Data Quality82%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the light machine guns (lmg/saw) category.
01 / Overview
Ares Shrike 5.56
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW) · POST-COLD WAR
8
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
65
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the light machine guns (lmg/saw) category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General4MOD.4
- First Production Year2002
- DesignerGeoffrey Herring
- Weight (Empty)3.4 kg
- Currently In ServiceNo
◈Cartridge & Calibre6MOD.6
- Cartridge5.56×45mm NATO
- Calibre5.56 mm
- Case Length45 mm
- Calibre Classintermediate
- RimfireNo
- Caseless AmmunitionNo
▣Operation6MOD.6
- Action TypeGas-Operated
- Fire Modessemi-auto, full-auto
- Select FireYes
- Feed SystemDetachable Magazine
- Magazine Capacity30
- Drum / Belt Capacity100
◇Barrel & Sights4MOD.4
- Barrel Length406 mm
- Sight TypeIron or various optics
- Optic RailYes
- Iron SightsYes
◆Construction3MOD.3
- Folding / Collapsing StockYes
- Bullpup LayoutNo
- Modularityupper receiver kit, dual-feed module, multiple rail configurations
▤Features2MOD.2
⬢Production & Cost2MOD.2
- Production Start2002
- Variants5
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 2002Production started
24
years in service
1
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
05 / MASS Score
LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW) RANKING Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) · Post-Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
40LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW)8POST-COLD WAR · LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW)1073UNITED STATES · ALL WEAPONS60PERFORMANCE/PRICE · LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW)
ⓘ Rankings are within theLight Machine Guns (LMG/SAW)category.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE7terms
A firearm feed system where ammunition is stored in a separate container (magazine) that can be removed and replaced, enabling rapid reloading.
A firearm stock that can be folded or collapsed to reduce overall length for storage or transport.
Firearm action type where expanding gas from a fired cartridge cycles the mechanism, typically via a piston or direct impingement.
Uses high-pressure gas to cycle the action, rather than recoil energy.
Adjustable metal aiming devices on firearms, consisting of a front post and rear notch, used without magnification.
A mounting system for attaching optical sights to rifles.
Select fire is a fire selector mechanism on a firearm that lets the shooter choose the firing mode, such as semi‑automatic, burst, or fully automatic.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources