The Army M24 Sniper Weapon System: Top 8 Cool Facts -

The United States military has developed some of the best snipers in the world. One of the best known snipers was Chris Kyle. Chris was a Navy Seal and the movie American Sniper depicted his life and the situations Chris faced as a sniper.

Sadly, Chris was killed by an ex-marine who was suffering from P.T.S.D.

Some other snipers with a decorated history include:

Timothy Murphy – American Revolution
Jack Hinson – American Civil War
Alvin York – World War I
Carlos Hancock – Vietnam War – Held the longest recorded kill at 2,500 yards until 2002.
Chuck Mawhinney – Vietnam War
Adelbert Waldron III – Vietnam War
Gary Gordon – Somalia
Randy Shughart – Somalia (these 2 were depicted in the movie Black Hawk Down and both were killed trying to save the others.)
Jim Gilliland – Iraq
Timothy Kellner – Iraq and Haiti
and many others…

Some of these snipers used the M24 Sniper Weapon System.

Today, I am going to share the top 8 cool facts about the M24 Sniper Weapon System. So scroll down and learn more.

M24 Sniper Weapon System Fact #1: In Service Since 1988

The M24 Sniper Weapon System was adopted as the United States Army’s standard sniper system in 1988 and is still in service. So, it has been used in the Gulf War and all conflicts since.

It is also used by:

Afghan National Army
Philippine Army
People’s National Army of Algeria
PASKAL of Malaysia
Argentine Army
Lebanese Army
Bangladesh Army
Japanese Special Forces
Brazilian Special Operations
and several others.

M24 Sniper Weapon System Fact #2: Manufacturer

Remington Arms was given the contract to manufacture the M24 Sniper System. These are the military versions of the Remington Model 700 bolt action rifles.

Many snipers prefer the bolt action over an automatic because an automatic release of the casing can provide the enemy with the sniper’s location. The bolt action allows the soldier to safely eject the casing without compromising his/her position.

M24 Sniper Weapon System Fact #3: Variants

Since the 1988 adoption, the Army and Remington have worked hand-in-hand to design 2 other variants of the M24. I will give you the basic specs of the original M24 and I will explain the differences in the 2 variants…

M24 Specs

Caliber	.308 / 7.62x51mm
Receiver	Remington 700 Long Action
Barrel	24”, 416R Stainless Steel, 5R, 1:11.25 Twist
Trigger	Remington M24, Adjustable 3.5 – 5lbs
Stocks	HS Precision composite, Aluminum mounting block
Magazine	5 round internal
Bipod	Harris LM
Optics	Leupold Mark 4 M3A, 10X
Rings	Leupold, Steel
Optics Base	Leupold 2-piece
Weight	Base Rifle – 11 lbs, Complete – 14.85 lbs
Length	43”
Variations	Base Rifle, Optics only, Optics and iron sights
Accessories	Hard case, Deployment kit, Iron sights, Sling

M24 A2 Specs

Caliber	.308 / 7.62x51mm
Receiver	Remington 700 Long Action
Barrel	24”, 416R Stainless Steel, 5R, Modified for OPS INC Suppressor, 1:11.25 Twist
Suppressor	AAC 762SD, Quick Detach
Trigger	Remington M24, Adjustable 3.5 – 5lbs
Stocks	HS Precision composite, Aluminum mounting block
Magazine	5 round detachable
Bipod	Harris LM-S
Optics	Leupold Mark 4 M3 LR/T, 3.5-10X
Rings	Badger Ordnance, Alloy
Optics Base	Modular Accessory Rail, Side Rails
Weight	Base Rifle – 12 lbs, Complete – 18.3 lbs
Length	W/o suppressor – 43”, W/suppressor – 49”
Variations	Complete system only, Conversion of existing M24 SWS
Accessories	Hard case, Deployment kit

M24 A3 Specs

This is the extreme sniper weapon as the rounds are increased to the .338 Lapua Magnum Long Range shells. Here are the rest of the specs:

Receiver	Remington 700 Long Action
Barrel	19”, 416R Stainless Steel, 5R, Modified for OPS INC MB, 1:9 Twist
Suppressor	OPS INC 12th Model, Screw On
Trigger	Remington M24, Adjustable 3.5 – 5lbs
Stocks	Accuracy International Chassis, Full aluminum chassis
Magazine	5 round detachable
Bipod	Harris LM-S
Optics	Leupold Mark 4 M1 LR/T, 8.5-25X
Rings	Badger Ordnance, Alloy
Optics Base	Modular Accessory Rail, Side Rails
Weight	Base Rifle – 12lbs, Complete – 18.3 lbs
Length	W/o suppressor – 41”, W/suppressor – 49”
Variations	Complete system only
Accessories	Hard case, Deployment kit

M24 Sniper Weapon System Fact #4: Velocity and Rate Of Fire

The rate of fire on the M24 is 20 rounds per minute. The velocity of a fired bullet is 2,800 feet per second; good luck dodging that terrorists.

M24 Sniper Weapon System Fact #5: The Butt

Another cool feature of the M24 is the butt adjustment. Operators have the ability to move it 2 inches in or out for their comfort. The butt itself is a composite of Kevlar, fiberglass and graphite.

M24 Sniper Weapon System Fact #6: Powder Coated

The metal on the M24 is powder coated for durability.

M24 Sniper Weapon System Fact #7: Rebuild Program

Remington was given the go to upgrade M24s. As such, using older models, they are able to sell them to certain civilians and military personnel for a cost of $3,500 plus State tax and $85 shipping.

There are strict requirements to purchase one.

But what will your buddies say when you drop that 20 point buck from 1,000 yards?

M24 Sniper Weapon System Fact #8: Accuracy Requirements

This last fact is the coolest fact of all.

The M24 had to hold an Average Mean Radius of 3.3 inches at 300 yards over 10,000 rounds. The Army discovered many M24s actually had a tighter radius after 10,000 rounds.

The more you use it, the better it got.

Cool huh?

Final Thoughts

Every military has snipers. It is an important part of military operations.

We must give the United States a huge thumbs up for adopting this superior weapon as the sniper rifle used.

So what are your thoughts? Do you think the M24 should stay as the Army sniper weapon or should we move on to another?

You can post all comments and questions below.

Thank you for visiting and have a great day.

Sincerely,

Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com

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The Army M24 Sniper Weapon System: Top 8 Cool Facts