New Medium Range Gas Gun Assault Set for Deployment by U.S. Special Operations
The U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is gearing up to deploy the MK24 Medium Range Gas Gun Assault (MRGG-A) within this fiscal year, marking a significant transition from older ammunition types like the 7.62mm NATO round, as detailed in a recent announcement.
Navy Cmdr. Joe Vermette, a spokesperson for SOCOM, informed Task & Purpose that the MRGG-A will fully replace the MK17 SCAR. He further mentioned that SOCOM is implementing a “rapid fielding method” across various Special Operational Force units to expedite the distribution.
In August of the previous year, SOCOM signed a substantial 10-year deal worth $92 million with Iowa’s LMT Defense for supplying the MRGG-A. The design of the rifle, as requested by SOCOM, includes a versatile barrel that allows operators to switch between 7.62mm and 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridges.
“This isn’t just a firearm; it’s a complete deployment package,” stated Joe Hajny, a representative from LMT Defense, in a discussion with Classic Firearms at this year’s Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show. He emphasized the strategic advantage of the rifle’s multi-caliber capability.
Hajny explained that the quick-change barrel feature is a priority for SOCOM. This flexibility is crucial especially when operating alongside partner forces who may not have access to certain types of ammunition. In such scenarios, the ability to switch calibers quickly is invaluable, allowing changes to be made in approximately one minute.
The barrel, measuring 14.5 inches, enables the rifle to maintain the handling characteristics of an M4 carbine while performing with the firepower of an M110 semi-automatic sniper rifle, which also utilizes the 7.62mm cartridge.
The most significant shift in SOCOM’s arsenal is the incorporation of the 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridge. This cartridge was selected after extensive testing that began in 2017 with nearly two dozen different types, where it demonstrated superior performance at distances up to 1,000 meters.
“The MRGG-A is a major advancement that I believe will eventually be adopted by more mainstream military units,” Hajny suggested.
Broader Military Transition to New Ammunition Standards
Other military branches are also moving away from traditional cartridges like 7.62mm and 5.56mm. The Army, for example, is transitioning to its Next Generation Squad Weapons that are chambered in 6.8x51mm.
In 2021, SOCOM conducted an assessment with its partner organization, Special Operations Forces Works (SOFWERX), to identify small arms weapon systems capable of achieving greater precision at ranges beyond 1,200 meters.
This evaluation led to interest in several new weapons, including a new sniper rifle and a lightweight machine gun. After extensive testing, contracts were awarded to Geissele Automatics for a sniper rifle in 6.5mm and to Sig Sauer for the LMG-Medium in .338 Norma Magnum.
During a recent interview with The War Zone, Lt. Col. Alan Wood, SOCOM’s program manager for lethality, discussed the effectiveness of the .338 round. He noted its superior target impact at greater distances and highlighted that the combined weight of the rifle and ammunition could be significantly lighter compared to systems using the heavy .50-caliber round. However, the deployment of the LMG has been temporarily paused.
Wood praised the MRGG-A, describing it as “a phenomenal, accurate weapon system for our SOF operators,” with all components within the Special Operations excited about its introduction.
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Jamal Peterson reports on defense, aerospace, and tech policy. With a military background and a strategic mind, he dissects complex subjects with clarity, offering readers sharp, reliable insights.
