U.S. Marines Receive First New Sniper Rifle Since Vietnam

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The United States Marine Corps have just received their first new sniper rifle since the Vietnam war. After years of development and testing the new Mk13 Mod 7 sniper rifle is finally ready and approved for combat.

The new sniper will increase the range and lethality of scout snipers. Further preparing forces to deal with any adversary at any time or place.

The Mk13 Mod 7 will replace the M40 sniper system used by the Marines since the Vietnam war. With its improved 1,000 yard effective range, the new rifle significantly outranges its predecessor. 

Taskandpurpose.com mentions that although the Army’s M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle and the United States Special Operations Command’s Precision Sniper Rifle both have a longer range than the Mk13 Mod 7, the Pentagon put more of an emphasis for lethality and precision when it comes to the Marines.

When the Mk13 is fired, its bullet stays stable for much longer than its predecessor, the M40. This is because the weapon can create enough force to give the bullet extra velocity that keeps it supersonic for longer. Objects traveling above supersonic speeds tend to be more stable and produce less drag.

Some platoons within the Marine Corps have already been using the weapon and the general feedback towards the weapon has been incredibly positive.