M110 Sniper Rifle Specifications

Overview Of The M110 Sniper Rifle

The M110 Sniper Rifle is a highly regarded semi-automatic precision weapon system designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern military and law enforcement snipers. Developed by Knight’s Armament Company (KAC) and adopted by the United States Army in 2008, this rifle has set new standards for accuracy, reliability, and versatility on the battlefield. One of the most notable features of the M110 is its ability to deliver precise shots at long distances while maintaining a rapid rate of fire.

Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, it strikes an optimal balance between range, power, and recoil management. The rifle’s gas-operated system ensures consistent cycling and reliability under various environmental conditions, making it a dependable tool for snipers operating in diverse terrains. The M110’s design integrates several enhancements over its predecessors. It boasts an adjustable stock that accommodates different shooter preferences and body types, enhancing comfort and stability during prolonged engagements.

The inclusion of a free-floating barrel minimizes vibrations that could affect shot accuracy, further contributing to its reputation as a precision instrument. Equipped with advanced optics mounting options, the M110 allows operators to attach various scopes and night vision devices tailored to mission-specific requirements. Its Picatinny rail system provides ample space for additional accessories such as bipods, laser designators, or suppressors.

Ease of maintenance is another key attribute; field stripping can be accomplished quickly without specialized tools, ensuring minimal downtime during critical operations. This maintainability complements its robust construction from high-quality materials designed to endure harsh combat conditions. In summary, the M110 Sniper Rifle embodies a blend of cutting-edge technology and user-centered design principles that deliver exceptional performance in tactical scenarios where precision shooting is paramount.

Design And Development

The design and development of the M110 sniper rifle began in response to the evolving needs of modern warfare, particularly the demand for a more versatile and accurate marksman platform. The U.S. Army identified a gap between traditional bolt-action sniper rifles and shorter-range infantry rifles, necessitating a semi-automatic system that could deliver precision fire with rapid follow-up shots. The M110 was developed by Knight’s Armament Company (KAC) as an evolution of their SR-25 platform.

The design process focused on integrating advanced materials and ergonomics to enhance both durability and user comfort. One significant innovation was the free-floating barrel, which improved accuracy by minimizing barrel deflection caused by external pressures such as sling tension or bipod mounting. This was complemented by a match-grade trigger that provided a crisp, consistent pull for enhanced shot placement. Another key aspect of the M110’s development was its modularity.

The rifle features a rail interface system (RIS) that allows operators to customize it with various optics, laser designators, bipods, and other accessories without compromising its balance or performance. This adaptability ensures that the M110 can be configured for diverse mission profiles ranging from urban engagements to long-range reconnaissance. In terms of materials, KAC employed aerospace-grade aluminum for the receiver and high-quality steel for the barrel, ensuring resilience under harsh operational conditions.

Additionally, attention was given to reducing weight without sacrificing structural integrity—resulting in a rifle that is both robust and manageable in extended field operations. The culmination of these design elements resulted in a highly reliable semi-automatic sniper system that met stringent military standards for accuracy, durability, and operational flexibility.

Caliber And Ammunition

The M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS) is a precision weapon that has garnered respect for its versatility and effectiveness in various military operations. Central to its performance is its caliber and ammunition capabilities, which are meticulously designed to ensure accuracy, range, and stopping power. The M110 is chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, a caliber widely recognized for its balance between power and manageable recoil.

This cartridge choice allows the M110 to achieve effective terminal ballistics while maintaining a level of control necessary for precision shooting. The 7.62x51mm NATO round provides a significant advantage in terms of range and penetration compared to smaller calibers, making it suitable for engaging targets at long distances with high accuracy. A key aspect of the M110’s design is its compatibility with various types of ammunition within the 7.62x51mm NATO specification.

