The US Marine Corps has nearly completed testing its new multi-barrel Mk22 Mod 0 Advanced Sniper Rifle, designed to increase troop lethality in the field.
The weapon allows for smooth customization and integration of other systems, including changing barrels and ammunition calibers, to support individual mission objectives.
According to the service, the barrel-switching option gives soldiers the ability to configure the weapon system to fire either the .338 Norma Magnum (NM) or .300 NM caliber rounds.
The Mk22 also features increased range and is fed by a 10-round detachable magazine.
Additionally, the bolt action precision rifle incorporates a caliber-agnostic flash and sound suppressor, as well as the new 7×35 Precision Day Optic that provides greater magnification and observation.
The weapon is set to replace the Marine Corps’ Mk13 Mod 7 and M40A6 sniper rifles.
Testing and Assessment
The US Marine Corps conducted an integration assessment of the rifle system, inviting sniper school instructors to ensure that the weapon fits the service’s operational needs.
They also evaluated the Mk22’s optics, suppressors, tripods, and other accessories.
All testing data will be utilized to make any adjustments or alterations in the weapon prior to official fielding.
“They are very user-friendly. It comes with all the tools you need and the tools are also user-friendly,” sniper instructor Staff Sgt. Cruz Nuanez said. “Taking the barrels off and putting them back on, as well as the bolt faces — there should be no issue.”
The US Marine Corps will conduct additional fire testing in the coming months. The weapon is scheduled to be deployed in 2023.
‘Greater Survivability, Flexibility’
Marksmanship instructor Sgt. Christopher Frazier explained that the increased range of the Mk22 will enable soldiers to maintain a greater standoff distance from their targets, allowing greater survivability.
He also praised the flexibility of the weapon. “It’s definitely more efficient,” Frazier stressed.
“Rather than putting one gun away and getting the next gun out, we can quickly change the barrels, and then we only have to carry ammunition and that extra barrel, not an entire extra gun and extra magazines.”
