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Mk22 Advanced Sniper Rifle

In March of 2019, US SOCOM awarded Barrett a near $50 million contract to deliver an advanced sniper rifle system. The rifle supplied was the Barrett MRAD, a modular rifle which could be easily converted between 7.62mm NATO, .300 Norma, and .338 Norma calibers. Subsequently, the Army and Marines shared their plans to also purchase the MRAD rifles in their FY 2021 budget requests. The Army plans to buy over 500 as the Mk. 22 Advanced Sniper Rifle, a change from their previous plans to purchase the Remington MSR/ Mk. 21. The Marines plan to purchase 250 of the rifles under the SOCOM program to replace all current bolt-action rifles currently in use. The sniper’s ability to strike fear into the hearts of the enemy has long been documented. It is a history laden with stories of near-impossible shots and stealth akin to an apex predator. The sniper’s ability to change the tempo of a fight is nearly unquestioned. When employed correctly, they provide commanders with overmatch and increased mission success. The sniper’s role to collect battlefield information and provide precision fires on key targets has not changed. As stated in a Small Arms Defense Journal article titled, “Government Acquisitions,” “The sniper’s ability to engage point targets with accuracy at long range with minimal risk of collateral damage makes them useful in all levels of conflict.” What differentiates today’s snipers from those of past is how they have adapted to the modern battlefield. Today’s sniper teams are deploying with a different approach to team layout in order to conduct complex engagements and effectively cover urban environments. Legacy sniper teams were broken down into two-man teams (a shooter and a spotter). In order to keep up with ever-changing threats and operating environments, sniper teams needed to have more than one barrel aimed at the objective. This meant that spotters began carrying an accurized weapon and had to spot with their weapons optic instead of a stand-alone spotting system. Additionally, range estimation practices had to change and rapid target engagement techniques became common place. These techniques allowed snipers to give up the MIL-Relation Formula for quick “snap” measurements, thus relying on the danger zone created by the trajectory of the bullet to ensure an impact on intermediate targets (0-600 meters). The reliance on precise measurements and laser rangefinders (i.e., STORM) is still necessary for extended range targets. The Maneuver Capabilities Development and Integration Directorate (MCDID) at Fort Benning, GA, assessed an inability of current M110 sniper rifles using 7.62x51mm ammunition and M2010 .300 Winchester Magnum ammunition to provide precision fire beyond 800 and 1,200 meters respectively. This has limited the sniper’s ability to perform sniper and counter-sniper operations across the required range of military operations. Another tool in the sniper’s kit, the M107, with .50 cal ammunition (MK21 mod 0), did extend the reach of the sniper team against anti-materiel targets. Its 2-3 minute of angle accuracy capability made engaging anti-personnel targets less than predictable. Enter the MK22 Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR). Selected through a joint effort between Marine Corps Systems Command, Marine Forces Special Operations Command, and U.S. Army Special Operations Command, the Mk22 Mod 0 Advanced Sniper Rifle is a bolt action, precision rifle system. It incorporates the caliber agnostic 7x35 power Precision Day Optic and is fed from a 10-round detachable magazine. The MK22 is a modified version of the market ready Barrett Multi-Role Adaptive Design. Capable of caliber change at the user level allowing for a dual purpose (anti-personnel and anti-materiel) capability up to 1,500 meters. Proposed calibers for this sniper weapon system are 7.62mm NATO, .300 Norma Magnum, and .338 Norma Magnum. The rifle comes with a Nightforce ATACR (USSOCOM) and a Leupold MK5hd (U.S. Army) outfitted with the Army’s Mil-grid reticle. The MK22 will replace the M2010 and M107 and their respective families of ammunition. The M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System will remain as the secondary (spotter’s) weapon. A reticle is the crosshair or aiming point in the field of view of an optical sight. The Mark 5HD riflescope was selected as the optic for part of the U.S. Army’s Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR) program. Not only does the new reticle improve accuracy, but its development within the Army means that costs are saved by avoiding license fees from the use of existing commercial products. The scope features an aiming reticle comprising two primary feature sets: a grid system and auxiliary crosshairs. The grid has horizontal crosshairs that are perpendicular to, but do not intersect with, a primary vertical crosshair. Development of the Mil-Grid Reticle was primarily motivated by the lack of standardization of reticles within the sniper community, as well as the cost incurred in using vendor proprietary reticles. Current aiming reticle patterns frequently found in precision rifle scopes and observation spotting scopes issued by military services consist of simple intersecting crosshairs with markings consisting of dots or stadia lines at predetermined intervals (e.g., one milliradian angle in target space). One example is the “Mil-Dot,” which was developed during the Vietnam War for the U.S. Marine Corps. The characteristic features of the new aiming reticle are a grid with self-contained cross aiming references and offset vertical line with measurement stadia. The grid provides snipers with the ability to precisely hold targets without adjusting turrets under most conditions, while the offset line provides both range