FN’s new Evolys machine gun is designed to fill an interesting role not already help by either the MAG or Minimi – it is intended as an automatic rifle in the mold of the BAR or M27 IAR, but capable of much greater firepower than either of those. This is a short-stroke, belt-fed automatic rifle focused on light weight and accurate fire. To do this, it sacrifices the QD barrel capacity (akin to the RPD, RPK, and KvKK-62). I found it to be extremely pleasant to shoot in both 5.56mm and 7.62mm, and I am excited to see it gain traction with military forces capable of exploiting its capabilities.
Full version with full-auto shooting available on Patron and Pepperbox:
https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenWeapons/posts/163642126/
https://www.pepperbox.tv/video/13799
Thanks a lot for this excellent presentation of the inner workings of these machine guns. FN found some very clever design solutions. The large rearward component of case ejection is less to my liking. After all, they are quite hot.
I think the AR style buffer tube and stock are a great idea. Since the tube is empty it would make a great place for a cleaning kit and tools.