SOCOM Replaces MK17 SCAR-H with New MK24 Multi-Caliber Rifle
U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is replacing the MK17 SCAR-H with the MK24 Mid-Range Gas Gun-Assault (MRGG-A) rifle, produced by LMT Defense under a 10-year, $92 million contract awarded in August 2025. The MK24 features a quick-change barrel for 7.62mm and 6.5mm Creedmoor rounds, offering extended range over 1,200 meters with less recoil. Fielding to multiple SOF components begins before fiscal year 2026 ends. SOCOM is also pursuing a new sniper rifle and a paused light machine gun program.
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New SOCOM MRGG-A Rifle Features Swappable Barrel for Multi-Caliber Use
U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) will begin fielding the MK24 Medium Range Gas Gun Assault (MRGG-A) rifle before the end of fiscal year 2026, replacing the MK17 SCAR. The rifle, produced by LMT Defense under a 10-year, $92 million contract, features a swappable barrel that allows operators to change between 7.62mm NATO and 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridges in about one minute. This capability enables SOCOM operators to adapt to partner forces' ammunition availability or changing field environments. The adoption of 6.5mm Creedmoor marks a significant shift from legacy cartridges, as SOCOM found it delivers superior performance at ranges beyond 1,000 meters. The MRGG-A is part of a broader SOCOM modernization effort that also includes new sniper rifles and lightweight machine guns, reflecting a trend across U.S. military services toward intermediate-caliber, longer-range small arms systems.
Army TimesSOCOM to Field MK24 MRGG-A Rifle with Swappable Barrel for Multi-Caliber Use
U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) will begin fielding the MK24 Medium Range Gas Gun Assault (MRGG-A) before the end of fiscal year 2026, replacing the MK17 SCAR. The rifle, produced by LMT Defense under a 10-year, $92 million contract, features a quick-swappable barrel allowing operators to change between 7.62mm NATO and 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridges in about one minute. SOCOM spokesman Navy Cmdr. Joe Vermette confirmed the rapid fielding to multiple SOF components. The 6.5mm Creedmoor was selected after extensive testing for superior performance at ranges beyond 1,000 meters. The rifle's 14.5-inch barrel makes it feel like an M4 carbine while operating like an M110 sniper rifle. SOCOM is also pursuing a new sniper rifle (Geissele Automatics) and lightweight machine gun (Sig Sauer in .338 Norma Magnum), though the LMG fielding has been paused.
Marine Corps TimesSOCOM to Field MK24 MRGG-A Rifle with Swappable Barrel for Multi-Caliber Use
U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) will begin fielding the MK24 Medium Range Gas Gun Assault (MRGG-A) before the end of fiscal year 2026, replacing the MK17 SCAR. The rifle, produced by LMT Defense under a 10-year, $92 million contract, features a quick-swappable barrel allowing operators to change between 7.62mm NATO and 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridges in about one minute. SOCOM adopted the 6.5mm Creedmoor after testing found it delivers superior performance at ranges beyond 1,000 meters. The MRGG-A is designed to feel like an M4 carbine but operate like an M110 sniper rifle. SOCOM is also pursuing a new sniper rifle from Geissele Automatics in 6.5mm and a lightweight machine gun from Sig Sauer in .338 Norma Magnum, though fielding of the LMG has been paused. The shift reflects a broader military trend away from legacy cartridges.
Air Force TimesNew SOCOM MK24 MRGG-A Rifle Features Swappable Barrel for Multi-Caliber Use
U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) will begin fielding the MK24 Medium Range Gas Gun Assault (MRGG-A) rifle before the end of the fiscal year, replacing the MK17 SCAR. The rifle, produced by LMT Defense under a $92 million contract, features a swappable barrel that allows operators to change between legacy 7.62mm NATO and the newer 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridges in about one minute. SOCOM adopted the 6.5mm Creedmoor after testing found it delivered superior performance at ranges over 1,000 meters. The rifle is designed to feel like an M4 carbine but operate like an M110 semi-automatic sniper rifle. SOCOM is also pursuing a new sniper rifle and lightweight machine gun, though fielding of the latter has been paused. The shift reflects a broader military trend away from legacy cartridges, with the Army transitioning to 6.8x51mm Next Generation Squad Weapons.