This includes standard ball ammunition for general purposes, armor-piercing rounds for penetrating fortified targets, and match-grade cartridges designed specifically for enhanced accuracy during sniper operations. Match-grade rounds are particularly crucial as they offer superior consistency in bullet weight and powder charge, factors that significantly reduce variability in shot placement. Furthermore, the rifle’s semi-automatic action facilitates rapid follow-up shots without compromising precision—a vital feature during dynamic combat scenarios where multiple threats may need to be neutralized quickly.

The combination of the robust 7.62x51mm NATO caliber with specialized ammunition choices makes the M110 an adaptable tool for snipers who require both reliability and versatility on the battlefield.

Barrel Length And Rifling

The M110 sniper rifle, a semi-automatic precision weapon used by the United States military, is renowned for its accuracy and reliability. One of the key factors contributing to its precision is the meticulously designed barrel. The M110 features a 20-inch barrel, which strikes a balance between portability and ballistic performance. This length is optimal for maintaining high muzzle velocity while ensuring that the weapon remains manageable in various combat scenarios.

The rifling of the M110’s barrel plays an equally crucial role in its performance. Rifling refers to the spiral grooves cut into the interior surface of the barrel, which impart a stabilizing spin to the bullet as it travels downrange. The M110 employs a 1:11 twist rate, meaning that for every 11 inches of barrel length, the bullet completes one full rotation.

This specific twist rate is chosen to stabilize a wide range of bullet weights, particularly those commonly used in long-range engagements.

The combination of barrel length and rifling ensures that shooters can achieve consistent accuracy at extended distances. The 20-inch length allows sufficient time for propellant gases to accelerate the bullet effectively without compromising maneuverability in tight spaces or adding excessive weight. Meanwhile, the 1:11 rifling twist optimizes projectile stability during flight, reducing yaw and improving overall trajectory predictability.

Furthermore, these specifications support rapid follow-up shots—a critical advantage in dynamic combat environments—by enabling quick target reacquisition with minimal recoil disruption. Ultimately, these design choices make the M110 an exceptional tool for modern snipers who require both precision and adaptability on diverse battlefields.

Optics And Sighting Systems

The M110 sniper rifle, a semi-automatic precision weapon system primarily used by the U.S. military, boasts a sophisticated array of optics and sighting systems designed to enhance accuracy and operational efficiency in diverse combat scenarios. Central to its targeting capabilities is the Leupold Mark 4 LR/T scope, a versatile optic that provides shooters with high-resolution imagery and adjustable magnification settings. The scope’s variable power ranges typically from 3.5x to 10x, allowing snipers to effectively engage targets at varying distances while maintaining pinpoint accuracy.

Integral to the optic system is the inclusion of an illuminated reticle, which ensures visibility in low-light conditions or against complex backgrounds. This feature significantly improves target acquisition speed and precision in challenging environments such as dusk or dawn operations. The reticle also includes mil-dot markings that aid in range estimation and windage adjustments, crucial for long-range engagements.

Additionally, the M110 supports the attachment of various night vision devices (NVDs) and thermal imaging systems through its robust Picatinny rail system. This adaptability ensures that operators can maintain operational effectiveness during night missions or in adverse weather conditions where visibility is compromised.

The rifle’s backup iron sights provide an additional layer of reliability should primary optical systems fail or become damaged during combat operations. These fixed sights are calibrated for quick deployment and close-to-medium range targeting, ensuring that operators are never without a means of accurate engagement.

Overall, the advanced optics and sighting systems integrated into the M110 sniper rifle reflect a comprehensive approach to modern warfare needs—balancing technological sophistication with practical versatility to support snipers across various mission profiles effectively.

Magazine Capacity And Feeding Mechanism

The M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS) is renowned for its precision, reliability, and adaptability in various combat scenarios. One of the critical components that contribute to its operational efficiency is its magazine capacity and feeding mechanism.

The M110 utilizes a detachable box magazine, which is a pivotal feature for marksmen who require rapid reloads during high-intensity missions. The standard magazine capacity for the M110 is 20 rounds of 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition. This capacity strikes a balance between providing sufficient firepower and maintaining manageable weight and size for the operator. The 20-round magazine allows snipers to engage multiple targets without frequent reloads, enhancing their sustained fire capability in dynamic environments.