estimation and rapid correction calls while following bullet trace. Riflescope turrets are dials situated on the top and side of the optic that allow the shooter to adjust the position of the reticle in the vertical and horizontal directions using clicks or a graduated scale. Each click represents a predetermined angular subtense that must be counted to achieve desired ballistic offset. In this new design, a primary vertical reference crosshair is placed and aligned to the optical axis with its length less than the maximum field of view. The primary vertical crosshair provides a boresight reference in the optical instrument and axis of symmetry for the grid system. The Mk22 incorporates a caliber-agnostic flash and sound suppressor. It allows users to customize the weapon to fit individual mission needs such as changing barrels and ammunition calibers at the operator level. The Mk22 will replace all legacy M40A6 and Mk13 Mod 7 rifles, reducing the sniper rifle inventory from four to three, said Infantry Weapons Program Manager Nick Berger. The option provided by the Mk22 to switch barrels will give Marines the ability to configure the rifle to fire either the .338 Norma Magnum or .300 NM caliber rounds. The new 7x35 Precision Day Optic also provides greater magnification and observation capabilities over the currently fielded 5x25 optic. The increased range provided by the Mk22 and accompanying PDO will give snipers greater standoff distance from their targets, allowing greater survivability. With the design for the M151 spotting scope complete, a complementary design was then developed for rifle scopes. This provides a standard pattern when the user would look through a rifle or spotting scope. As the reticle becomes streamlined among the Army sniper platforms, currently the PSR and the Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS), students will not need to be retrained on the reticle when switching among systems. This reduces cognitive burden on the shooter in cross-platform proficiency while also reducing cost and complexity of training programs. Using a reticle with common characteristic features allow the spotter and shooter to speak and understand the same targeting language,” Pitera said. “The grid markings are identical in appearance and size purposely to ensure familiarity and sight picture synergy within the sniper team. The spotting scope and rifle scope reticles offer the same level of fidelity and utility across the mission tasks, whether it be marking targets during reconnaissance missions, assessing miss distance for a follow-on shot, or holding a ballistic offset without the need to adjust elevation and windage dials. The Marine Corps' investment in the Mk22 to replace legacy equipment makes Marine snipers more lethal and provides increased flexibility. Lightening the load for Marines, the Mk22 is an ideal addition to sniper arsenals to support Littoral Operations in Contested Environments and Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations. Reducing the number of rifles to learn about helps Marines better hone their skills. Reduced training requirements also allow Marines more time to focus on crucial tasks such as the interoperability of the different barrels, bolt faces, and the ballistic calculations between each caliber. While the Mk22 rifle is heavier than the Mk13 and the M40A6, the consensus from test shooters was cutting down to one rifle has significant tactical and logistical advantages when carrying out missions. Force Design 2030 places emphasis on the need for stand in forces to be frugal with logistics requirements, particularly inside enemy weapons engagement zones. The Mk22 provides the Marine Corps sniper community with a reduced logistical footprint. Rather than putting one gun away and getting the next gun out, operators can quickly change the barrels, and only have to carry ammunition and that extra barrel, not an entire extra gun and extra magazines. Mk22 kits will come with upgraded optics and advanced suppressors. In addition, the kits will include items like the visual augmentation systems and a one-time issue of a .300 Winchester Magnum barrel to ensure a smooth transition between current missions and training requirements, said Berger. Some Mk22 kits will come with a sniper-shooting tripod and laser filter. To ensure the new system fits the needs of Marine Corps snipers, MCSC held an integration assessment range aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico. The program office invited instructors from all three Marine Scout Sniper schools and MARSOC, to test the new rifle, optics, suppressors, tripods, and other accessories for the Mk22. While this is not a typical step in the process, the event was an opportunity for the participants to provide input before fielding. During the integration assessment, shooters, project managers and support staff took detailed notes for data collection and refinement needs. Shooters kept logs detailing how the rifle handled with each barrel and caliber of ammunition. Data was also collected from chronographs, a tool that measures the round's velocity as it leaves the barrel. Combined, the collected information will be utilized for making any alterations to the kits prior to dissemination. Early feedback was positive for both the new gear and the ability to transition schoolhouse instruction to the new system seamlessly. Course qualifications will remain the same and sniper students will be able to pick up on the new requirements easily. They are very user-friendly. It comes with all the tools needed and the tools are also user-friendly. Taking the barrels off and putting them back on, as well as the bolt faces— there should be no issue. Additional firing tests were scheduled through the end of calendar year 2022, with initial fielding slated for fiscal year 2023.

