The Department of War (DOW) is now reintroducing a rifle technology that it set aside for front-line troops nearly 85 years ago, specifically for snipers.
The Barrett MRAD rifle has been chosen by DOW as the Mk 22 Precision Sniper Rifle. The Army is set to purchase 2,800 of these rifles from a Tennessee manufacturer for $49.9 million, while the Marine Corps will acquire an additional 250. The Mk 22 is available in three calibers: 7.62x51mm NATO, .300 Norma Magnum, and .338 Norma Magnum. Despite the bolt-action mechanism seeming outdated at first, a former sniper noted to the Daily Caller News Foundation that it still has its advantages.
“Bolt action rifles tend to be more consistent, reliable, and durable, plus they’re simpler to maintain on the field,” explained Ryan Cleckner, an attorney and ex-sniper with the United States Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment. He also drew a comparison, stating, “It’s like NASCAR; even with top-notch automatic transmissions available now, they still use manual ones. Why? Because the automatic can be tricky and doesn’t offer the same level of control that a manual does. That’s how I see bolt action rifles.”
Cleckner continued, saying that in challenging battlefield conditions, a sniper can easily manage the bolt handle to remove a spent cartridge and chamber the next round without relying on gas systems, which sometimes malfunction. “If gas systems fail, you’re stuck, and that’s way slower than working a bolt.”
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Historically, the U.S. Army replaced bolt-action rifles with semi-automatics just before World War II, trading in the M1903 Springfield for the M1 Garand for increased firepower. Since then, troops have typically utilized the M14, M16, M7, M4, and M8 rifles.
A U.S. Army spokesperson shared that the Army has deployed both gas-operated and bolt-operated sniper systems across different operations and that the Mk 22 reflects a well-rounded requirement focused on high precision, adaptability, and modularity.
While snipers have frequently relied on bolt-action rifles like the M40 and M24/M2010, semi-automatic options have been part of the military’s arsenal too. The M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System, developed from the Knight Armament Company’s SR-25, was rolled out in 2008 and accommodates both 7.62x51mm NATO and 6.5mm Creedmoor rounds.
The M21 rifle, adopted during the Vietnam War, became notably associated with top American sniper Army Staff Sgt. Adelbert Waldron, whose confirmed kills reached 109.
The .338 Lapua caliber has been central to some of the longest recorded sniper distances, like the over 2,700-yard shot made by Corporal of Horse Craig Harrison of the UK’s Household Cavalry, primarily using the Accuracy International Arctic Warfare Magnum during modern conflicts.
Both Rock River Arms and Noreen have made AR-15 style rifles available chambered for the .338 Lapua Magnum, featuring semi-automatic systems and ten-round magazines. However, Cleckner mentioned that these companies might struggle to meet the DOW’s production requirements, even though Rock River has contracts with the FBI and DEA.
“Those rifles are interesting, yet companies providing just a handful of models for military consideration often face issues. In my experience, the military tends to find differences in the rifles produced in larger quantities, sometimes changing parts willy-nilly when they run low on materials.” Cleckner remarked.
Barrett is also known for the M82/M107 sniper rifle, which is capable of firing the .50 BMG round and has been involved in some of the longest-range engagements. Neither Barrett, Noreen, nor Rock River Arms responded to inquiries from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
