USMC to field Mk13 Mod 7 sniper rifle
The US Marine Corps (USMC) is adopting the Mk13 Mod 7 as its primary sniper rifle, the USMC announced on 9 May.
The bolt-action rifle offers an increased range of fire and accuracy compared to current systems. The rifle includes a long-action receiver, stainless steel barrel and an extended rail interface system for a mounted scope and night vision optic.
The rifle is scheduled for fielding in late 2018 and throughout 2019. Units receiving the Mk13 include infantry and reconnaissance battalions and scout sniper schoolhouses. This weapon is already the primary sniper rifle used by Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command.
The rifle will increase scout snipers’ range by around 300m and will use the .300 Winchester Magnum calibre round.
The weapon will be fielded with an enhanced day optic that will allow for positive identification of targets at greater distances. It has a grid-style reticle that allows for rapid reengagement without having to dial adjustments or hold without a reference point.
Marine Corps Systems Command completed training for the Mk13 with a cross section of marines from active-duty, reserve and training units in early April 2018.
Lt. Col. Paul Gillikin, infantry weapons team lead at MCSC, said: ‘When the Mk13 Mod 7 is fielded, it will be the primary sniper rifle in the USMC. The M40A6 will remain in the schoolhouses and operating forces as an alternate sniper rifle primarily used for training. The M110 and M107 will also remain as additional weapons within the scout sniper equipment set.’
More from Land Warfare
-
Thales to modernise Netherlands TACTIS combined arms trainer
Thales will modernise the Royal Netherlands Army’s TACTIS simulation system over eight years with enhanced synthetic environments, new simulators for the CV9035NL, Boxer and Leopard 2 tanks.
-
Hanwha contracted to develop radar for South Korean missile defence
Hanwha will develop the multi-function radar of the Low Altitude Missile Defense (LAMD), work which is scheduled to be completed before the end of 2028.
-
Anduril Industries unveils improved electromagnetic warfare system
Pulsar-L has already entered service and weighs about 12kg with range of 5km. It was only in May last year that the company disclosed that earlier versions were already in service.
-
Polaris to unveil new MRZR Alpha base vehicle at Modern Day Marine
The new platform was designed to provide 1KW of exportable power as standard and has been developed in partnership with the US Marine Corps (USMC).
-
British Army details Ajax plans
Of the six variants in the Ajax programme – reconnaissance (Ajax), reconnaissance support (Ares), C2 (Athena), equipment repair (Apollo), equipment recovery (Atlas) and engineering reconnaissance (Argus) – the Ajax reconnaissance version is now entering service.