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The U.S. Secret Service is exploring the acquisition of a new weapon to improve its operational capabilities. Specifically, the agency has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking vendors to supply semi-automatic 6.5 Creedmoor rifles, designed to enhance the effectiveness of their protective services for high-profile individuals, including the president and vice president.
Currently, the Secret Service utilizes M110 SASS rifles, but the agency believes the 6.5 Creedmoor rifle would offer significant advantages. The agency is considering an order of between 50 and 150 rifles, with a final solicitation to be released later this year.
The specifications outlined in the RFI highlight several key features desired for the new rifles. These include a design that accommodates both right- and left-handed users, a durable finish resistant to rust and corrosion, and compatibility with a variety of ammunition, including both standard and military-spec loads ranging from 130 to 145 grains. Additionally, the rifle should have a barrel length between 15.5 and 16.5 inches and a minimum service life of 3,500 rounds, with testing extending to 5,000 rounds.
The rifle’s design is also intended to balance power and portability. The weapon should weigh no more than 9.5 pounds with a suppressor attached and should not exceed 7.75 inches in height without accessories. The overall length with a collapsed stock should be 40 inches, making it both compact and versatile for various operational environments.
According to The War Zone, the adoption of the 6.5 Creedmoor round would offer the Secret Service enhanced accuracy and extended range compared to the existing 7.62x51mm rifles, increasing the likelihood of successful engagement with targets at distances up to 1 km away.
As the agency moves forward with its selection process, the new rifles are expected to improve the efficiency of operations, providing an upgraded defense capability for those charged with protecting the nation’s highest-ranking officials.
