Shooting.htm

Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc.'s M107 Long-Range Sniper Rifle has been approved for "full material release." This means that the weapon has undergone full operational testing, been deemed safe to use, and has proven effective in the field.

The M107 is the Army's first semi-automatic .50 Cal sniper weapon system. Soldiers will be able to effectively engage multiple material targets, such as parked aircraft, light armored vehicles, and computers at distances of up to 2000 meters.

The rifle will also serve in a counter-sniper role, effectively utilizing the increased standoff distance against enemy snipers using smaller caliber weapons. The M107 is planned to compliment -- not replace -- the M24s that are currently in service, but it is slated to replace all remaining M82A1s that are currently in service with EOD (unexploded ordinance) units as detonation tools.

The M107 was used to devastating effect in the urban fighting during Operation Iraqi Freedom, successfully engaging targets at distances of 1400 meters. U.S. sniper teams noted increased accuracy and range over the M24 (7.62mm), but they also were able to appreciate the psychological damage on the enemy forces when enemy combatants viewed the destructive force of the .50 BMG rounds. Many soldiers have commented that they consider the M107 to have been the most useful piece of equipment used during urban fighting.

The only negative feedback from soldiers in the field was about the Leupold telescope sight. The sight is zeroed for 500, 1000, and 1500 meters. Many sniper teams reported that they had to do some guesswork when engaging a target at an in-between distance, such as 1350 meters. Most believe that an upgraded telescope sight would increase the weapon's accuracy and ease of use.

There are a few of warnings that need to be heeded before attempting to fire the M107. First, it is recommended that a maximum of nine rounds, instead of ten, be loaded into the weapons clip to avoid internal damage to the weapon. Second, this weapon creates a hazardous amount of noise when fired, therefore requiring the use of hearing protection during use. Lastly, even though the M107 is able to fire many types of standard .50 caliber ammunition, specific rounds must go through an approval process before use. For example, the .50 cal SLAP (Saboted Light Armor Penetrator) round is specifically forbidden, as attempting to fire this round in the M107 will cause serious injury to personnel and damage to the weapon.

Currently, the only planned upgrade for the M107 is a suppressor that will reduce the muzzle flash, noise, and blast signatures.

The Army expects to have the M107 fully fielded by FY08. The Army originally fielded 700 units in FY03 under an "urgent material release" to support overseas operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. The M107 has proven itself to be a very effective asset in the field and will continue to serve and protect our people in the field for years to come.

The .50 BMG in Sniping


	The M107 sniper rifle in action.

Legendary sniper Gunnery Sgt. Carlos N. Hathcock II was the first person to ever use a .50 caliber weapon in a sniping role. Utilizing a .50 caliber Browning HMG with an 8-power telescope sight, he set the record for the farthest confirmed kill by a sniper during the Vietnam War, at 2,250 meters.

This feat of field craft by Sgt. Hathcock established the viability of using .50-caliber ammunition as usable and effective for sniper special operations. Sgt. Hathcock’s record was broken only recently in Afghanistan by a Canadian sniper team. The Canadian snipers scored a chest shot at 2,430 meters using a .50 caliber McMillian bolt-action rifle, with a 16 power Leupold telescope sight.