Barrett: SOCOM Orders First MK22 MRADs :: Guns.com...
Murfreesboro, Tennessee-based Barrett Firearms this week announced that the United States Special Operations Command has placed an initial production order for their new MK22 rifle.
SOCOM in 2019 tapped Barrett to produce what were termed new Advanced Sniper Rifles identified in SOCOM’s the command's budget justification book as part of an effort to continue “development of enhanced capabilities to improve performance” of “individual sniper weapons to engage out to 1500 meters.”
A previous solicitation described the ASR as a “modular, multi-caliber, bolt-action sniper rifle”
The MK22 set for delivery to the military is based on Barrett's MRAD bolt-action precision rifle in .338 Norma Mag, .300 Norma Mag and 7.62 NATO. The MRAD uses a monolithic upper receiver with caliber conversion kits utilizing a separate barrel assembly and bolt. As such, the overall length of the MK22 can vary from 43.6-inches when fitted with the 20-inch 7.62 barrel, to 50.6-inches with the 27-inch .338NM. In its heaviest configuration, the MK22 tips the scales at just over 15-pounds, sans optics, ammo, and accessories.
The company says that deliveries of the rifle to SOCOM will commence in January 2021.
“We are pleased to have reached this milestone with the project and look forward to providing our warfighters with this highly capable platform,” stated Joel Miller, Barrett's Director of Global Military Sales.
Earlier this year, Leupold announced their Mark 5HD 5-25×56 will be provided for use on the MK22 in a flat dark earth coating and utilize the Army’s Mil-Grid reticle.