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

Star Model B Ihtog 1
Star Model B Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

New For 2025: Kimber Next Generation 1911

For its latest M1911 offering, Kimber Mfg. borrowed design elements from its double-stack 2K11 pistol to create what it calls the Next Generation 1911.

Review: Charter Arms Double Dog

Charter Arms is an American gunmaker that has offered its own versions of compact, double-action revolvers at fair prices for more than 60 years.

Rifleman Q&A: Mysterious “Broomhandle” Bring-Back

"My favorite gun is inoperable, so I have not shot it. It is one of two weapons that my dad brought back from the Philippines after World War II, the other being a sword."

New Jersey Town Supports CCW With Fee Refund

The city of Englishtown, N.J., recently made a move to reduce that financial barrier, sparking widespread optimism that a statewide, even nationwide, trend may be on the horizon.

Review: Savage Arms Revel

Lever-action rifles have experienced a revival in recent years, and Savage Arms is getting in on the act with its Revel series rimfires. To understand it, you may have to read (backward) between the lines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.