Posted on 05/16/2018 4:39:59 PM PDT by Simon Green
Moving away from the classic M40-series, Marine Scout Snipers have a new and improved precision rifle platform that is making it out to the Fleet.
The Mk13 Mod 7 rifle is based on the Accuracy International AICS long action system. Whereas the legacy Remington 700-based M40, used and extensively upgraded since the 1960s by the Marines, is chambered in NATO-standard 7.62x51mm, the new rifle brings .300 Win Mag to the Marines’ lexicon. Army snipers have long since upgraded to chamberings that offered more room to reach out and touch someone.
“The .300 Winchester Magnum round will perform better than the current 7.62 NATO ammo in flight, increasing the Marine Sniper’s first-round probability of hit,” said CW3 Tony Palzkill, the Battalion Gunner for the Marine’s Infantry Training Battalion. “This upgrade is an incredible win and will allow snipers to engage targets at greater distances.”
First fielded with the Navy in older Mod 5 models, the Marine Special Operations units and the snipers of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines have been using the weapons for some time, with the feedback and lessons learned contributing to the more widespread adoption of the rifle.
Geissele last year was awarded a bid to provide triggers and engineering services for the rifles, a contract managed by Naval Surface Warfare Center’s Crane Division. Overall, the Marine Corps has budgeted $4.3 million to purchase 356 Mk 13 systems with a unit price of $12,042 a piece. Optics shown in recent imagery released by the Pentagon are by NightForce.
The M40A6, the most advanced version, will continue to be used in training while the semi-auto M110 and M107 platforms “will also remain as additional weapons within the scout sniper equipment set.”
I wonder if they are going to develop a 30 cal bullet with great sectional density to give better long range performance?
Nice, very nice, with a far superior round.
“Overall, the Marine Corps has budgeted $4.3 million to purchase 356 Mk 13 systems with a unit price of $12,042 a piece.”
Jesus what a ripoff. Get a pre 64 Model 70 already.
Definitely not for CQB. What are the specs on the optics?
“Overall, the Marine Corps has budgeted $4.3 million to purchase 356 Mk 13 systems with a unit price of $12,042 a piece.”
Wow! It’s more expensive than I thought it would be.
It looks really nice as it should for that price.
With the right bullet I am sure the .300 Winchester magnum will do the job.
Still a little surprised they didn’t go with a more powerful round. In a rifle that large the recoil should not be too bad in say. 338 Lapua Magnum.
When they use the term “ system” that means you have no idea what that price includes, e.g., if it includes some night vision optics it starts looking cheap.
Thank NSW Dev-gru for this system.
With the 220gr Sierra leaving the muzzle at 2985 fps... sectional density is secondary
That sounds like they chose the right bullet.
300 win mag has been in the navy system for years... The AB43 round out performs the 338LM.
The AB43 load has been used for years in the NSW Commands. It is very flat shooting and hyper accurate
I thought the rank and file were leaning toward . 338 lapua. I guess the brass made that decision instead of the operators.
CC
So is this rifle issued equipment aboard Navy vessels?
Yep. I did a little goggling and it looks like you can get into the basic MK 13 mod 7 rifle for about $5400 HERE. They're sort of cagey what optics they actually use and there may be options but the one that keeps coming up is the Nightforce ATACR, running about $3500 at Optics Planet, although no guarantee that's exactly the same one; as I say, they're sort of reticent. Nine grand on the hoof plus night vision, case, and accessories.
Or you can skimp on the glass. I have an old Tasco 4 power that I could use. The way I've been shooting a rifle lately, it wouldn't make much difference... ;-)
Nice bright shiny barrel on that sniper rifle. Why didn’t they just mount a strobe light on it.
NSW developed this system in the late 1990’s and the ammunition is already in the system. This system has a highly regarded in service record within the SEAL Sniper Community at Damn Neck.
Frankly the AB43 .300 Win Mag outperforms the 338LM. Not sure the Brass overrode anyone but a few food blisters know as gun magazine writers
Okay, good to know the real deal instead of the hype.
CC
Negative. Till the USMC picked it up, almost exclusively used at Naval Spec Ware Operations and Development Group.
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