Sniper Rifle Replacement Aimed at US Marines

A sniper rifle replacement, aimed at the U.S. Marines, is scheduled roll out in May, resulting in a more compact version that is presently being used by the U.S. Army, according to Marine Corps Times.

The replacement is reflected in the Marine Corps’ budget documents, in which it asked to purchase 116 Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper Systems (CSASS), the publication reported.

The new units “will replace the M110 with enhanced shooter ergonomics and increased operational availability time,” the documents state, and go on to describe the battlefield advantage of the CSASS. “The lighter, more capable rifle will improve the sniper’s ability to rapidly engage multiple, moving targets.”

The CSASS is manufactured by the German-based arms firm Heckler & Koch and is chambered for 7.62 mm rounds — just as the M110 is — but is nearly 3 inches shorter and 3 pounds lighter.

The M110 has been in service since 2008.

Earlier this month, Marine spokesperson Capt. Christopher Harrison announced the Corps was replacing its primary sniper rifle, the M40, with the new Mk 13 Mod 7, which fires .300 Winchester Magnum rounds, giving it an effective range of greater than 1,000 yards.

The M40 had been in service since the Vietnam War era.

The nearly $1 million order of 116 CSASS rifles comes at a per-rifle cost of approximately $8,594.83, with deliveries to begin May 19, the Marine Corps Times reported.

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