on hold in April 2005, and was formally cancelled on October 31, 2005, due to geopolitical politics originating from within the Department of Defense.

Trivia

 * Currently this is the only gun to have a preview sale for 24 hours it is unknown if nexon will do this again but it is a great marketing idea.

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