Navy TimesSOCOM to Field MK24 MRGG-A Rifle with Swappable Barrel for 7.62mm and 6.5mm Cartridges
U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) will begin fielding the MK24 Medium Range Gas Gun Assault (MRGG-A) before the end of fiscal year 2026, replacing the MK17 SCAR. The rifle, produced by LMT Defense under a 10-year, $92 million contract, features a quick-swap barrel allowing operators to change between 7.62mm NATO and 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridges in about one minute. SOCOM adopted the 6.5mm Creedmoor after testing found it delivered superior performance at ranges beyond 1,000 meters. The MRGG-A is described as a 'deployment package' rather than just a gun, enabling operators to adapt to partner force logistics. SOCOM is also pursuing a new sniper rifle from Geissele Automatics and a lightweight machine gun from Sig Sauer, though the machine gun fielding has been paused.
Air Force TimesNew SOCOM MRGG-A Rifle Features Swappable Barrel for Multi-Caliber Use
U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) will begin fielding the MK24 Medium Range Gas Gun Assault (MRGG-A) rifle before the end of the fiscal year, replacing the MK17 SCAR. The rifle, produced by LMT Defense under a $92 million, 10-year contract, features a swappable barrel that allows operators to change between legacy 7.62mm NATO and newer 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridges in about one minute. This capability is designed for flexibility when operating with partner forces lacking access to 6.5mm ammunition. The 14.5-inch barrel makes the rifle feel like an M4 carbine but operate like an M110 sniper rifle. SOCOM adopted 6.5mm Creedmoor after testing found it delivered the best performance at ranges over 1,000 meters. The shift reflects a broader military trend away from legacy cartridges, with the Army transitioning to 6.8x51mm for its Next Generation Squad Weapons. SOCOM has also contracted for a new sniper rifle in 6.5mm and a lightweight machine gun in .338 Norma Magnum, though the machine gun fielding has been paused.
Military TimesNew SOCOM MK24 Rifle Features Swappable Barrel for Multi-Caliber Use
U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) will begin fielding the MK24 Medium Range Gas Gun Assault (MRGG-A) rifle before the end of the fiscal year, replacing the MK17 SCAR. The rifle, produced by LMT Defense under a $92 million contract, features a swappable barrel that allows operators to change between legacy 7.62mm NATO and newer 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridges in about one minute. SOCOM spokesman Navy Cmdr. Joe Vermette confirmed the rapid fielding to multiple Special Operational Force components. The 6.5mm Creedmoor was adopted after testing showed superior performance at ranges over 1,000 meters. The rifle's 14.5-inch barrel makes it feel like an M4 carbine but operate like an M110 sniper rifle. SOCOM has also contracted Geissele Automatics for a sniper variant and Sig Sauer for a light machine gun in .338 Norma Magnum, though the LMG fielding has been paused.
Navy TimesSOCOM to Field MK24 MRGG-A Rifle with Swappable Barrel for 7.62mm and 6.5mm Creedmoor
U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) will begin fielding the MK24 Medium Range Gas Gun Assault (MRGG-A) before the end of fiscal year 2026, replacing the MK17 SCAR. The rifle, produced by LMT Defense under a 10-year, $92 million contract, features a quick-swappable barrel allowing operators to change between legacy 7.62mm NATO and newer 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridges in about one minute. SOCOM adopted the 6.5mm Creedmoor after testing found it delivered the best performance at ranges up to 1,000 meters. The 14.5-inch barrel makes the rifle feel like an M4 carbine but operate like an M110 semi-automatic sniper rifle. SOCOM has also contracted Geissele Automatics for an MRGG Sniper rifle in 6.5mm and Sig Sauer for a lightweight machine gun in .338 Norma Magnum, though fielding of the machine gun has been paused. The shift reflects a broader military trend away from legacy cartridges, with the Army transitioning to 6.8x51mm for its Next Generation Squad Weapons.
