PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. – The Army’s PEO Soldier has awarded Remington Arms Company a contract for the “M24 Reconfigured Sniper Weapon System.” The award will result in the near-term fielding of 250 XM2010 weapon systems, which will be chambered for .300 Winchester Magnum cartridges. The new chambering significantly extends the weapon’s maximum effective range. The Army expects to take delivery of the first upgraded weapons in January.
“Within the space of a year we were able to partner with industry to deliver a new capability for our Snipers in combat,” said LTC Chris Lehner, Product Manager Individual Weapons. “The upgraded weapon system provides extended range for our snipers and incorporates the latest in weapons technology.”
After a full and open competition, the Army awarded the firm fixed price, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for the upgrade of up to 3,600 M24 Sniper Weapon Systems. Upgraded weapon features include:
- Bolt action rifle chambered for .300 Winchester Magnum ammunition to increase the effective range
- 5-round box magazine to make the system easier to load and reload with the additional option to change out ammunition quickly
- Rail endowed chassis and free floating barrel that allow for easier mounting of weapon accessories and greater accuracy
- Folding and adjustable stock that includes comb and length-of-pull adjustments
- Leupold Mark 4 6.5-20x50mm Extended Range /Tactical riflescope with advanced scalable ranging and targeting reticle; fielded with the AN/PVS-29 Clip-on Sniper Night Sight
- Quick attach/detach suppressor to reduce audible and visible signature with an available thermal sleeve that reduces mirage effect on heated suppressors
“The XM2010 had pinpoint precision,” said SFC Robert Roof, NCOIC/Chief Instructor, United States Army Sniper School. “We were able to achieve shots well within the weapon’s capabilities both during limited visibility and during the day. The optics were clear and easy to use and the ergonomics of the weapon made it very comfortable to shoot.”
The M24 upgrade initiative is the result of a Department of the Army G3 directed requirement to provide snipers operating in Operation Enduring Freedom greater capability to engage the enemy. PEO Soldier issued request for proposals from industry in January. The competing systems were tested and evaluated extensively throughout the spring and summer at Aberdeen Test Center with participation by engineers from the Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC), Army Testing and Evaluation Command (ATEC), members of the U.S. Army Sniper School, Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and the Army National Guard Marksmanship Unit. It is expected that the XM2010s will provide at least 10 years of service and will serve as a precursor to future sniper systems.
Contact Debi Dawson at 703-704-2802 to schedule interviews.
Excellent upgrade of a battle-proven platform chambered for a hot cartridge that’s the favorite of many snipers.
I’ll get this release and the great hires photos off to our editor today. Look for it in an upcoming issue of SMALL ARMS REVIEW.
Robert Bruce, SAR Military Affairs Editor
wow this upgrade looks rather good. What range can it achieve?
The .300 Winchester Magnum is an awesome round, It has great trajectory, range and stopping power. I use this round as a hunting round for medium to large game. To be more accurate, I actually use the .300 Winchester Short Magnum. The only differance between the two rounds is that the short mag has a shorter action in the bolt and a shorter caseing. The ballistics are the same between the two rounds. If the Army is trying to give snipers a better rifle, I belive they should have considered the short mag because of the shorter draw of the bolt and the shorter caseing of the short mag.
what the hell happened to the 50 bmg one mile range and still alot of knock down power.Hell the bad guys will be buying up all the old 50s on just blowing are asses away again with our own guns.
Sounds like you are referring to the M107 Semi-Automatic Long Range Sniper Rifle. The M107 will remain in the sniper team’s arsenal.
The XM2010 is an upgrade to the M24 Sniper Weapon System to provide Snipers greater range capability.