The U.S. Department of Defense just announced it awarded Barrett with a $49.9 million contract for advanced sniper rifles. Moreover, Barrett will provide MRAD rifles, designated Mk21, to U.S. Special Operations Command.
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Barrett Wins SOCOM Advanced Sniper Contract
Firstly, Barrett now claims a five-year, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract worth an estimated $49,936,300, according to a DoD report.
“The United States Department of Defense announced today that Barrett has been selected to provide their MRAD as the US Special Operations Command Advanced Sniper Rifle system, designated as Mk21,” Barrett announced in a post on Facebook. “This marks the first time in history that a father and son have had rifle designs adopted by the US military: Ronnie Barrett with M107 and Chris Barrett with Mk21.”
In April, 2017, Tactical-Life reported that USSOCOM had issued a notice for a new advanced sniper rifle and was considering going to a 6.5mm round. “The solicitation was posted on the Federal Business Opportunities website under ‘full and open competition’ and six proposals were received,” DoD reported. Above all, Barrett emerged victorious in a competition that stands poised to drive precision marksmanship and sniping programs in the U.S. military for years to come.
Barrett MRAD Features
The Barrett MRAD rifle system utilizes a monolithic upper receiver machined from 7000-series aluminum. A full-length Picatinny rail provides generous mounting surface for both day and night optics. Also, the rail features built-in taper in keeping with the rifle’s intended role of long-range engagement. Further, Barrett placed additional accessory mounting surfaces at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions.
Arguably the biggest highlight of the MRAD platform is the system’s barrel interchangeability. After loosening only two bolts via a standard Torx wrench, the user can then change between several different calibers or barrel lengths. Additionally, MRAD chamberings include .338 Lapua Magnum, .338 Norma Mag., .300 Norma Mag., .300 PRC, .300 Win. Mag., .308 Win., 7mm Rem. Mag., 6.5 Creedmoor and .260 Rem. Also, barrel lengths include 17, 20, 22, 24 and 26 inches.
For more information, visit barrett.net.