The feeding mechanism of the M110 is designed for reliability and smooth operation under adverse conditions. The semi-automatic action ensures that with each trigger pull, a round is automatically chambered from the magazine into the firing position. This system significantly reduces manual intervention compared to bolt-action rifles, allowing snipers to maintain their focus on target acquisition and engagement.

Moreover, the design of the magazine itself includes features aimed at ensuring reliable feeding. It incorporates robust materials and precise engineering to prevent misfeeds or jams that could compromise mission success. The spring tension within the magazine is calibrated to deliver consistent pressure on the rounds, facilitating their seamless transition into the chamber.

In conclusion, the M110’s magazine capacity and feeding mechanism are integral to its performance as a sniper rifle. By combining a substantial round count with a reliable semi-automatic feed system, it equips operators with both precision firepower and operational agility essential in modern combat scenarios.

Weight And Dimensions

The M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS) is a precision instrument meticulously designed for long-range engagement, and its weight and dimensions are integral to its operational effectiveness. Crafted with both field mobility and sniper efficiency in mind, the M110 strikes a balance between heft and maneuverability.

Weighing approximately 15.3 pounds (6.94 kilograms) when fully equipped with optics, bipod, and other accessories, the M110 is relatively lightweight for a semi-automatic sniper rifle of its caliber. This weight allows snipers to carry the weapon over extended distances without excessive fatigue while maintaining stability during firing sequences. The distribution of this weight is carefully engineered to optimize balance, ensuring that shooters can maintain steady aim even in high-pressure situations.

In terms of dimensions, the M110 exhibits an overall length of 46.5 inches (118 centimeters) with the stock fully extended. This length can be reduced to 41 inches (104 centimeters) when the stock is collapsed or removed for transport or storage purposes, making it more convenient for deployment in various terrains and operational environments. The barrel itself measures 20 inches (50.8 centimeters), providing an excellent compromise between range capability and portability.

The rifle’s ergonomic design includes an adjustable buttstock that can be tailored to fit different body types and shooting styles, enhancing comfort during prolonged use. Additionally, the handguard features multiple rails that allow for the attachment of various accessories such as laser designators, night vision devices, or additional grips.

These carefully considered weight and dimensional attributes ensure that the M110 SASS remains a versatile tool for snipers who require precision without sacrificing mobility or adaptability in diverse mission scenarios.

Performance And Accuracy

The M110 sniper rifle is renowned for its performance and accuracy, making it a highly valued asset in modern military arsenals. This semi-automatic precision rifle is chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO, a caliber known for its balance between range, recoil, and stopping power. One of the primary advantages of the M110 lies in its semi-automatic operation, allowing snipers to engage multiple targets quickly without losing sight picture or requiring manual cycling of the bolt.

Accuracy is paramount for any sniper rifle, and the M110 does not disappoint. It features a free-floating barrel design which minimizes barrel vibration and enhances shot consistency. This feature works harmoniously with its match-grade ammunition to deliver sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) accuracy under optimal conditions. The M110 can reliably achieve tight groupings at distances up to 800 meters, with skilled marksmen often pushing this boundary even further.

The rifle’s advanced optics play a critical role in its performance metrics. Equipped with a variable-power scope that can be fine-tuned for different ranges and environmental conditions, shooters are capable of making precise adjustments on-the-fly. The integration of night vision capabilities further extends the operational versatility of the M110, allowing for effective target engagement under low-light or nighttime conditions.

Recoil management is another area where the M110 excels. Its design incorporates an efficient muzzle brake and an adjustable stock that absorbs much of the recoil energy, reducing shooter fatigue during extended missions and maintaining accuracy over multiple shots.

In essence, the combination of cutting-edge design elements such as free-floating barrels, superior optics, and recoil mitigation systems ensure that the M110 remains a top-tier choice for military snipers who require consistent performance and pinpoint accuracy across various combat scenarios.