SHOT Show Coverage

The Marine Corps search for a new sniper rifle continues, with current options being weighed in light of the current SOCom rifle competition.  The new rifle is designated the SR21, or “Sniper Rifle – 21st Century,” and will allow Marines to engage targets to 1500 meters and beyond.

The Marine Corps has not detailed the specifications for the SR21, and is likely to wait until the SOCom rifle contenders are tested before making any decisions of their own. The Marines are currently looking at several rifles, including the Heym USA’s SR21 sniper rifle.

The Corps announced the search for a new rifle in August 2009.  Since then, critics within the Marines have stated that their snipers are not adequately trained for the 800 meter range of the current issue M40 rifles, and would not be able to properly utilize a rifle with a much longer range.

More information at the Marine Corps Times.

Other articles that will amaze you:

1. Heym SR21: Marine Corps Is Looking for a Few Good Rifles
2. Review of the Steyr SSG 08 Sniper Rifle
3. Marine General Pushed for 6.8 SPC
4. Remington MSR: Modular Sniper Rifle
5. Marines May Field H&K IAR in Fall