U.S. Army taps Barrett for 2,800 MK22 sniper rifles

[Zarvan]

U.S. Army courtesy photo

The U.S. Army announced it has reached an agreement with Barrett, the gun’s maker, on a $49.9 million, 5-year contract to acquire the MK22 Multi-role Adaptive Design (MRAD) rifle.

According to a recent service news release, the Army awarded the deal to Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. to acquire the MK22 MRAD rifle as the Army’s new sniper weapon system.

“The Army will procure approximately 2,800 MK22 rifles from Barrett, the current maker of the Army’s M107 .50 Caliber Long Range Sniper Rifle,” said in a statement.


The MK22 is part of the Army’s Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR) Program which also includes the Leupold & Stevens (Beaverton, OR) Mark 5 HD scope and a sniper accessory kit.

The MK22 is a modular system that will be fielded with three separate calibers, the .338 Norma Magnum, .300 Norma Magnum and 7.62×51 NATO.

Army snipers will be able to conduct a barrel change and select calibers based on their mission operating environment.
The PSR program will allow the Army an extreme range weapon systems that is lighter than current sniper rifles and includes features that will mask the sniper signature for improved survivability.

SOCOM previously awarded a contract to Barrett to purchase the MRAD as part of their Advanced Sniper Rifle (ASR) program.
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U.S. Army taps Barrett for 2,800 MK22 sniper rifles (defence-blog.com)

 

[FuturePAF]

Some additions that help snipers shoot accurately out further.

 

[jamal18]

Amazing not in .50 calibre? I guess that's old fashioned now.

 

[Philip the Arab]

Amazing not in .50 calibre? I guess that's old fashioned now.

Different roles.

 

[jamal18]

Different roles.

Before, the .50 calibre was good for going through body armour, I assume that role is now for the .338.

So .50 calibre strictly for 'AMR' role?

 

[Philip the Arab]

Before, the .50 calibre was good for going through body armour, I assume that role is now for the .338.

So .50 calibre strictly for 'AMR' role?

Anti body armor is not the purpose of the .50 cal.

 

[jamal18]

Anti body armor is not the purpose of the .50 cal.

No, but it did th job.
I assume it is now strictly for anit-material?

 

[Metal 0-1]

Amazing not in .50 calibre? I guess that's old fashioned now.

Common misconception that .50 Cal sniper is best sniper out there but it sucks in practical situations.

It's only good for punching through LAVs, and some lightly fortified bunkers.

 

[jamal18]

Common misconception that .50 Cal sniper is best sniper out there but it sucks in practical situations.

It's only good for punching through LAVs, and some lightly fortified bunkers.

Explain? How do you get through body armour?

 

[Metal 0-1]

Explain? How do you get through body armour?

.338 Lapua Magnum Armour Piercing/AP Incendiary round.

Best round for precise shots.

.50 cal kicks alot of dust debris, goes like a bomb. Exact words of two different snipers.