Here is a photo of a rifle that was used extensively by some SF guys that I had the pleasure to visit with.

I was amazed by the effectiveness of the camouflage. They applied the camo themselves using ordinary aersol can spray paint. There are a couple of more pictures of these weapons in my gallery under OIF 1 Small Arms.

Cool Pix!

It looks like the M16 with a different upper receiver. I know that there are a few gun companies that produce guns based on the M16 but with different accoutrements. Do you know who did the mods on this rifle?

And, when you get your hands on one of the 50cal sniper rifles...

The SPR is based on the M16A1 lower receiver so that the weapon maintains its automatic fire capability (as opposed to 3 round burst with the M16A2). The upper receiver consists of a free floating bull barrel with the visible silencer and the rail system. I do not know who makes the modifications.

The scope is a Leopold Long Range Tactical scope if I am not mistaken.

One of the soldiers that I talked to said the weapon had a maximum effective range of 1200 meters. He also stated that the longest shot made on their "A" team was a 680 meter "head shot" 1st round kill.

They do not use standard rifle ammunition. He wouldn't tell me specifics but only stated that their ammo was custom made and if a person was hit, they probably would not live to tell about it.

The rifles in the pictures were being replaced by the Stoner SR-25 as soon as they arrived in theatre.

That looks frickin awesome. 680m is amazing both for an M16 as well as the fact that most engagements took place a lot closer than that (at least for front line units, that probable didn't always apply for SF teams).

Obviously, given the camo and scope, its used for silent longer range shots, so why does it retain the automatic capability? Just added measure in case of CQB need? Also, why use the A1 lower receiver and not an M4A1? Being Green Berets, they would have plenty SOPMODs more readily available than M16A1s (?). You also wouldn't think, given the info you mentioned about the knock down power it has that it'd need to be used on auto. Also, was this a sort of "quick fix" until the SR-25 came? How are the units liking the SR-25?

Also, though the guy you talked to said he couldn't talk about it, what kind of ammo did it look like. Was it like a different sized 5.56 or something different? 6mm maybe? Would that mean a different type of barrel (I would think so?

As for where it would be made, I would think either locally by any organic armorers (?) or by unit armorers out of Fort Campbell. I can't think of anywhere else that it'd be made (Quantico maybe, though I doubt as that is FBI and USMC).

User note: Most of this could be very wrong, so take with at least a cup of salt (whoo that tastes good !!!) If anyone wants to correct me/set me straight, please do.

Thats my 20 questions. Thanks

Jeff

I might be wrong, but the SPR ammo they use are still 5.56mm, but handloaded. Tailored by the shooter himself, I would think.

Went on-line to check out the SR25. It apparently is based on the Armalite AR10, that the M16 was initially designed from. The clip looks like a 20 round 7.62mm magazine. Should be a great boost to range & knockdown power.

Check out http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/military/2004/9/weapons_special_forces/print.phtml

The only thing about the SR-25 is that its semiautomatic. That means lesser accuracy at range compared to bolt action rifles. However, given average engagement ranges and the availabilty of rifles designed for ranged shots, I think it is a good medium between long-range bolt action rifles and Designated Marksmen rifles (accurized M4s and M16s). Is the SR-25 meant more as a replacement for the M21?

Jeff

For sure, this is a awesome looking weapon. And also very effective for what it was ment for. As far as long range rifles are concerned, there are better choices. And the Special forces has them to. One they have been useing for quite some time is the Remington 40XB heavy barrel target rifle. A bolt action rifle chambered for the 7.62 nato round(308 winchester). This is a well balanced cartrige and rifle combo capable of sub mimute of angle accuratesy. And I beleave they also had a few of these rifles chambered for the 300 winchester magnum, a true long range combo. The M16 rifle and 5.56 nato round have stood the test of time! They are a great close to medium range rifle, but long range rifle? there are better choices. There 55 grain bullet dont have a whole lot of energy at 500 to 600 meters.

Just my opinion mates,

Garry