Weapons of Choice: Remington M24E1

The Remington M24 Sniper Weapon System (SWS) was originally produced in the 7.62mm (.308-caliber), but in 2010, it was upgraded to .300 Winchester Magnum ammunition for precise engagement and improved capabilities and range. The initial upgraded rifles, 3,600, were produced and classified as M24E1 with a five-year contract. The effective range increased from 800 meters to 1,200 meters, important in operations in Afghanistan for long-range sniper activities, especially for the 10^th Mountain Division. Civilian hunters have used that caliber for big game hunting and required long-range shooting of the American western states.

The ammunition was not the only thing upgraded:

• New chassis-stock assembly that provides customized fits, folding buttstock, and 1913 Picatinny Rails for adding equipment.
• Improved 6.5-20x50 variable power Leopold rifle scope with enhanced reticule and .300 Winchester Magnum bullet-drop compensator (BDC).
• Advanced Armament Corp. suppressor with muzzle brake that is easily attached and detached. This attachment is available to non-military and non-law enforcement buyers if they qualify for a special federal authorization application (federal stamp).
• It is magazine fed and comes with a 5-round detachable box magazine, an improvement over the Remington 700 model base of the original M24 bolt-action rifle system as far as quick magazine change like military.
• It is coated with state-of-the-art material that resists corrosion throughout the rifle system.

You can purchase the rifle system with scope, suppressor and rifle all with matching serial number sets. Retail is between $3,000 and $3,600.

For $12,600 you can get a modular rifle with a 5-round double stack, double feed magazine in .50 BMG caliber. Muzzle brake can be removed to install an optional suppressor. The M24E1 is pretty heavy with the bipod, scope and suppressor (loaded); but the ASW50 is even heavier. Both rifle systems have a rail to attach thermal imaging and night vision devices, the rails being re-positionable. The shoulder stock is also adjustable and features a professional cheek-piece that adjusts separately via the stock. It is a total customizable rifle. The sling system is designed to be left or right hand. The ASW system is also available in 338LM, .308, .260 Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .223/5.56mm. Short-action rifles are also available that accepts either a 5 or 10-rd magazine.

The M24 system replaced the M21 sniper system mostly used by the United States Army. I liked the M21 sniper rifle because it was an adaptation of the M14 and was semi-automatic.

In the history of this rifle system used by snipers, the M21/M24 original caliber was .30-06 Springfield (M72 Match), later changed to the NATO 7.62mm so all NATO forces would have same ammunition. Barrels are made of 416R stainless steel with national match rifling, which produces less bullet deformation and more consistent point of impact. All ammunition used for sniper rifles are match grade.

The M21/M24 rifle system is used by the Afghan National Army, Brazilian Special Operations Brigade, Hungarian armed forces, Iraqi Army, Israel Defense Forces, Georgia Army, Japanese paratroopers, Lebanon, Philippine Army and Marine corps; and the United States Army and Air Force as well as law enforcement SWAT teams. Also see Guns & Ammo review.