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

Smith & Wesson CSX E Series pistols on tailgate of truck
Smith & Wesson CSX E Series pistols on tailgate of truck

New For 2025: Smith & Wesson CSX E-Series

Smith & Wesson has updated its hammer-fired CSX with new E-Series models, featuring enhancements to its trigger, optics-mounting system and additional texturing. A model with an extended barrel is also available, too.

Preview: Offical U.S. Army Pistol Training Manual

The Official U.S. Army Pistol Training Manual as published by the Dept. of the Army and now made available by Lyons Press.

Twisted Sisters: The PX4 G-SD From Beretta & Langdon Tactical Technology

Beretta's PX4 Storm never caught the full attention of the American shooting public, but with recent updates, along with Langdon Tactical Technology's work on the platform, this DA/SA semi-automatic is worth a second look.

Preview: Ultradyne Orbit Ballhead

In recent times, tripods have proven to be an effective foundation for delivering long shots on target, which is where Ultradyne’s Orbit Ballhead comes into play.

Gun Of The Week: Springfield Armory 1911 TRP 4.25" CC

Follow us on the range this week with Springfield Armory’s latest rendition of its TRP 1911. This is the 1911 TRP 4.25” CC with Coyote Brown Cerakote, and it’s one of the first carry-sized models in the Springfield TRP lineup.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 7, 2025

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

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.