Barrett Awarded U.S. Army Sniper Rifle Contract

by
posted on April 15, 2021
mrad-mk22-2.jpg

Barrett Firearms Manufacturing has been awarded a five-year, $49.9 million contract under the United States Army Precision Sniper Rifle program for its MRAD (Multi-Role Adaptive Design) MK22 MOD 0 rifle. The firearm will be issued as the cornerstone of a precision kit that includes a Leupold & Stevens Mark 5 HD scope and sniper-accessories. The MK22 will replace several currently fielded Army rifles.

Designed with precision and modularity in mind, the MK22 provides even greater flexibility within the highly successful MRAD rifle platform. This multi-caliber bolt action sniper rifle is capable of converting between 7.62 NATO, .300 Norma Mag. and .338 Norma Mag. chamberings, based on the mission.

The Army wrote the MRAD MK22 rifle platform “…increases stand-off distances ensuring overmatch against enemy counter sniper engagements and increases sniper capability,” in its budget request. Nearly 3,000 will be purchased by the branch, under terms of the agreement.

“We are honored to have been awarded the Army’s Precision Sniper Rifle Program in addition to SOCOM’s Advanced Sniper Rifle contract. The MK22 is an extremely capable rifle system that meets the demanding requirements of our military branches,” said Joel Miller, Barrett's director of global military sales.

U.S. Special Operations Command entered into a different contract with Barrett in 2019 to purchase M22 MRADs for use by snipers serving with the Special Forces. That contract was also for roughly $50 million. Delivery of rifles under it began late last year.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Defense procured MRADs chambered for .300 PRC in late 2018. Details on the volume of order and value were not released.

Barrett introduced the MRAD in 2011 and versions currently available to civilian shooters are chambered either .300 PRC, .300 Norma Mag., .300 Win. Mag., .308 Win., .338 Norma Mag., .338 Lapua Mag. or 6.5 Creedmoor. MRAD MK22s can be purchased in .300 Norma Mag., .338 Norma Mag. and 7.62 NATO.

Latest

Century BFT 01
Century BFT 01

New For 2024: Century Arms BFT74 & BFT556

Century Arms expanded its AK-style BFT rifle line in 2024 with two new models chambered for 5.56 NATO and 5.45x39 mm, respectively.

Preview: Armaspec SRS AR-15 Kit

This Armaspec upgrade to the AR-15’s standard buffer and spring includes a trio of interchangeable buffer weights that allow the user to tune it to his or her rifle/load.

Gun Of The Week: Davidson’s Exclusive KelTec KS7

Join American Rifleman staff on the range this week with a unique version of KelTec's KS7 bullpup shotgun.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 1, 2024

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Hydra Weaponry Expands To New Facility

Hydra Weaponry—the designer and manufacturer of the modular Marck-15 Hydra Weapon System and Maine’s largest firearm employer—has expanded into a larger facility.

Review: Bushmaster M4A2 Patrolman's Carbine

The M4A2 Patrolman’s Carbine from Bushmaster Firearms is the first in a line of AR-15s designed to bring back the standard, carbine-length firearms that have long been a staple of American shooting enthusiasts.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.