The US Marine Corps has reached full operational capability (FOC) for the MK 22 Mod 0 Advanced Sniper Rifle (ASR), a year ahead of schedule.
Induction by the Special Operations Forces and the US Army pushed the Marines to acquire the FOC.
The landmark has been marked by all Marine infantry and reconnaissance units, as well as military occupational specialty schools, fielding the bolt-action rifle.
“The MK22 entered Marine Corps hands through the “Special Operations Forces to service” transition process, allowing the US Army to take responsibility for contracting actions,” the US Marine Corps said in a press release.
“This collaboration accelerated the entire program, pushing us to FOC a full year ahead of schedule—a significant win for the Marine Corps and our warfighters,” Weapons Team Lead, Marine Corps Systems Command, Maj Michael Billings added.
Multi-Caliber Rifle
The Marines adopted the rifle in 2020 as a replacement for the operational M40A6 and Mk13 Mod 7 sniper rifles.
It offers a range of 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) compared to the M40’s 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) and the Mk 13 Mod 7’s 1,300 meters (4,265 feet).
Additionally, the multi-caliber rifle can be chambered with 7.62mm, 300 Norma Magnum, and .338 Norma Magnum rounds, offering a tailored solution for different missions.
“Marines like the ability to conduct caliber conversions at their level and the fact that they only have one rifle instead of the two it replaced,” a Logistics Management Specialist with Marine Corps Systems Command Kevin Marion emphasized.
“This shift improves operational efficiency, reduces the logistical burden on units, and lightens the individual Marine’s load.”
More Sustainable, Reduced Repair Time
Another advantage the new rifle offers is its enhanced sustainability, with reduced repair time.
Should a barrel fail, the rifle can still be employed with a different barrel, maintaining the soldier’s operational readiness.
“[Replacing a barrel] was impossible with previous systems, where a condemned barrel would render the weapon unusable, directly affecting mission readiness,” MK22 project officer Marine Corps Systems Command Brian Nelson said.
“Now, the MK22 ensures that even if a barrel fails, Marines are still mission ready.”
Rifle Kit
Each rifle kit includes three barrels, a sound suppressor, the M317 Precision Day Optic (PDO), and its accompanying scope mount.
Reconnaissance and Infantry units are also being provided with a .300 Winchester Magnum barrel, a scout sniper tripod kit, a laser filter unit, and an anti-reflection device.
“The M317 PDO paired with the MKk22 is a game changer,” Nelson added.
“The M317 PDO is a 7-35 variable powered optic, a huge leap in capability over our previous sniper systems like the M40 and MK13.”