1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division 1st of Paratroopers to test M110A1 Squad Designated Marksman Rifle
26 January, 2021
1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division testing the Squad Designated Marksman Rifle.
Story by Staff Sgt. Solomon Abanda
Paratroopers of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division were among some of the first Paratrooper who got to test the new Heckler & Koch M110A1 Squad Designated Marksman Rifle (SDMR), which was recently fielded to every infantry battalion within 1BCT on Fort Bragg NC, Jan. 19, 2021.
In April 2016, Heckler & Koch confirmed that a lighter version of the had won the U.S. Army’s Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System contract to replace the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System under the name of M110A1. (armyrecognition.com)
The SDMR is a gas-operated rifle that uses a 7.62×51mm, 6.5mm cartridge with a length of 1,029 mm, a fully retracted buttstock. It has 10 to 20-round translucent polymer box magazines and a 16.3-inch barrel.
“The SDMR has a 7.62 platform that will enable Paratrooper to engage targets from 300 to 600 meters. Said Company Commander Capt. Zachary stark. “This will increase the lethality of Paratroopers on a large scale.”
April 2, 2020
Ashburn, Virginia —Heckler & Koch Defense Inc. is pleased to announce the first shipment of M110A1 Squad Designated Marksman Rifles (SDMR) to the US Army. This shipment is the first of many that will eventually total between 5,000 and 6,000 complete weapon systems.
The new HK rifle is a variant of the 7.62 mm G28/HK417. Under terms of the agreement, the rifles, which are manufactured by HK in Oberndorf, Germany are first shipped to the HK-USA facility in Columbus, GA. There, HK-USA workers install scopes and mounts purchased by the Army under a separate agreement. Additionally, HK-USA staff kit the scoped rifles with additional accessories from 12 other US-based manufacturers to round out the complete SDMR weapon system delivered to the Army. Heckler & Koch will also provide spare parts, support, and training.
“Obviously, the COVID-19 pandemic creates and very challenging business environment. But as an essential partner in the defense infrastructure of this country, we are 100 percent committed to delivering this essential product to our troops, while keeping our employees safe and healthy,” HK-USA President and COO Michael Holley said. He added that HK SDMR system will add much-needed capabilities to virtually every squad in the Army, making it a top priority for HK internationally. “We have many of the best workers in in the small arms industry, both here in Columbus, Georgia and in Oberndorf, Germany, working together to make this happen,” Holley said.
Deliveries of the M110A1 under the current purchase agreement are expected to continue through the middle of 2021.
About Heckler & Koch
Heckler & Koch is the world’s premier small arms systems company and a major supplier to global military, law enforcement agencies, and civilian shooters. An innovative leader in design and manufacturing, Heckler & Koch provides technologically advanced firearms, logistical support, training, and specialized services with the highest standards of innovation and reliability to its customer base. Heckler & Koch’s well-known range of products include the USP series pistols, MP5 submachine gun, the MP7 Personal Defense Weapon, the G36 weapon system, the HK416 enhanced carbine, HK45, P30, and most recently VP series pistols.