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

Taurus Expedition Rifleman Review 1
Taurus Expedition Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Taurus Expedition

Taurus entered the bolt-action rifle market with its Expedition, a Remington 700-pattern design that's built to be versatile and affordable.

New For 2025: Charter Arms Pathfinder II

Charter Arms updated one of the oldest models in its lineup with the new Pathfinder II, which features a lightweight 7075 aluminum frame, making it more well-balanced and easier to carry.

Review: Kimber 2K11

The 2011-style pistol was designed to address the capacity limitations of the single-stack M1911 platform, and Kimber's approach to the concept is its 2K11, a competition-ready offering with several notable features.

Favorite Firearms: A High-Flying Hi-Standard “A-D”

Manufactured in New Haven, Conn., in late 1940, this Hi-Standard pistol was shipped as a Model “A,” but a heavier Model “D” barrel was installed later to replace the original, light barrel, leading one American Rifleman reader to call it a Model “A-D.”

Ruger Helps Families In Need Through The Kids & Clays Foundation

In the effort to help tens of thousands of critically ill children and their families across the nation through local Ronald McDonald Houses, Ruger is among some of the industry’s foremost Platinum-level sponsors of The Kids & Clays Foundation.

Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.