MG-338 Lightweight Medium Machine Gun (LWMMG)

United States and United Kingdom tactical operators faced a choice between 7.62 mm or .50 caliber machine guns for long-range combat engagements. The 7.62 mm M240 machine gun variants provide dismounted troops with maneuverability, but are limited in range. Current inventory .50 caliber machine guns are too heavy and cumbersome for dismounted use. Due to this limitation they are almost exclusively used at fixed sites and on mounted patrols.

The 23-pound .338 Norma Magnum Lightweight Medium Machine Gun made by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, in conjunction with the polymer ammunition made by MAC, LLC, fills the capability gap between the light, but limited range 7.62 mm weapons, and the longer range, but heavy and cumbersome .50 caliber weapon systems. With an effective range out to 2,000 meters, linked ammunition that is 15 percent lighter than conventional .338 Norma Magnum linked ammunition, and nearly 65 percent lighter than .50 caliber linked ammunition, the .338 Norma Magnum Lightweight Medium Machine Gun and its polymer ammunition provides tactical operators with an optimal capability for long-range direct fire combat engagements.

In May 2017 the United States Special Operations Command, in conjunction with the United States Marine Corps issued a sources-sought notice for 5,000 Lightweight Medium Machine Guns (LWMMG) chambered for .338 Norma Magnum polymer-cased ammunition. The aim is to identify a machine gun with a 24 inch long barrel weighing 24 pounds or less, which offers sufficient accuracy out to 2,000 meters to engage area targets and vehicles.

The next generation Lightweight Medium Machine Gun (LWMMG) will utilize the efficient .338 NM cartridge to eliminate the capability gap that exists between 7.62mm NATO and .50-caliber weapons. The superior ballistics of the .338 NM offers unmatched accuracy and lethality while substantially extending the maximum effective range beyond current 7.6mm machine guns.

The 23-pound .338 NM LWMMG fills the gap between the ballistic capabilities of the M240 L 7.62mm machine gun and the .50 caliber M2A1 machine gun. The .50 caliber M2A1 has the range required, but due to size, weight, and volume of both the weapon and ammunition it is not practical to mount this system on the lighter vehicles employed by tactical operators nor can it be used in a dismounted assault role. By designing and developing the .338 NM brass-cased round, the warfighter will have the most versatile and lightweight medium machine gun capability for dismounted and mounted operations on the battlefield.

On 15 January 2020 SIG SAUER, Inc. announced the United States Special Operation Command (USSOCOM), working closely with SIG SAUER, had completed a safety certification of the new SIG SAUER MG 338 Machine Gun, SIG SAUER 338 Norma Mag Ammunition, and Next Generation Suppressors. Following this official safety certification, SIG SAUER had completed deliveries of multiple systems, comprised of the MG 338 Machine Guns, 338 Norma Mag Ammunition, and Next Generation Suppressors – all researched, designed, engineered, and manufactured by SIG SAUER in the USA.

“The safety certification of the complete SIG SAUER MG 338 system and delivery of the system to USSOCOM is historically very significant. For the first time in decades the U.S. Military certified a new machine gun, ammunition, and suppressor at the same time, bringing new innovation, portability, and increased lethality to our ground forces, with all components coming from one company,” began Ron Cohen, President and CEO, SIG SAUER, Inc. “This certification was achieved following the outstanding performance of the complete MG 338 system through the rigors of the extensive function, durability, and safety tests set forth by USSOCOM.”

“We are incredibly proud of this historical accomplishment and honored to have received this safety certification by USSOCOM for the performance of the complete MG 338 system,” concluded Cohen.

The SIG MG 338 bridges the gap between the current machine guns currently in use with the U.S. Military. In comparison to the current M240 (7.62x51cal) machine gun, which has been in service with the U.S. Military for 60 years, the SIG MG 338, is noticeably lighter, weighing only 20 pounds, and provides significantly more range and lethality. In comparison to the M2 (.50cal), which has been in service with the U.S. Military for 110 years, the MG 338 is approximately one-quarter the weight, and in a historic first, offers a man-portable solution with similar effective-range. Making this system even more desirable is the new SIG SAUER Next Generation Suppressors which drastically reduces the impact of harmful toxic fumes and signature, making the operator less vulnerable.

The SIG SAUER MG 338 machine gun is a belt-fed, lightweight medium machine gun weighing under 20lbs., chambered in 338 Norma Mag. The MG 338 features a short-stroke gas piston system and a proprietary recoil mitigation system, with a free-floating, quick-change barrel, ambidextrous controls, switchable feed tray, charging handle that can be alternated to either side depending on operator preference, and as a modern, multi-caliber, modular system the new SIG MG 338 is easily convertible to 7.62x51cal.

Although the machine guns look large, they are remarkable for having a weight of less than 20 pounds - less than the current M240 machine guns, which can weigh as much as 27 pounds. Despite having a significantly lighter weight, the effective range of the MG338 is effectively double that of the M240. The MG338 is intended to fill both mounted and portable roles, and to offer the capability of both the M240 and the M2 Browning in a lighter, more flexible system.