U.S. Army Airborne snipers testing newest precision rifle

[rangerrebew]

U.S. Army Airborne snipers testing newest precision rifle
Jun 22, 2019

The U.S. Army Operational Test Command has reported that Snipers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division conducts first airborne infiltration operational tests of what could potentially be the Army’s newest sniper system.

According to Mike Shelton, Airborne Special Operations Test Directorate, Snipers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division recently participated in airborne infiltration test trials of what could potentially be the Army’s newest sniper system.

“The compact nature of the CSASS is appealing to airborne forces and particularly Snipers who are typically armed with long barreled precision rifles,” said Sgt. 1st Class Ross Martin, a Test NCO with the U.S. Army Operational Test Command’s Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate (ABNSOTD).

https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-army-airborne-snipers-testing-newest-precision-rifle.html

[Elderberry]

https://taskandpurpose.com/csass-army-sniper-rifle

The Heckler & Koch M110A1 7.62mm semi-automatic sniper rifle, selected for the Army’s Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System (CSASS) program

With a 16 inch long barrel and weighing 8.7 pounds with an empty magazine, the HK certainly meets the Army’s CSASS requirements size and weight requirements. It boasts a Schmidt & Bender 3-20X50 PMII Ultra Short Scope for improved optics and accuracy.

And with a similar look and feel to the standard M4 and M16 assault rifles, the M1101 will also be familiar to infantry soldiers who may end up wielding it downrange: In September, the branch announced plans to field a modified version specifically for regular infantrymen serving in a designated marksman role.

The Army contract for the HK CSASS came with a maximum order of 3,643 rifles, although it’s still unclear if Congress’ ongoing budget tribulations will affect future acquisition. And although there’s no word on when the lethal new rifle will end up in soldiers’ hands, the promise of a souped-up 7.62mm sniper rifle for a squad-level marksman is still worth looking forward to.