United States Marine Corps Designated Marksman Rifle

The United States Marine Corps Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR, NSN 1005-01-458-6235; more formally the United States Rifle, Caliber 7.62 mm, M14, DMR) is a semi-automatic, gas-operated rifle chambered for the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge. It is a modified version of the M14 rifle formerly used by the United States Marine Corps.

United States Marine Corps
Designated Marksman Rifle
East Timorese soldier with an M14 DMR
TypeDesignated marksman rifle
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service2001–2010
WarsWar in Afghanistan
War in Iraq
Specifications
Mass4.5–5.0 kg (9.9–11.0 lb)
Length1,118 mm (44.0 in)
Barrel length559 mm (22.0 in)
Cartridge7.62×51mm NATO
ActionGas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fireSemi-automatic
Muzzle velocity2,580 ft/s (790 m/s) with M118LR
175 grain ammunition[1] 2,750 ft/s (840 m/s) with M80
147 grain ammunition[2]
Effective firing range600–800 m (660–870 yd)
Feed system10 or 20-round detachable box magazine

The DMR was issued with match-grade M118LR 175-grain Long Range ammunition.[3] The "basic" DMR (i.e., without secondary sight, magazine, sling, basic issue items, cleaning gear, suppressor and bipod) weighs 11 pounds (5.0 kg) or less. The DMR design facilitates repairing or replacing of the sight mount, barrel, bolt, and other key assemblies at the third echelon maintenance level. The USMC Precision Weapons Section at Marine Corps Base Quantico built all DMRs.

The Marine Corps replaced the DMR with the M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle on a one-for-one basis. The M39 was itself subsequently replaced by the M110.

Specifications

There are several notable differences between the basic M14 and the DMR.

  • Barrel: A 22 inches (560 mm) stainless steel, match-grade barrel by Krieger Barrels, Inc.
  • Stock: McMillan Tactical M2A fiberglass stock. This particular stock features a pistol grip and a buttstock with adjustable saddle cheekpiece.
  • Optics: An over-action MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail allows for the use of any optic compatible with the rail; this includes a rather large variety of military scopes and imaging devices. The most common scope used on the USMC DMR are TS-30.xx series Leupold Mark 4 day scopes, AN/PVS-10 or AN/PVS-17 night vision scopes, and Unertl M40 10× fixed power scopes.
  • Muzzle device: Most DMRs utilize the traditional M14 muzzle device, although since deployment in 2001, some DMRs are now equipped with the OPS, Inc. 2-port muzzle brake, which is threaded and collared to accept an OPS-Inc. 12th Model sound suppressor.
  • Bipod: A Harris S-L bipod is used on the USMC DMR.

Applications
Marine designated marksman operating the Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR)

A designated marksman primarily uses DMRs for enhanced accuracy and range. The DMR 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 DMR was previously used by Marine Corps FAST Companies and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Teams.

See also

References
  1. Small Caliber Ammunition, ATK, Accessed 6/6/2010, p. 8, http://www.atk.com/ammo_PDFs/smallcaliber.pdf Archived March 31, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  2. Small Caliber Ammunition, ATK, Accessed 6/6/2010, p. 5, http://www.atk.com/ammo_PDFs/smallcaliber.pdf Archived March 31, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  3. Increasing Small Arms Lethality in Afghanistan: Taking Back the Infantry Half-Kilometer, Major Thomas P. Ehrhart, United States Army School of Advanced Military Studies, United States Army Command and General Staff College (2009) p. 48
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