5 US Military Sniper Rifles

Introduction to US Military Sniper Rifles

The US military has a long history of utilizing sniper rifles to gain a tactical advantage on the battlefield. These rifles are designed to be highly accurate and reliable, allowing snipers to engage targets at long ranges with precision and effectiveness. In this article, we will explore five US military sniper rifles, their features, and their histories.

M24 Sniper Weapon System

The M24 Sniper Weapon System (SWS) is a bolt-action sniper rifle that was introduced in 1988. It is based on the Remington 700 rifle and is chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum. The M24 SWS is known for its accuracy and reliability, and it has been used by US military snipers in various conflicts, including the Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan. The rifle features a heavy barrel and a 40x telescopic sight.

M40 Sniper Rifle

The M40 sniper rifle is a bolt-action rifle that was introduced in 1966. It is based on the Remington 700 rifle and is chambered in .308 Winchester. The M40 has been used by US Marine Corps snipers for many years and has seen action in several conflicts, including the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. The rifle features a heavy barrel and a 10x telescopic sight.

Mk 13 Mod 7 Sniper Rifle

The Mk 13 Mod 7 sniper rifle is a bolt-action rifle that was introduced in 2009. It is based on the Remington 700 rifle and is chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum. The Mk 13 Mod 7 is known for its accuracy and reliability, and it is currently used by US Navy SEALs and other special operations forces. The rifle features a heavy barrel and a 30x telescopic sight.

M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle

The M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle (ESR) is a bolt-action sniper rifle that was introduced in 2011. It is based on the Remington 700 rifle and is chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum. The M2010 ESR is known for its accuracy and reliability, and it is currently used by US Army snipers. The rifle features a heavy barrel and a 30x telescopic sight.

Barrett M82A1

The Barrett M82A1 is a semi-automatic sniper rifle that was introduced in 1982. It is chambered in .50 BMG and is known for its accuracy and range. The Barrett M82A1 is used by US military snipers to engage targets at long ranges, including enemy personnel, vehicles, and equipment. The rifle features a heavy barrel and a 10x telescopic sight.

🔍 Note: The Barrett M82A1 is also known as the "Light Fifty" due to its ability to fire the.50 BMG cartridge, which is capable of penetrating armor and engaging targets at long ranges.

Comparison of US Military Sniper Rifles

Here is a comparison of the five US military sniper rifles discussed in this article:

Rifle	Caliber	Action	Effective Range
M24 SWS	.300 Winchester Magnum	Bolt-action	800-1,000 yards
M40	.308 Winchester	Bolt-action	600-800 yards
Mk 13 Mod 7	.300 Winchester Magnum	Bolt-action	1,000-1,200 yards
M2010 ESR	.300 Winchester Magnum	Bolt-action	1,000-1,200 yards
Barrett M82A1	.50 BMG	Semi-automatic	1,500-2,000 yards

In summary, each of the five US military sniper rifles has its own unique features and capabilities, and they are all used by US military snipers to engage targets at long ranges. The M24 SWS and M2010 ESR are known for their accuracy and reliability, while the Barrett M82A1 is known for its range and penetrating power. The M40 and Mk 13 Mod 7 are also highly effective sniper rifles that have seen action in various conflicts.