According to “source sought notice” from the US Military, SOCOM is searching for a new sniper rifle to replace two current models. The notice posted on the governments public bid website indicates the military wants a rifle capable of shooting 1.5 miles (or 2,730 yards). As 2023 came to an end, SOCOM released a notice stating, “United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is seeking to replace older anti- material and anti-personnel rifles such as the M107 and MK15 with a newer system. This Sources Sought Notice will provide valuable market research on state-of-the-art sniper systems.”
The ELR-SR (extreme long range sniper rifle) will be magazine-fed and have the ability to interchange the barrel and bolt to different calibers. Other items they are seeking with the ELR-SR include:
- Magazines for each caliber
- Stocks
- Receiver
- Suppressor
- Ballistic computer
- Manual
- Bipod
- Tool kit
- Locking hard carry case
As the military continues to push the limits of small arms capabilities, this request for a new sniper rifle will no doubt have an impact on the civilian small arms industry as well. Many firearms in the civilian market are made popular by the military or law enforcement’s adoption of firearms. The contract opportunity is open to the public and due by January 23, 2024, at 10:AM EST.
This comes as tensions in the middle east are on the rise and the war in Ukraine shows no signs of letting up. As with any conflict or war, militaries are in a race to produce the most effective and advanced weapons. The US has dominated the sniper industry for years and this bid for an advanced rifle will only help secure that domination.