Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Stoner 63
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| Caliber: | 5.56 x 45 mm NATO | |
| Action: | Long stroke gas piston | |
| Mass: | 6.9 kg (15 lbs) | |
| Length: | 1020 mm (40 in) | |
| Barrel length: | 263 mm (10 in) | |
| Rate of fire: | 700-1000 rpm | |
| Ammunition feed: |
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| Effective range: | 1100 m | |
The Stoner 63 is a modular assault rifle/LMG designed by Dr. Eugene Stoner.
Overview
The system was first introduced in 1963 during Dr. Stoner's time at Cadillac Gage. CG manufactured the weapon until 1971.
The concept behind the 63 was that of a weapon that could be easily reconfigured as a carbine, a rifle, or a light machine gun/SAW feeding linked ammunition from the left, right or top. The gas system was mounted in different positions depending on the weapon's configuration. The gun was complex and required high levels of maintenance to operate reliably, especially in the humid jungles of Vietnam where it made its debut. However, the SEALs who employed it did their part and showed that the Stoner 63 could be a very effective weapon.
The 63 was also sent to the US Marines for evaluation, where it made a positive impression with its light weight and high ammo capacity. The Marines soon submitted reccomendations for improvements to the design - these included a stainless steel gas tube, a two-position fire selector with separate safety, ejection port dust covers and modifications in the belt feed mechanism. The upgrades were built into the Stoner 63A, which began production in 1966.
In 1970 the US Army designated the LMG configuration XM207 and deployed it to select special forces units for evaluation. However, due to its complexity and high maintenance requirements (especially when compared to the new Colt M16), the design was rejected, and the project was dropped in 1971. Around 4,000 63 and 63A units were built in total. Most of them continued to see use aboard US Navy ships, under the designation Mk 23. A handful were also operated by the Marines for a brief period, but by the late 1980s all of them had been phased out by newer designs.
Of the entire Stoner 63 system, one part survives - the ammunition links were later modified to become the M27 links used in modern 5.56 mm machine guns like the M249 SAW.
Variants
The Stoner 63 design could be rapidly reconfigured into the following weapons:
- Stoner 63/63A Rifle
- Stoner 63/63A Carbine
- Stoner 63/63A Commando
- Stoner 63/63A LMG
- Stoner 63/63A MMG
- Stoner 63/63A Fixed Machine Gun
External links
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