Air Force TimesNew SOCOM MRGG-A Rifle Features Swappable Barrel for Multi-Caliber Use
U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) will begin fielding the MK24 Medium Range Gas Gun Assault (MRGG-A) before the end of the fiscal year, replacing the MK17 SCAR. The rifle, produced by LMT Defense under a $92 million, 10-year contract, features a swappable barrel that allows operators to change between 7.62mm NATO and 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridges in about one minute. This capability is designed for flexibility when operating with partner forces lacking access to 6.5mm ammunition. SOCOM adopted the 6.5mm Creedmoor after testing found it delivered the best performance at ranges over 1,000 meters. The MRGG-A is described as a 'deployment package' rather than just a gun. Other services, including the Army, are also shifting away from legacy cartridges. SOCOM has also contracted for a new sniper rifle in 6.5mm and a lightweight machine gun in .338 Norma Magnum, though fielding of the machine gun has been paused.
Military TimesNew SOCOM MK24 MRGG-A Rifle Features Swappable Barrel for Multi-Caliber Use
U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) will begin fielding the MK24 Medium Range Gas Gun Assault (MRGG-A) rifle before the end of fiscal year 2026, replacing the MK17 SCAR. The rifle, produced by LMT Defense under a 10-year, $92 million contract, features a swappable barrel that allows operators to change between 7.62mm NATO and 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridges in about one minute. SOCOM adopted the 6.5mm Creedmoor after testing found it delivered the best overall performance at ranges up to 1,000 meters. The rifle's 14.5-inch barrel makes it feel like an M4 carbine but operate like an M110 semi-automatic sniper rifle. SOCOM is also pursuing a new sniper rifle from Geissele Automatics in 6.5mm and a lightweight machine gun from Sig Sauer in .338 Norma Magnum, though the machine gun fielding has been paused. The shift reflects a broader military trend away from legacy cartridges like 7.62mm and 5.56mm.
Army TimesNew SOCOM MK24 MRGG-A Rifle Features Swappable Barrel for Multi-Caliber Use
U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) will begin fielding the MK24 Medium Range Gas Gun Assault (MRGG-A) rifle before the end of the fiscal year, replacing the MK17 SCAR. The rifle, produced by LMT Defense under a 10-year, $92 million contract, features a swappable barrel that allows operators to change between legacy 7.62mm NATO and the newer 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridges in about one minute. This capability enables SOCOM operators to adapt to partner force logistics or changing field environments. The adoption of 6.5mm Creedmoor follows years of testing, with SOCOM finding it delivers superior performance at ranges beyond 1,000 meters. The MRGG-A is described as a 'deployment package' rather than just a gun. SOCOM is also pursuing a new sniper rifle from Geissele Automatics in 6.5mm and a lightweight machine gun in .338 Norma Magnum from Sig Sauer, though the LMG fielding has been paused.
Army TimesNew SOCOM MK24 Rifle Features Swappable Barrel for Multi-Caliber Use
U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) will begin fielding the MK24 Medium Range Gas Gun Assault (MRGG-A) before the end of the fiscal year, replacing the MK17 SCAR. The rifle, produced by LMT Defense under a $92 million contract, features a quick-swappable barrel allowing operators to change between 7.62mm NATO and 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridges in about one minute. This capability enables flexibility when operating with partner forces lacking 6.5mm ammunition. The 14.5-inch barrel gives the rifle the feel of an M4 carbine but the performance of an M110 sniper rifle. SOCOM adopted 6.5mm Creedmoor after testing found it delivers the best performance at ranges over 1,000 meters. The article notes broader military shifts away from legacy cartridges, including the Army's Next Generation Squad Weapons in 6.8x51mm and SOCOM's interest in new sniper rifles and machine guns.
