The US Marine Corps has officially achieved full operational capability (FOC) for the MK 22 Mod 0 Advanced Sniper Rifle (ASR), accomplishing this milestone a year ahead of schedule. This development comes as a response to the operational needs expressed by the Special Operations Forces and the US Army, which prompted the Marines to expedite their acquisition of the advanced rifle.
The transition to full operational capability has been celebrated across all Marine infantry and reconnaissance units. It has also been integrated into military occupational specialty schools that are fielding the new bolt-action rifle. According to a press release from the US Marine Corps, the MK 22 entered service as part of a transition process from the Special Operations Forces, allowing the US Army to oversee relevant contracting actions. This collaborative effort significantly accelerated the program’s timeline, marking a key victory for both the Marine Corps and its personnel.
The Marine Corps adopted the MK 22 rifle in 2020 as a replacement for the existing M40A6 and Mk13 Mod 7 sniper rifles. One of the standout features of the MK 22 is its impressive effective range, which reaches up to 1,500 meters (approximately 4,921 feet), surpassing the M40’s range of 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) and the Mk 13 Mod 7’s range of 1,300 meters (4,265 feet). Furthermore, the MK 22 can accommodate multiple calibers, including 7.62mm, 300 Norma Magnum, and .338 Norma Magnum rounds, providing flexibility for varying mission requirements.
Kevin Marion, a Logistics Management Specialist with Marine Corps Systems Command, highlighted the advantages of this multi-caliber capability: “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.” This operational shift is not only expected to enhance efficiency but also alleviate the logistical burden on units, thus lightening the load for individual Marines.
The MK 22 also boasts improved sustainability through reduced repair times. In instances where a barrel fails, the rifle can remain operational by simply swapping to a different barrel, thus maintaining mission readiness. Brian Nelson, a project officer with Marine Corps Systems Command, explained, “Replacing a barrel was impossible with previous systems, where a condemned barrel would render the weapon unusable.” The improved design of the MK 22 ensures that operational readiness is not compromised even in the event of barrel failure.
Each MK 22 rifle kit is equipped with three barrels, a sound suppressor, and the M317 Precision Day Optic (PDO) along with its scope mount. Additionally, reconnaissance and infantry units are supplied with a .300 Winchester Magnum barrel, a scout sniper tripod kit, a laser filter unit, and an anti-reflection device. Nelson emphasized the significant leap in capability with the M317 PDO, stating that its 7-35 variable powered optic represents a “game changer” compared to previous sniper systems like the M40 and MK 13.
Overall, the successful transition to FOC for the MK 22 Mod 0 Advanced Sniper Rifle marks a significant advancement for the US Marine Corps, enhancing their operational efficiency and effectiveness on the battlefield.
