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The U.S. Marine Corps is always on the lookout for new ways to equip its warriors. The tools of modern warfare are constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial. In this article, we’ll delve into the specifics of the new marine sniper rifle – the Barrett Mk22 Mod 0 – exploring its unique features and capabilities.
Contents
What’s the new U.S. Sniper Rifle and Who’s Making It?
Barrett Mk22 Mod 0: What’s Special About It?
Features of the Barrett Mk22 Sniper Rifle
What Is the New U.S. Sniper Rifle?
The Mk22 Mod 0 is the creation of Barrett, a company renowned for its 50-caliber sniper rifles. This new rifle is a variant of the MRAD (Multi-Role Adaptive Design) rifle developed in 2009 as Barrett’s submission to the SOCOM Precision Rifle Contract competition. By the way, the civilian MRAD series is available in an array of calibers and includes everything from the Barret MRAD 338 Lapua to the MRAD 6.5 Creedmoor.
So, while the Barrett MRAD sniper rifle was not selected for the 2009 PSR contract or the subsequent SOCOM MSR contract, it finally got its due recognition in 2019. That year, the Barrett MRAD won both the SOCOM Advanced Sniper Rifle (ASR) contract and the U.S. Army Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR) contract.
The Mk22 Mod 0 is designed to replace the M40A6 and Mk13 Mod 7 rifles altogether. This move signifies a new era of sniper rifles, where a single, adaptable rifle can fulfill multiple roles on the battlefield.
Mk22 ASR: One Gun to Rule Them All
The M40A6 and Mk13 Mod 7 have long been staples of the marine’s arsenal. Both these rifles have served the Marines admirably in various combat scenarios, providing reliable performance and formidable firepower. However, the introduction of the Mk22 Mod 0 signifies a shift in the marine’s arsenal strategy, signaling a move towards a more versatile, adaptable, and powerful weapon that can effectively fulfill multiple roles on the battlefield.
So, the Mk22 will replace the M40A6 and the Mk13 Mod 7. A variant of the M40, a rifle first fielded during the Vietnam War, the M40A6 is a sniper rifle chambered for the 7.62 NATO cartridge and has been used by the Marines since 2016. The Mk13 Mod 7, on the other hand, was selected by the Corps in 2018 and packs more punch with its .300 Winchester Magnum caliber. The M40A6 and Mk13 Mod 7 both feed from a 5-round magazine. As for the effective firing range, the former’s is 800 meters, and the latter’s is 1,300 meters.
Despite the proven effectiveness of these two rifles, the Mk22 Mod 0 is poised to replace them both. But why? The answer lies in the Mk22 Mod 0’s unique design and capabilities.
First of all, the Mk22 is a multicaliber, bolt-action sniper rifle. The early issues will include four barrels in 7.62 x 51mm, 300 Norma Magnum, 338 Norma Magnum, and, for a limited time, the .300 Winchester Magnum to ease the shooting transition. The multicaliber design has several benefits, from generally reducing the sniper rifle inventory from four to three and allowing for increased flexibility in the field to making the learning process for snipers easier by replacing multiple weapon systems with one.
Secondly, the Mk22 can reach out farther, offering an effective firing range of 1,500 meters. According to Sgt. Christopher Frazier, a Marksmanship Instructor with Scout Sniper Instructor School and liaison to Marine Corps Systems Command, an increased range will give snipers a greater standoff distance from their targets, which translates to greater survivability. Plus, the magazine capacity of the Mk22 MRAD rifle is 10 rounds.
The Mk22 Mod 0 sniper rifle weighs 15.2 pounds, which is heavier than the Mk13 Mod 7, weighing 11.4 pounds, but lighter than the M40A6, weighing 16.5 pounds. Yes, it’s pretty heavy. However, the benefits of having a single rifle for all missions are significant. Logistics can be a challenge, particularly in enemy engagement zones. By using the Mk22, Marine snipers can reduce their logistical footprint and streamline their operations. According to test shooters, having a single rifle that can be customized to fire different calibers and meet various mission requirements is more efficient than carrying multiple rifles.
The Barrett Mk22 modular design allows for quick and easy changes to the barrel, making it possible to switch calibers without having to carry an entire extra gun and magazines. This reduces the amount of gear that snipers have to carry, allowing them to be more effective on the battlefield.
Barrett Mk22 Mod 0 Sniper Rifle Features
Mk22 Mod 0 Specs:
Mk22 .338 NM
Barrel length: 27″
Twist rate: 1 : 9.4
Overall length: 49.4″
Weight: 15.2 lbs
Mag capacity: 10
Rail length/MOA: 21.75″/10MIL
Mk22 .300 NM
Barrel length: 26″
Twist rate: 1 : 8
Overall length: 48.4″
Weight: 15.2 lbs
Mag capacity: 10
Rail length/MOA: 21.75″/10MIL
Mk22 7.62×51 NATO
Barrel length: 20″
Twist rate: 1 : 8
Overall length: 42.4″
Weight: 13.9 lbs
Mag capacity: 10
Rail length/MOA: 21.75″/10MIL
So, as we’ve mentioned, one of the standout features of the Mk22 ASR is the ability to interchange barrels and calibers. This allows marines to customize their weapon to suit the mission at hand, whether that requires long-range precision or close-quarters power to get through body armor or barriers. Caliber conversion is completed by exchanging the barrel, magazine, and bolt using only one tool. By the way, the trigger group can also be removed from the lower receiver but uses a tool-less design for super easy field serviceability.
The rifle also boasts a folding and adjustable length-of-pull buttstock with an adjustable cheekpiece, making it easier to transport and providing an optimal fit for each shooter. Additionally, it uses detachable magazines, enabling quick and easy reloading under pressure.
The Mk22 Mod 0 also incorporates a caliber-agnostic flash and sound suppressor, reducing the rifle’s signature and keeping marines concealed. The caliber agnostic 7×35 power Precision Day Optic, instead of the 5x25mm optic paired with the M40A6 and the Mk13 Mod 7 ensures pin-point accuracy due to greater magnification and enhanced observation capability.
The Mk22 Mod 0 represents a significant step forward in military technology, combining multiple features into a single, adaptable platform. As the new weapon of choice for the Marines, this rifle is set to redefine the battlefield.
If you want to learn more about the most outstanding guns of today’s America, read these posts:
The Role of SIG SAUER in Military & Law Enforcement – among the rest, we discuss the new Army rifles designed by Sig Sauer.
The Magnum Research Desert Eagle: Specs, Features & Performance Review – here, we discuss a series of Desert Eagle 50-caliber pistols by Magnum Research
Also, read about the history of sniper rifles: The Evolution of Sniper Rifles: From The Civil War to Modern Warfare
FAQs
What is the new Marine Corps sniper rifle?
The Mk22 Mod 0 is the latest sniper rifle from Barrett selected for the U.S. Marine Corps and, designed to replace the M40A6 and Mk13 Mod 7 rifles. The Mk22 Mod 0 was also selected as the new U.S. Army sniper rifle.
What makes the Mk22 ASR unique?
The Mk22 Mod 0 ASR offers interchangeable calibers. Caliber conversion can be completed by exchanging the barrel, bolt, and magazine and requires only one user-friendly tool.
Who developed the Mk22?
The Mk22 Mod 0 was developed by Barrett, a company known for its 50-caliber sniper rifles, and was built upon the famous Barrett MRAD rifle.
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