Navy TimesNew SOCOM MRGG-A Rifle Features Swappable Barrel for 7.62mm and 6.5mm Creedmoor
U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) will begin fielding the MK24 Medium Range Gas Gun Assault (MRGG-A) before the end of fiscal year 2026, replacing the MK17 SCAR. The rifle, produced by LMT Defense under a 10-year, $92 million contract, features a quick-swappable barrel allowing operators to change between 7.62mm NATO and 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridges in about one minute. This capability enables SOF operators to adapt to partner force ammunition availability or changing field conditions. The 14.5-inch barrel makes the rifle feel like an M4 carbine but operate like an M110 sniper system. SOCOM adopted 6.5mm Creedmoor after testing two dozen cartridges starting in 2017, finding it superior at ranges beyond 1,000 meters. The article notes broader military trends away from legacy calibers, including the Army's Next Generation Squad Weapons in 6.8x51mm and SOCOM's parallel adoption of the Geissele MRGG Sniper in 6.5mm and Sig Sauer LMG-Medium in .338 Norma Magnum.
Defense NewsNew SOCOM MK24 MRGG-A Rifle Features Swappable Barrel for Multi-Caliber Use
U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) will begin fielding the MK24 Medium Range Gas Gun Assault (MRGG-A) rifle before the end of fiscal year 2026, replacing the MK17 SCAR. The rifle, produced by LMT Defense under a $92 million, 10-year contract, features a quick-swappable barrel allowing operators to change between 7.62mm NATO and 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridges in about one minute. This capability enables SOCOM operators to adapt to partner force ammunition availability or changing field environments. The adoption of 6.5mm Creedmoor marks a significant shift from legacy cartridges, as SOCOM testing found it delivers superior performance at ranges up to 1,000 meters. The rifle's 14.5-inch barrel makes it handle like an M4 carbine while operating like an M110 semi-automatic sniper rifle. SOCOM has also contracted Geissele Automatics for a MRGG Sniper rifle in 6.5mm and Sig Sauer for a lightweight machine gun in .338 Norma Magnum, though the machine gun fielding has been paused.
Defense NewsNew SOCOM Rifle MK24 MRGG-A Features Swappable Barrel for Multi-Caliber Use
U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) will begin fielding the MK24 Medium Range Gas Gun Assault (MRGG-A) before the end of the fiscal year, replacing the MK17 SCAR. The rifle, produced by LMT Defense under a 10-year, $92 million contract, features a swappable barrel that allows operators to change between legacy 7.62mm NATO and the newer 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridges in about one minute. SOCOM adopted the 6.5mm Creedmoor after testing found it delivered superior performance at ranges up to 1,000 meters. The 14.5-inch barrel makes the rifle feel like an M4 carbine but operate like an M110 sniper rifle. SOCOM has also contracted Geissele Automatics for a sniper variant and Sig Sauer for a lightweight machine gun in .338 Norma Magnum, though fielding of the machine gun has been paused. The shift reflects a broader military trend away from legacy cartridges, similar to the Army's transition to 6.8x51mm Next Generation Squad Weapons.
Marine Corps TimesNew SOCOM Rifle Features Swappable Barrel for Multi-Caliber Use
U.S. Special Operations Command will begin fielding the MK24 Medium Range Gas Gun Assault (MRGG-A) before the end of fiscal year 2026, replacing the MK17 SCAR. The rifle, produced by LMT Defense under a 10-year, $92 million contract, features a swappable barrel allowing operators to change between 7.62mm NATO and 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridges in about one minute. SOCOM adopted the 6.5mm Creedmoor after testing found it delivered the best performance at ranges up to 1,000 meters. The 14.5-inch barrel makes the rifle feel like an M4 carbine but operate like an M110 sniper rifle. SOCOM has also contracted Geissele Automatics for an MRGG Sniper rifle in 6.5mm and Sig Sauer for a lightweight machine gun in .338 Norma Magnum, though fielding of the machine gun has been paused. The shift reflects broader military trends away from legacy cartridges, similar to the Army's transition to 6.8x51mm Next Generation Squad Weapons.
