Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. have announced an ongoing program to develop a 6.8x51mm caliber conversion kit for the Barrett MRAD MK 22 Advanced Sniper Rifle system. The MRAD MK 22 is currently fielded by the U.S. Army and can currently be chambered in .338 Norma Magnum, .300 Norma Magnum and 7.62x51mm.
Barrett say that the new caliber conversion kit is being developed to support the US Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapons program high-pressure, high-performance 6.8x51mm ammunition. The NGSW family of weapon systems, chambered in 6.8x51mm, currently includes the M7 Rifle, XM8 Carbine and M250 Automatic Rifle. system. Development of a conversion kit is a logical step, providing common calibre flexibility for personnel and bringing an additional caliber capability to the MK 22 platform.
“Barrett remains focused on ensuring the warfighter maintains a decisive capability advantage through continued innovation and adaptation of proven sniper systems,” said Ryan Krantz, Vice President of Business Development & Sales for Barrett. “As ammunition technology and battlefield requirements evolve, Barrett is committed to remaining the leader in long range by delivering adaptable, mission-ready solutions for the Department of War.”
Barrett is currently engaged in maturing the design of the 6.8x51mm barrel kit and magazine configuration to ensure reliability in all conditions. The development isn’t a Department of War program; instead, the effort is being independently funded by Barrett to “ensure the capability is available should operational requirements emerge for the enhanced performance offered by both general purpose and special purpose 6.8x51mm ammunition types.”
The caliber conversion kit will be designed to utilise all nature of the US Army’s 6.8mm round including its XM1186 General Purpose (Ball), XM1188 Reduced Range and the XM1184 Special Purpose round. Barrett say they’ll release more information on the 6.8mm chambering for the MRAD as testing continues and the project evolves.
