U.S. Army Now Fielding New Sniper System

by
posted on June 18, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
cssas.jpg

The U.S. Army has begun fielding its new Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System (CSASS) and non-commissioned officers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division on Fort Stewart, GA, were the first behind the issued guns earlier this month.

The platform is based on Heckler & Koch’s G28. The piston-driven semi-automatic is chambered in 7.62 NATO and capable of running the military’s XM1158 Advanced Armor Piercing Round as well as the M80A1 Enhanced Performance Round.

“We have given them a rifle that is precise and capable of closing the capability gap of 300 to 600 meters, which means it fills the maximum firing distance gap between the standard issue rifle and the sniper rifle,” said David Parris, who works for Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command. The firearm’s official designation is M110A1, and its primary role will be the Designated Marksman Rifle.

Despite the bigger chambering and longer effective range, the firearm’s profile resembles that of issued M4s, theoretically minimizing the chances an enemy combatant can identify and target the squad’s precision shooter. Manual of arms is nearly identical, as well as field maintenance.

Some of the early tests by Soldiers were conducted by members of Fort Bragg, NC’s 82nd Airborne. Advantages they noted over then-issued CSASS include the shorter length, which make it easier to maneuver inside cramped airplanes prior to a jump, lighter weight (10 pounds) and reduced perceived recoil.

The gun is also equipped with a SIG Sauer Tango 6 1-6x24mm riflescope. Members of the 82nd testing the system detected no shift in point of impact/point of aim after parachute jumps.

Between 5,000-6,000 complete rifle systems will be delivered to the Army, with the 3rd Infantry Division already in possession of some the earliest produced. The contact is scheduled for completion in 2022.

Latest

springfield armory kuna
springfield armory kuna

Springfield Kuna: A PDW For The Masses

Small, yet fierce, the namesake of Springfield Armory’s latest large-format pistol is a revered forest dweller in the land of its Croatian manufacturing partner, HS Produkt. The new Kuna is poised to be just as welcome in America.

The Armed Citizen® June 30, 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.

Book Review: Clockwork Basilisk: The Early Revolvers Of Elisha Collier & Artemas Wheeler

The result of a decade of research, Clockwork Basilisk is a comprehensive, two-volume history of the rare revolvers that preceded the development of the well-known Colt guns of the 1830s.

Preview: 1791 Gunleather Cobra Gun Belt 01

Employing the same rugged and rigid 0.25"-thick American steerhide as 1791 Gunleather’s original Gun Belt 01, the new Cobra Gun Belt 01 offers enhanced ease of use by taking advantage of a high-strength Cobra quick-latch/release buckle.

NRA CEO Hamlin and President Bachenberg Hold First Virtual Townhall

In the interests of transparency, NRA CEO and EVP Doug Hamlin and NRA President Bill Bachenberg held a live Townhall event, where both answered direct questions from NRA members.

Benelli Adds New 28-Gauge Models to Super Black Eagle 3 Line

Benelli initially introduced the 28-ga. chambering to its Super Black Eagle 3 line in 2022, but this year, the company added three new models tailored specifically to hunters.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.