The U.S. Army just bought a big batch of Barrett sniper rifles. Over the course of the next five years, the Army will purchase 2,800 MK22 sniper rifle systems to the tune of $49.9 million.
These Multi-Role Adaptive Design, or MRAD MK22 rifles are modular bolt-action rifles that can chamber different cartridges in order to better suit different mission needs.
The MK22 makes up one part of the Army’s Precision Sniper Rifle, or PSR, program. Other components include the Leupold Mark 5 HD riflescope and the rifle accessory kit including three fluted, suppressor-ready barrels.
“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,” said Peter Rowland and Maj. Jamin D. Williamson, speaking for the Army.
The MK22 can be quickly re-barreled using simple tools and comes with a 7.62mm NATO barrel, a .300 Norma Magnum barrel and a .338 Norma Magnum barrel. With the magnum cartridge barrels, the MK22 weighs about 15 pounds dry, while in 7.62 NATO the rifle weighs just under 14 pounds.
A lot of that weight savings comes from being shorter with the 7.62 barrel, which measures in at 20 inches long. The .300 and .338 barrels measure 26 and 27 inches long, respectively.
In all configurations the MRAD feeds from 10-round magazines. It’s built on a two-piece split receiver system with an integral 10-MIL Picatinny rail for optics. The bolt cycles in a polymer guide that helps prevent fouling for added reliability in extreme environments.
SEE ALSO: Barrett Firearms Awarded DOD Contract for REC7 Rifles in 6mm ARC
The skeletonized folding stock is fully adjustable with a cheekpiece and buttpad that can be set to suit the individual shooter. When folded, the stock locks the bolt handle in place. The stock also provides multiple quick-detach sling sockets and a bottom rail for a monopod.
The monolithic handguard is modular with a proprietary screw mount system that can accommodate rail sections for other accessories. Barrett offers the base rifle for around $17,000 on the commercial market, along with other barrels in various lengths, chambered for even more cartridges including 6.5mm Creedmoor and .300 PRC.
Barrett also manufactures the Army’s M107 .50 Caliber Long Range Sniper Rifle, and was previously awarded a contract to supply the USSOCOM with the MRAD for their Advanced Sniper Rifle program.
For more information about these rifles and other Barrett products, visit the company website.
Wow. $49,900,000 / 2800 guns = $17,821 per gun.
Wow.
.300 Norma Magnum and .338 Norma Magnum????
Those aren’t in the DODIC for US Armay use, right? Am I smoking crack?
I know we use the .300 Win Mag and .338 Lapua Magnum, and obviously 7.62×51 (.308), but the others are a bazaar choice to me.
Good bye M24, so long and thanks for all the fish! Also having “Big Green” out of the way (via bankruptcy and poor management) probably made things easier for Barrett, just say’n.