M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle

The M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle (EMR; formally Rifle, Caliber 7.62 mm, M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle; NSN 1005-01-553-5196) is a semi-automatic, gas-operated designated marksman rifle chambered for the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge. It is a modified and accurized version of the M14 rifle used by the United States military, in a similar vein to the Mk 14 Enhanced Battle Rifle. It is based on the United States Marine Corps Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR), which it replaced. It is manufactured by Sage International and maintained by the USMC's Precision Weapons Section.[1]

M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle
An M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle in use with a U.S. Marine
TypeDesignated marksman rifle
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service2008–present
Used byUnited States Marine Corps United States Army
WarsWar in Afghanistan (2001–present)
Iraq War
Production history
ManufacturerSage International[1]
Unit costUS$3,930.17
Specifications
Mass16.5 lb (7.5 kg)
Length44.2 in (112 cm)
Barrel length22 in (56 cm)

Cartridge7.62×51mm NATO
ActionGas-operated, rotating bolt, semi-automatic
Rate of fire60 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity2,837 ft/s (865 m/s)
Effective firing range850 yd (780 m)
Maximum firing range4,075 yd (3,726 m)
Feed system20-round detachable box magazine
SightsIron sights
M8541 Scout Sniper Day Scope (telescopic sight)

The rifle is currently issued with match-grade M118LR 175-grain long range ammunition. The "basic" EMR (without telescopic sight, magazine, sling, basic issue items, cleaning gear, suppressor and bipod) weighs 13 pounds (5.9 kg) or less.

History

In November 1992, Marine Corps Systems Command drafted a mission needs statement for an enhanced sniper support team weapon (SSTW). It called for a weapon to support the M40A1 sniper rifle in a Scout Sniper team for close-range engagements and to lay down rapid semiautomatic suppressive fire. At the time, the role was filled by the M16A2, which could not mount optics or night vision sights and used M855 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition, which was too inaccurate for the role. A previous designated marksman weapon effort attempted to use the M14 for the role, but it was not as accurate as bolt-action rifles and could not fit into the Fleet Marine Forces logistics system. The enhanced SSTW had to engage targets out to 600 meters, use ammunition interchangeable with the M40A1, be able to mount a sound suppressor and optics, and be supportable. Even though the M14 was not initially suitable, rifle equipment builders continued to refine it and produced versions as "interim measures". They eventually became a program unto themselves and culminated as the M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle.[2]

Specifications

There are several differences between the DMR and EMR.

  • Stock: the metal stock is adjustable in length and in height to provide a more precise cheek weld. The pistol grip is modified for a better grip.
  • Optics: the Picatinny rail allows for the use of any optic compatible with the rail; this includes a large variety of military scopes and imaging devices. The M8541 Scout Sniper Day Scope (SSDS), originally designed for the M40A3, is issued with the rifle as a set.
  • Bipod: a Harris S-L bipod is used on the USMC DMR, but a modified version designed to be more durable is used on the EMR.

Applications

The EMR is primarily used by a designated marksman, to provide precision fire for units that do not rate a scout sniper. As a replacement for the DMR, the EMR fills the need for a lightweight, accurate weapon system utilizing a cartridge more powerful than the M16A4's standard 5.56×45mm NATO—the 7.62×51mm NATO. The EMR is also used by Marine scout snipers when the mission requires rapid accurate fire and by Marine Corps explosive ordnance disposal teams.

In early 2012, the Marine Corps began replacing the M39 with the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System, originally developed for the U.S. Army, on a one-for-one basis, with the designation of Mk 11 Mod 2.[3] The M110 better fills the requirements of the SSTW, being able to mount suppressors and night vision systems while maintaining zero, and having M16 training and supply commonality.[2]

Components

Component view of an EMR

Media related to M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle at Wikimedia Commons

See also

References

  1. "Gun Review: The M1A Warhorse Reborn". tactical-life.com.
  2. Knight’s Armament M110: The New Breed of Sniper Rifle - SAdefensejournal.com, 5 January 2012
  3. Lamothe, Dan (March 17, 2011). "Corps fielding new semi-automatic sniper rifle". Marine Corps Times. Archived from the original on 14 July 2011. Retrieved 18 March 2011.
  • TM 11473A-OR/1A (PDF). PCN 184 114730 00. United States Marine Corps. March 2008. Retrieved 2008-10-03. limited access
  • Fielding Plan for the RIFLE, 7.62 MM, M39 ENHANCED MARKSMAN RIFLE (EMR). United States Marine Corps.
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