Barrett Firearms Manufacturing has completed its first shipment of MRAD (Multi-Role Adaptive Design) MK22 MOD 0 rifles for the United States Army Precision Sniper Rifle program. The precision firearms are paired with a Leupold & Stevens Mark 5 HD scope and complete sniper-accessory kit.
“We are pleased to have passed all preliminary program requirements and to now begin delivery of the MK22 rifle system to the Army Soldiers,” said Joel Miller, Barrett's vice president of sales and marketing.
The MK22 is a multi-caliber bolt action sniper rifle capable of converting between 7.62 NATO, .300 Norma Mag. and .338 Norma Mag. chamberings, based on the mission. The modular design is based on the company’s MRAD, which has been a popular choice among civilian enthusiasts since its commercial introduction nearly a decade ago.
This month’s initial shipment of MK22 MOD 0s is part of a five-year contract under the United States Army Precision Sniper Rifle Program valued at roughly $4.9 million. The agreement was announced in March 2021.
Another version of the MRAD is already in use by Special Forces precision marksmen. In 2019 U.S. Special Operations Command entered into a contract with Barret for the rifles and initial deliveries began late last year. In addition, the Department of Defense also procured a unknown number of the rifles chambered in .300 PRC in 2018.
As for the effectiveness of the newly shipped MK22 MOD0 rifles, a military review after exhaustive testing noted the platform, “…increases stand-off distances ensuring overmatch against enemy counter sniper engagements and increases sniper capability.” A total of 3,000 complete systems will be delivered once the latest order is filled.
Enlistment of the MRAD is also noteworthy from a historical perspective. It marks the first time a small arm designed by a father and another by his son, are being fielded by active-duty members of the U.S. military.
