Philippines Army launches tender to acquire new 7.62mm Marksman Rifles.

Philippine Army has initiated a tender for the procurement of 310 new 7.62mm Designated Marksman Rifles (DMRs). This initiative is part of a program to equip infantry units with new precision rifles, replacing the M14 rifles that have been in service since the 1960s.
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SIG Sauer SIG716 G2 rifle will be the benchmark for this tender, as it is currently the new standard 7.62mm marksman rifle of the Philippine Army(Picture source: Sig Sauer)

"DMR" stands for "Designated Marksman Rifle," a Marine and Army tactic that equips a highly skilled shooter in a platoon or squad with an extremely accurate rifle. Instead of having everyone fire indiscriminately, the Designated Marksman is tasked with firing a single round or two.

By definition, a DMR rifle must be considerably more accurate than a standard AR, and it is more likely to be chambered in 7.62mm rather than 5.56mm. The former is officially effective up to 900 meters, while the latter is limited to 300 meters.

It is expected that the SIG Sauer SIG716 G2 rifle will be the benchmark for this tender, as it is currently the new standard 7.62mm DMR of the Philippine Army. This choice underscores the army's commitment to equipping itself with cutting-edge material to meet current operational needs.

This tender represents a major step in the modernization process of the Philippine Army. It reflects not only the army's desire to have modern equipment but also its aim to maintain consistency in its arsenal, favoring models that have already proven themselves in the field.

The decision to replace the M14 rifles, which have faithfully served the army for several decades, demonstrates the Philippine Army's adaptation to the changing demands of modern warfare. With the SIG716 G2 as a reference, the army ensures that new acquisitions will be not only high-performing but also compatible with existing weapon systems.

The SIG716 G2, or Generation 2, represents an updated version of the original SIG716. It includes a short-stroke pushrod gas system, an alternative to traditional gas systems, designed to reduce carbon fouling, heat, and unburned powder in the action. This design aims to enhance the rifle's reliability and functionality. The G2 variant comes in different models, with the G2 Patrol chambered for the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge and the G2 DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle) using the 6.5mm Creedmoor round, known for its long-range capabilities.

The G2 series combines features from the SIG516 series with the 7.62mm cartridge. The inclusion of a short-stroke pushrod gas system aims to address issues such as carbon buildup and overheating, thereby ensuring reliable performance.

The SIG716 DMR G2 model is designed for precision shooting, featuring an updated gas system, a lighter handguard, and a total weight reduction of more than two pounds from the original model. It is equipped with a two-stage match trigger and muzzle brake, designed for accuracy. The two-position adjustable gas system helps maintain a clean chamber by preventing carbon and heat build-up. Chambered in 7.62 x 51mm, the SIG716 DMR G2 is compatible with various suppressors and muzzle devices.

As the Philippine Army continues on its path to modernization and enhancement of its tactical capabilities, this acquisition of new DMRs marks a turning point in its history, promising to significantly increase the effectiveness of its infantry units in the field.