U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is seeking a new sniper rifle with record-breaking accuracy at long distances to keep up with the U.S. military's biggest competitors.
In a notice posted on Sam.gov, a U.S. government website that connects private contractors with the federal government, the command posted a request for a new “extremely long-range sniper rifle,” and that it would replace “old anti-sniper rifles.” He said he hopes it will replace the “. Equipped with a new system, he has anti-personnel rifles such as the M107 and MK15. ”
USSOCOM said in the notice that it is seeking a rifle with “precision fire capability” to 2,500 meters (2,730 yards) that could break existing confirmed kill records. According to a report in Military.com, the current longest known record for a sniper kill was recorded in 2002 by a Canadian Army sniper corporal. Rob Furlong recorded a kill from 2,430 meters (2,657 yards) using his country's military version of the TAC-50.
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M107 semi-automatic long-range sniper rifle. (Thomas Alvarez/Idaho Army National Guard)
When asked for comment by Fox News Digital, a USSCOM spokesperson confirmed the search for a new rifle while downplaying issues with existing platforms.
“The M107 and MK15 rifles remain incredibly capable platforms that meet the multiple requirements of special operations forces,” the spokesperson said.
Rather, the search for a new rifle is aimed at giving U.S. special operations forces an edge against “nearly peer” rivals such as China and Russia.
U.S. Green Berets and Rangers assigned to the 7th Special Forces (Airborne) carry multiple weapons in preparation for the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Best Sniper Competition at Camp Bull Simmons Training Range, Florida. firing system. June 27, 2023. (U.S. Army photo: Private Stefano Dabdub Olivera)
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” [Extreme Long Range – Sniper Rifle] “The requirements are based on features and advances developed by our industry partners and the long-range shooting sports community,” the spokesperson said, adding, “The ELR-SR leverages these advances and provides long-range shooting that increases effective range. “It provides improved accuracy for applications.” and hit probabilities that support special operations forces' great power competition in near-sibling conflicts. ”
In the post, USSOCOM said: “Barrel configuration with required bolt and barrel for each caliber, required magazines for each caliber, stock, receiver, sound suppressor, ballistics computer, operator manual, cleaning kit, tool kit, bipod. ” In addition, the rifle must be of a caliber “capable of subsonic and supersonic speeds,” be no more than 56 inches long, and weigh no more than 22 pounds.
An MK-22 precision sniper rifle sight looks at a target at the firing range at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Oct. 22, 2023. The MK-22 replaced the Army's existing M2010 and M107 sniper rifles. (U.S. Army National Guard photo: Special Col. Michael Schwenk)
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“Extremely long-range sniper rifles leverage the latest advances and capabilities in small arms design, performance, and commercial production technology to improve reliability, survivability, and availability by replacing decade-old weapon systems. , will improve the effectiveness of special operations forces,” the spokesperson said.
