Heckler & Koch Defense Inc. is pleased to announce the first shipment of M110A1 Squad Designated Marksman Rifles (SDMR) to the US Army. This shipment is the first of many that will eventually total between 5,000 and 6,000 complete weapon systems.

M110A1 Marksman Rifle prototype displayed at the AUSA conference in October of 2017. (Picture source Heckler & Koch)

The new HK rifle is a variant of the 7.62 mm G28/HK417. Under terms of the agreement, the rifles, which are manufactured by HK in Oberndorf, Germany are first shipped to the HK-USA facility in Columbus, GA. There, HK-USA workers install scopes and mounts purchased by the Army under a separate agreement. Additionally, HK-USA staff kit the scoped rifles with additional accessories from 12 other US-based manufacturers to round out the complete SDMR weapon system delivered to the Army. Heckler & Koch will also provide spare parts, support, and training.

In April 2016 Heckler & Koch confirmed that a lighter version of the G28 had won the United States Army's Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System contract to replace the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System. It is designated as the M110A1 and uses an aluminum upper receiver instead of steel to meet weight requirements, weighing 3.8 kg unloaded and reaching some 6.8 kg loaded and with accessories.

The M110A1 features a Geissele M-LOK rail handguard, Schmidt & Bender 3–20×50 PM II Ultra Short telescopic sight, Geissele optic mount, OSS SRM6 suppressor, 6-9 Harris bipod and mount, and a collapsible stock with adjustable comb. In May 2018, the U.S. Marine Corps will begin receiving the CSASS, also to replace the M110.

“Obviously, the COVID-19 pandemic creates and very challenging business environment. But as an essential partner in the defense infrastructure of this country, we are 100 percent committed to delivering this essential product to our troops, while keeping our employees safe and healthy,” HK-USA President and COO Michael Holley said. He added that HK SDMR system will add much-needed capabilities to virtually every squad in the Army, making it a top priority for HK internationally. “We have many of the best workers in in the small arms industry, both here in Columbus, Georgia and in Oberndorf, Germany, working together to make this happen,” Holley said.

Deliveries of the M110A1 under the current purchase agreement are expected to continue through the middle of 2021.