What.308 Rifle Does the Military Use?
The.308 Winchester rifle has been a staple of military armament for decades, serving as a reliable and versatile cartridge for both sniping and general-issue purposes. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of military rifles chambered in.308 and explore the various options used by various military forces around the world.
The.308 Winchester Cartridge
Before we dive into the different rifles, it’s essential to understand the.308 Winchester cartridge. The.308 Winchester was introduced in the 1950s as a commercially available rifle cartridge, and it quickly gained popularity for its reliability, accuracy, and manageable recoil. The cartridge has a.30 caliber (7.62mm) bullet with a weight range of 147-185 grains, making it effective for both close-quarters combat and long-range engagements.
The United States Military
The US military has a long history of using.308 Winchester rifles, starting with the M21 sniper rifle introduced in the 1960s. The M21 was replaced by the M40, a modular sniper system that allowed soldiers to configure their rifle to suit different mission requirements.
Today, the US military uses a variety of rifles chambered in.308 Winchester, including:
• M24 Sniper Weapon System (SWS): The M24 SWS is a bolt-action sniper rifle used by US Army and Marine Corps snipers. It features a 24-inch barrel, a laminated wood stock, and a detachable scope.
• M40A3: The M40A3 is a heavy-barreled sniper rifle used by the US Navy and Marine Corps. It features a 20-inch barrel, a fiberglass stock, and a detachable scope.
• XM110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS): The XM110 SASS is a bolt-action sniper rifle used by the US Army. It features a 24-inch barrel, a composite stock, and a detachable scope.
• GAU-5/A rifle: The GAU-5/A rifle is a modified M14 rifle chambered in.308 Winchester, used by the US Air Force as a special-purpose rifle for various operations.
The British Armed Forces
The British military has also made significant use of.308 Winchester rifles, particularly in the role of sniper rifle. Some of the rifles used by the British armed forces include:
• L115A3: The L115A3 is a bolt-action sniper rifle used by the British Army. It features a 27-inch barrel, a aluminum stock, and a detachable scope.
• L96A1: The L96A1 is a bolt-action sniper rifle used by the British Army. It features a 24-inch barrel, a fiberglass stock, and a detachable scope.
• Arctic Warfare Super 95: The Arctic Warfare Super 95 is a bolt-action sniper rifle used by the British SAS. It features a 24-inch barrel, a fiberglass stock, and a detachable scope.
Other Countries
While the US and British armed forces are two of the most prominent users of.308 Winchester rifles, many other countries have also adopted the cartridge for their military needs. Some examples include:
• Australia: The Australian Defence Force uses the Beretta SG 540/1 rifle, which is chambered in.308 Winchester.
• Canada: The Canadian Army uses the C1A1 rifle, which is a modified M14 rifle chambered in.308 Winchester.
• Germany: The German Armed Forces use the G36K rifle, which is a modified G36 rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm, a slightly modified version of the.308 Winchester cartridge.
In Conclusion
The.308 Winchester cartridge has proven to be an effective and versatile choice for military forces around the world. From bolt-action sniper rifles to select-fire general-issue rifles, the.308 has seen service in a wide range of applications. Whether it’s the US military’s M40A3 sniper rifle or the British Army’s L115A3, the.308 has established itself as a trusted and reliable cartridge for military use.
