M24 Sniper Weapon System: The U.S. Army’s Precision Long-Range Rifle
The sniper plays a pivotal role in modern military operations. By providing precise long-range fire, snipers can neutralize high-value targets while minimizing risk to their units. To meet this operational need, the United States Army developed the M24 Sniper Weapon System (SWS)—a rifle specifically designed for sniping excellence. This article delves into the history, specifications, comparisons, upgrades, and variants of the M24 SWS, highlighting why it remains a legendary choice among snipers.
History of the M24 Sniper Weapon System
Developed in the 1980s, the M24 SWS was designed to replace the aging Springfield Armory M21, which had been extensively used during the Vietnam War. Unlike its predecessor, the M24 was engineered as a complete weapon system, coming equipped with a detachable telescopic sight, tools, and accessories—eliminating the need for additional attachments.
The M24 was officially fielded in 1988 and quickly became the primary sniper rifle of the U.S. Army, later adopted by the U.S. Air Force as well. Its superior accuracy, range, and durability made it a clear upgrade from the M21. The rifle's long action design allowed it to be chambered for larger calibers, leading to variants such as the .300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Lapua Magnum, further enhancing its precision and operational versatility.
Specifications of the M24 SWS
The M24 is a bolt-action sniper rifle featuring a detachable box magazine with 5 or 10 rounds, depending on the model. It is primarily chambered for the 7.62×51mm NATO round. While it can technically fire machine-gun grade ammo, snipers typically prefer match-grade ammunition such as M118, M118LR, and MK 316 MOD 0 “Special Ball, Long Range” for optimal accuracy.
Key features include:
- Barrel: 416R stainless steel with 5-groove rifling for reduced bullet deformation and improved precision.
- Accuracy: Approximately 1 MOA with match-grade ammunition, maintaining performance up to 10,000 rounds, and reportedly improving further to 20,000 rounds.
- Scope Options: Leupold Ultra M3A 10×42mm or Leupold Mk 4 LR/T M3 10×40mm fixed power.
- Backup Sights: Iron sights in case of scope failure.
- Stock: H-S Precision PST-024 composite stock, with a fixed cheekpiece and adjustable buttplate (extendable up to 2 inches).
- Effective Range: 800 meters, with confirmed shots beyond 1,000 meters.
The rifle also comes with the M-1950 Weapon Container for Airborne Operations, ensuring safe transport and deployment.
M24 vs Other Sniper Rifles
The M24 SWS is often compared to several other prominent sniper rifles:
- Remington 700: The M24 is based on the Remington 700 platform but is explicitly designed for sniping, offering superior accuracy and range.
- Barrett M82: A semi-automatic rifle chambered in .50 BMG, offering extreme range and stopping power but heavier and more expensive than the M24.
- Accuracy International AW: Bolt-action rifle with comparable accuracy and modularity, though slightly shorter range than the M24.
- Sako TRG: Another bolt-action sniper rifle offering customizable calibers and stock options, similar in accuracy and range.
- Dragunov SVD: Semi-automatic rifle with higher reliability and faster rate of fire, but lower accuracy and effective range than the M24.
While other rifles may excel in stopping power, range, or customization, the M24 remains a well-balanced choice, praised for its precision, reliability, and versatility.
Upgrades and Evolution
In 2010, the U.S. Army began upgrading existing M24 rifles to M24A2 and M24A3 configurations. These upgrades, handled by Remington Arms, included:
- Barrel improvements
- Enhanced stocks and triggers
- Detachable box magazines
- Upgraded scope mounts and bipods
Eventually, the Army transitioned to the M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle (ESR). This rifle, still based on the Remington 700 action, features:
- Chambering for .300 Winchester Magnum for longer range
- Effective firing distance up to 1,200 meters
- Advanced Leupold Mark 4 6.5-20×50mm ER/T scope
- Match-grade and armor-piercing ammunition compatibility
Variants of the M24
Several M24 variants have been developed over the years:
- XM24A1: Chambered for .300 Winchester Magnum but not widely adopted due to ammo availability issues.
- M24A2: Features detachable 5-round magazine, Picatinny rails, barrel modifications, and an upgraded H-S Precision PST-026 stock.
- M24A3 SWS: Chambered for .338 Lapua Magnum, 5-round detachable magazine, and optional back-up iron sights.
Additional upgrades included rebarreling for Mk 248 .300 Winchester Magnum, MIL-STD-1913 rails, and adjustable stocks—allowing maximum effective range up to 1,370 meters.
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Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Remington Arms |
| Entered Service | 1988 |
| Caliber | 7.62×51 mm NATO |
| Weight (empty) | 5.4 kg |
| Length | 1,092 mm |
| Barrel Length | 660 or 686 mm |
| Muzzle Velocity | 790 m/s |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 or 10 rounds |
| Effective Range | 800 m (over 1,000 m achievable) |
| Scope | Varies (Leupold Ultra M3A 10×42mm, Leupold Mk 4 LR/T 10×40mm) |
Conclusion
The M24 Sniper Weapon System defined an era of precision shooting. It transformed soldiers into disciplined marksmen, emphasizing patience, accuracy, and the value of a single shot.
Despite the emergence of newer sniper systems, the M24 remains a benchmark in military history—a rifle that speaks quietly but delivers authority and lethality in every engagement.
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