U.S. Marine Corps Designated Marksman Rifle
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| United States Marine Corps Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) | |
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 U.S. Marine preparing to fire the M14 DMR |
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| Type | Sniper rifle/designated marksman rifle |
| Place of origin |  United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2001–present |
| Wars | Iraq War |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 4.5–5.0 kg (10–11 lb) |
| Length | 1,118 mm (44 in) |
| Barrel length | 559 mm (22 in) |
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| Cartridge | 7.62x51mm NATO |
| Action | Gas-operated, rotating bolt |
| Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
| Muzzle velocity | 865 m/s (2,837 ft/s) |
| Effective range | 600–800 m (650–875 yd) |
| Feed system | 5-, 10- or 20-round detachable box magazine |
The United States Marine Corps Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR, NSN 1005-01-458-6235; more formally the United States Rifle, 7.62 mm, M14, DMR) is a semi-automatic, gas-operated rifle chambered for the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. It is a modified and accurized version of the M14 rifle built and utilized solely by the United States Marine Corps (USMC).
The rifle is currently issued with match-grade M118LR 175-grain Long Range ammunition. The "basic" DMR (i.e., without secondary sight, magazine, sling, basic issue items, cleaning gear, suppressor and bipod) weighs 11 pounds (5 kg) or less. The DMR design allows the sight mount, barrel, bolt, and other key assemblies to be repaired or replaced at the third echelon maintenance level. All DMRs are built at the USMC Precision Weapons Shop at Quantico, Virginia.
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[edit] Specifications
There are several notable differences between the basic M14 and the U.S. Marine Corps DMR.
- Barrel: A 22-inch (560 mm) stainless steel, match grade barrel by either Krieger Barrels, Inc. or Rock Creek Barrels, Inc. (Mike Rock Barrels).
- Stock: McMillan Tactical M2A fiberglass stock. This particular stock features a pistol grip and a buttstock with adjustable saddle cheekpiece.
- Optics: An over-action MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail sourced from either GG&G Armament Arizona or Smith Enterprise, Inc. allows for the use of any optic compatible with the rail; this includes a rather large variety of military scopes and imaging devices. The most common scope used on the USMC DMR are TS-30.xx series Leupold Mark 4 day scopes, AN/PVS-10 or AN/PVS-17 night vision scopes, and Unertl M40 10× fixed power scopes.
- Muzzle device: Most USMC DMRs utilize the traditional M14 muzzle device, although since deployment in 2001, some DMRs are now equipped with the OPS, Inc. 2-port muzzle brake, which is threaded and collared to accept an OPS-Inc. 12th Model sound suppressor.
- Bipod: A Harris S-L bipod is used on the USMC DMR.
[edit] Applications
The DMR, as its name suggests, is primarily used by a designated marksman. The DMR fills the need for a lightweight, accurate weapon system utilizing a cartridge more powerful than the M16A4's standard 5.56x45mm NATO—the 7.62x51mm NATO. The DMR also sees use from Marine Scout Sniper when the mission requires rapid accurate fire. The DMR is also used by the Marine Corps Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams. They are also issued to the spotters in sniper teams but this depends upon the mission.
Various problems with the DMR noted by end users, including poor accuracy and mechanical unreliability in desert environments, have led to the USMC opting to retire the M14DMR from service in favor of the 7.62 mm Mk 11 (SR-25) and 5.56 mm Special Purpose Rifle (United States Navy Mark 12 Mod 0 Special Purpose Rifle) rifles from Crane. However, at this time, new DMRs are still being issued and units are deploying regularly with the weapons system.
[edit] Photos
 A DMR fitted with the OPS, Inc. 12th Model muzzle brake suppressor. |
 Lance Cpl. Jeremy R. Riddle, designated marksman for Task Force Kabul, looks through the scope of his designated marksman rifle for any threats on and outside the U.S. Embassy compound in Kabul, Afghanistan. |
[edit] See also
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