M24 Sniper Weapon System

Lore & Background

The M24 SWS uses the long-action version of the Remington 700 receiver but is chambered for the short-action 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge (overall length 2.750 in). The long action allows reconfiguration for larger cartridges up to 3.340 in overall length. The rifle originally came tapped for the Leupold Ultra M3A 10×42mm fixed-power scope with a circle-shaped mil-dot glass-etched reticle, replaced in 1998 by the Leupold Mk 4 LR/T M1 10×40mm fixed-power scope with an elongated mil-dot wire reticle. A detachable Harris 9–13" 1A2-LM or 1A2-L bipod is included.

The barrel is made of 416R stainless steel with a 1-in-11.25-inch twist and five radial lands and grooves (5-R) with a right-hand twist. The odd number of lands means none are 180° apart, reducing bullet deformation and theoretically producing more consistent point of impact. The 5-R rifling's land sides are cut at a 65° angle rather than 90°, reducing barrel fouling and improving consistency over many rounds between cleanings. The H-S Precision PST-024 stock secures the action via an aluminum bedding block, with a free-floating barrel. A twin-strut extension in the butt allows a 2-inch adjustment to length of pull and permits the weapon to fit inside the M-1950 Weapon Container for Airborne Operations. The stock is made from polymer foam reinforced with fiberglass, carbon fiber, and Kevlar, painted with heavy-duty polane paint.

Accuracy requirements per MIL-R-71126(AR) specify an average mean radius of 1.3 inches at 200 yards, 1.4 inches at 273 yards, and 1.9 inches at 300 yards. The radial distance between centers of impact on successive targets must average 1.086 MOA or less. Actual rifle requirements were .35 MOA from a machine rest, with accuracy maintained to 10,000 rounds; some barrels tested past 20,000 rounds never dropped below the original requirement.

Reader's Guide

The M24 SWS served as the U.S. Army's primary sniper rifle from its adoption in 1988 through the early 21st century. Although the Army awarded a contract to Knight's Armament Company for the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System as a replacement, it continued acquiring M24s from Remington until February 2010. Many M24s were upgraded to the A2 and M24E1 standard and continued in service. The Army ultimately chose to upgrade all its M24 rifles to the M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle, with the final M24 converted in April 2014. The M24's design allowed for reconfiguration to larger calibers, leading to experimental variants like the XM24A1 in .300 Winchester Magnum and the production M24A3 in .338 Lapua Magnum. The M24A2 added a detachable 5-round magazine, Picatinny rails, and suppressor compatibility. The 2009 Army solicitation for reconfiguring M24s to .300 Winchester Magnum with new stocks, rails, and suppressors resulted in the M24E1/XM2010 program. The M24's long action receiver and 5-R rifling barrel contributed to its reputation for accuracy and longevity, with some barrels maintaining accuracy beyond 20,000 rounds.

Did You Know?

• The 5-R rifling has five lands cut at a 65° angle, reducing fouling and improving consistency.
• The stock includes a twin-strut extension that adjusts length of pull by 2 inches for fitting in the M-1950 airborne container.