The U.S. Special Operations Command is looking to replace its .50 caliber precision rifle legacy systems, with the newest bolt-action ELR-SR, while today the arsenal counts the famous Barrett semi-automatic .50 caliber rifle and the less known bolt-action McMillan Mk 15.
The ELR-SR sources sought notice was first issued in December by SOCOM’s Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Center – now known as SOF AT&L; an updated version was released recently. This is a contracting announcement for information from potential vendors, laying out multiple core requirements.
“The ELR-SR system is intended to replace legacy M107 and MK15 for anti-personnel and anti-materiel targets,” the notice states. The new weapon system must have a precision fire capability of 2,500 meters, which translates into approximately 2,734 yards.
First developed in the 1980s, the M107 is the most advanced variant of the semi-automatic Barrett .50 caliber rifle and has remained a staple in the U.S. military. Its core design, relatively unchanged despite various improvements, has made it the gold standard for large-caliber long-range precision rifles. The Mk 15, or what the US Navy called the bolt-action McMillan Tac-50, also saw extensive service, but largely with SEAL snipers.
The SOCOM wants a new bolt-action rifle, with a maximum overall length of no more than 56 inches, desirably no more than 50 inches. The weight is not to exceed 22 pounds, though an objective target of 18 pounds has been stated. The new rifle would therefore be shorter and lighter than both the M107 and Mk 15. The preferred 2,500-meter effective range for the ELR-SR is also beyond that of the current models.
Its peak recoil energy shall not exceed 25 pounds, although SOCOM prefers felt recoil to be lower than that if possible. A recoiling barrel system has been used on the conventional semi-automatic Barrett M82/M107 rifles to help manage recoil.
Attached to the whole ELR-SR system are numerous accessories, which include a sound suppressor, ballistic computer, operator manual, cleaning kit, tool kit, bipod, and TSA-approved locking hard carrying case. The suppressor shall reduce the rifle’s report to 140 decibels or less.
SOCOM requires the ELR-SR to feature a mix of U.S. military standard Picatinny and Magpul M-LOK rails for attaching various accessories such as optics and aiming devices. The caliber of the rifle is open-ended, but mandating a modular design that would allow switching between different types of ammunition. If the primary system caliber is not a current DOD-approved munition, the system shall be capable of transitioning to a .300 Norma Magnum DOD-approved munition through a quick-change kit.
Both the M82/M107 and the Mk 15 rifles that the ELR-SR may replace are chambered to fire the .50 caliber Browning Machine Gun cartridge. This large caliber allows for specialized loadings, including those containing an incendiary and/or high-explosive element in the bullet, like the Mk 211 .50 caliber cartridge also known as the Raufoss round.
This also fits SOCOM’s wider push to equip its troops with newer small arms, which recently has included programs to acquire new smaller-caliber precision rifles, light and medium machine guns, and rifle-caliber personal defense weapons.