Marine Corps TimesNew SOCOM MK24 MRGG-A Rifle Features Swappable Barrel for Multi-Caliber Use
U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) will begin fielding the MK24 Medium Range Gas Gun Assault (MRGG-A) rifle before the end of fiscal year 2026, replacing the MK17 SCAR. The rifle, produced by LMT Defense under a 10-year, $92 million contract, features a quick-swappable barrel allowing operators to change between 7.62mm NATO and 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridges in about one minute. This capability enables SOF operators to adapt to partner force logistics or changing field environments. The 14.5-inch barrel makes the rifle feel like an M4 carbine while operating like an M110 semi-automatic sniper rifle. SOCOM adopted the 6.5mm Creedmoor after testing found it delivered the best performance at ranges over 1,000 meters. The article notes broader military trends away from legacy cartridges, including the Army's Next Generation Squad Weapons in 6.8x51mm and SOCOM's interest in new sniper rifles and lightweight machine guns.
Defense NewsNew SOCOM MRGG-A Rifle Features Swappable Barrel for Multi-Caliber Use
U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) will begin fielding the MK24 Medium Range Gas Gun Assault (MRGG-A) before the end of the fiscal year, replacing the MK17 SCAR. The rifle, produced by LMT Defense under a $92 million contract, features a swappable barrel that allows operators to change between legacy 7.62mm NATO and newer 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridges in about one minute. This capability is designed for flexibility when operating with partner forces lacking access to 6.5mm ammunition. The adoption of 6.5mm Creedmoor follows SOCOM's testing, which found it delivers superior performance at ranges up to 1,000 meters. The MRGG-A is described as a 'deployment package' rather than just a gun. Other services, including the Army, are also transitioning away from legacy cartridges. SOCOM has also contracted for a new sniper rifle in 6.5mm and a lightweight machine gun in .338 Norma Magnum, though fielding of the machine gun has been paused.
Military TimesU.S. Special Operations Command Deploys MK24 Multi-Caliber Rifle Replacing MK17 SCAR-H
U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is fielding the MK24 Mid-Range Gas Gun-Assault (MRGG-A) rifle, manufactured by LMT Defense, to replace the long-serving MK17 SCAR-H. The new multi-caliber rifle features a quick-change barrel system allowing operators to switch between 7.62×51 mm NATO and 6.5 mm Creedmoor ammunition, enabling effective engagements beyond 1,200 meters with reduced recoil. The weapon weighs approximately 9.2 pounds, has fully ambidextrous controls, and a monolithic upper receiver for improved accuracy. SOCOM awarded LMT Defense a 10-year, $92 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract in August 2025 covering weapon kits, spare parts, training, and future modifications. Initial deliveries are expected during the current fiscal year through an accelerated fielding process. The transition reflects SOCOM's effort to maintain operational advantage against increasingly capable adversaries in modern high-intensity conflicts.
"site:armyrecognition.com" - Google NewsSOCOM's MK24 Rifle to Replace MK17 SCAR-H, Fires 7.62mm and 6.5mm Ammo
U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is replacing the MK17 SCAR-H with the new MK24 Mid-Range Gas Gun-Assault rifle, produced by LMT Defense. The MK24 features a quick-change barrel allowing it to fire both 7.62mm and 6.5mm Creedmoor rounds, providing an extended range of over 1,200 meters with less recoil than the SCAR. SOCOM awarded LMT Defense a 10-year contract worth up to $92 million in August 2025. The weapon weighs 9.2 pounds without accessories, has ambidextrous controls, and an architecture similar to the M4 carbine. Fielding is expected to begin later this fiscal year (ending Sept. 30, 2026) to multiple SOF components. The MK24 is a direct replacement for the MK17, which has been in service since 2009. A sniper variant of the Mid-Range Gas Gun has been fielded since 2023.
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